There are many benefits to being a member of UMRA! First and foremost, UMRA offers opportunities:
Learning Opportunities. UMRA’s premiere learning opportunities are its monthly luncheon Forums and Living Well Workshops. The Forums feature speakers from within and outside the University, talking about current issues, history and University research. Six of the Forums are in-person, accompanied by lunch. The other two, in January and February, are virtual via Zoom.
The Living Well workshops feature speakers talking about issues of personal health and development, and the eight programs are all Zoom virtual programs.
Besides our regular programs, UMRA sometimes has special offerings with public figures like the Governor of Minnesota and the University President.
See our current program lineup.
Service Opportunities We also know that many retirees want to do volunteer service after they retire, and we can help you to do that. You can find a variety of individual service opportunities at our University Retirees Volunteer Center. You can also enjoy the camaraderie of volunteering with others as a member of our Silver Gopher Service Corps, helping out with things like admissions events, and food packing
UMRA has representatives or liaisons on several University committees. Serving in one of these roles allows you to look out for retiree interests.
Social Opportunities Perhaps the most compelling reason for joining a group like UMRA is to connect, not only with old friends, but also with new ones. To help you make these connections, we have a variety of special interest group like photography, hiking, and family history, where we have fun together in small groups
We offer a number of larger social events, including things like a summer social, boat rides, a winter party, and “Cabinet of Curiosity tours of interesting places on campus. Those who want to travel can join one of our travel tours to places like Greece or Portugal
Other Benefits. Additionally, there are some very tangible perks of UMRA membership:
- Discounts on parking, University services and events (detailed below). If you go to campus a lot, the parking discount alone could make up the cost of membership
- Professional development grants for you to continue to continue your scholarship or pursue interesting new projects
- A newsletter and website that keep you up to date on association activities and University news of particular interest to retirees
- The online Journal of Opinions, Ideas, and Essays where you can share your knowledge and thoughts on a wide variety of topics
And don’t forget, your initial membership is free!
Use of these discount programs is limited to UMRA members. These discount programs are valid through August 31, 2024.
Member Discounts
Parking and Transportation
Parking and Transportation
UMRA members receive a reduced parking rate at all public ramps/garages and surface lots using automated pay machines. Your UMRA membership card includes the parking discount QR code on the reverse side. To obtain your parking discount, scan the QR code at checkout (after you have inserted your parking ticket). NOTE that the UMRA rate will not be available when “event” charges apply. If you have trouble obtaining the discount using your Membership card, push the HELP button for assistance. Payment is by credit/debit card only.
University of Minnesota Alumni Association
University of Minnesota Alumni Association
UMRA members may join the University of Minnesota Alumni Association at the same rate available to current U of M employees. A single annual membership is $35 (regularly $50) and a joint annual membership is $45 (regularly $60.) Membership unlocks access to a variety of benefits/savings plus a subscription to the award-winning quarterly magazine Minnesota Alumni. Join at UMNAlumni.org/join, selecting the U of M EMPLOYEES membership option. 612-624-2323.
Campus Club
Campus Club
The cost of the basic membership is $97.50 for all categories, including UMRA members and University retirees. (612-624-6626, www.campusclubumn.org).
Center for Spirituality and Healing
Center for Spirituality and Healing
The center offers a 10% discount on on the suggested registration fee for Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing's programming by selecting the appropriate fee at checkout. (612-626-9459, www.csh.umn.edu)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Intercollegiate Athletics
UMRA Members are eligible for "Buy One, Get One Free" bench or general admission seating tickets to Soccer, Women’s Basketball, Wrestling, Women’s Hockey, Softball, Women’s Gymnastics, and Baseball. Offering subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased by visiting gophersports.com/promotions and entering the promo code MEMBER:UMRA
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Arboretum will provide a 10% discount on the annual membership fee, along with free admission on University Employee Day (when held). The Arboretum also provides discounts for groups of 10 or more. (952-443-1400, www.arboretum.umn.edu)
Northrop Auditorium
Northrop Auditorium
Northrop offers a 15% discount when ordering 3 or more qualifying events in a Choose Your Own Package. A $5 discount to UMRA members for qualifying Northrop 2022-23 Season single tickets. (612-624-2345, northrop.umn.edu)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will provide a $20 discount to UMRA members for the initial year of membership. Over 300 courses (all included in cost of membership) are offered each year. To receive your UMRA discount and for course schedules call OLLI at 612-624-7847 or go to the OLLI website (www.olli.umn.edu).
School of Music
School of Music
UMRA members can enjoy reduced a ticket price of $15 for University Opera Theatre performances in Fall Semester 2022 and Spring semester 2023 (regularly $20- $25). (612-624-2345, www.music.umn.edu)
Theater Arts and Dance
Theater Arts and Dance
UMRA members will pay $15 per ticket to all main stage performances at the Rarig Center. When ordering tickets by phone, call 612-624-2345 or purchase online at www.theatre.umn.edu and identify yourself as an UMRA member. .
University Bookstores
University Bookstores
UMRA members receive a 20% discount at all Twin Cities Bookstore locations on apparel, insignia gift items, general books and supplies. This discount excludes textbooks, Yeti, Hydro Flask, Rocketbook, computer hardware, technology repairs and software, consumer technology products, graduation items, college jewelry medical supplies sale and clearance items, and gift cards. UMRA members, with proof of membership, are eligible to purchase Apple products and other technology at the same special educational pricing available to the University of Minnesota campus community. Discount may not be combined with any other discount, promotion, or offer. (612-625-6000, www.bookstores.umn.edu)
Weisman Art Museum
Weisman Art Museum
Find out about the Weisman's free membership perks. (612-625-9494, www.weisman.umn.edu)