NEWS

New MOU expresses mutual support and respect

Since its inception in 1978, the University of Minnesota Retirees Association has enjoyed a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with the University of Minnesota. This relationship was first formalized in 2017 and has now been renewed with the signing on March 1 of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The new MOU, signed on behalf of the Retirees Association by UMRA President Jan Morlock and on behalf of the University by Provost Rachel Croson, expresses a spirit of mutual support and respect. It also provides several enhancements to our cooperative relationship, including commitments by the University

  • to provide $15,000 annually to support UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees program;
  • to continue sending to new retirees a letter of invitation to join UMRA, and to send follow-up letters for three years;
  • to agree formally to an annual meeting between the provost and the UMRA president;
  • to provide a university budget number for UMRA, allowing us to use university facilities at the same rate charged to university entities; 
  • to provide $4,000 annually to support the administration of volunteer activities arranged by the University Retirees Volunteer Center, and to continue coverage of these volunteers as volunteers under University policy.

To see a copy of the signed MOU, go to umra.umn.edu > Governance > Operational Documents.

We look forward to welcoming Provost Croson to UMRA’s 2022 Annual Meeting on May 24 to formally recognize the signing of our new MOU, and to thank both the provost and Deb Cran, her chief of staff, for the time and effort they contributed to this renewal of our commitment and mutual support.

—Jan Morlock, UMRA president, and Bill Donohue, past president


Published:

News

Meet UMRA member Millie Woodbury, a lifelong world traveler whose favorite place on campus is Aisle C, Seat 24, at Northrop Auditorium. 

Published:

Eight retirees from the Twin Cities and Morris campuses have been chosen to receive 2024 awards from UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees Program. As in previous years, their projects cover a diverse set of topics, reflecting the breadth of studies and continuing professional activities undertaken by University retirees. 

Published:

Many of us are busy switching from using our UMN email to another email account – or at least contemplating how to go about it. This Tips & Tricks article highlights several key steps you may want to take, or need to take, as you make this change. Instructions are also included for making this change to your UMRA account login and UMRA member communications.

Published:

The 2024 PDGR grants have been decided and awarded.  Seven grants were awarded to a variety of worthy studies.

Published:

UMRA’s mission is, in part, that of advocating for the University. There are several ways to show that support to your elected officials, including emails, phone calls, visits to your elected representatives, and rallies coordinated by the U.  

Published:

Meet UMRA member Julie Westlund. She retired as the director of UMD Career and Internship Services, a position she enjoyed for 30-plus years—serving students and doing meaningful work to make a difference in their lives.  

Published:

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is offering a free, online lecture series this spring to showcase work and research taking place at the U, with topics ranging from cancer treatment to awesome apples and design in everyday objects.

Published:

Working with Great River Greening, the Silver Gopher Service Corps is recruiting volunteers to photograph plants, insects, and critters and then crowdsource species identification with the iNaturalist app.

Published:

UMRA members now have two convenient online giving options for making donations to support UMRA programs and activities.

Published:

UMRA runs on volunteers. The Program Committee is a great way to have an impact with a very reasonable time commitment. 

Published:

The Nominating Committee invites you to contribute to UMRA by volunteering to run for election to serve on UMRA’s Board of Directors or by nominating someone else who would add value and perspective to our organization.

Published: