UC Santa Barbara Retirement Association Report
October 2021 Report
Submitted by Robert Mann, CUCRA Representative
Membership (including recruitment and marketing)
Membership fell substantially during the pandemic, from a high of 369 in April 2020 to a low of 145 in October 2020, but these numbers have been improving during 2021, increasing to 178 in April and 206 in September. The annual membership fee is $15.
Association's activities (picnics, luncheons, lectures, etc.)
Most of our activities had to be canceled during the pandemic, however our board continued meeting (by Zoom until recently), and our Center Coordinator and Association President Sandy Camp continued to communicate with members through on-line newsletters and direct e-mails.
Normally, the Association's activities include a wide range of functions, such as monthly speaker meetings, tours, Spring and Fall lectures (held jointly with the emeriti), a New Retirees Reception (held in May), as well as a June Members' barbecue. All of these had to be put on hold during the pandemic, until May 2021 when our Programs team arranged a Zoom talk from Direct Relief International. Now that the pandemic restrictions have eased, several lectures, webinars and trips are being planned for the near future and we hope to hold the annual Holiday Lunch in December.
Member Benefits (parking, discounts, etc.)
Membership benefits include free parking on campus, access to the university library, discounted use of the Recreational Center, as well as discounts at the UCSB Bookstore and discounted tickets for many off-campus activities. Understandably, few of these benefits were utilized during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Association continued to offer two scholarships to needy students at UCSB.
Status of the Retirement Center (if you have one)
We don't have assigned space for a "Retirement Center" at UCSB, but HR provides office space for our Center Coordinator and access to a room that's formally designated as the "Retiree/Emeriti Meeting Room".
Plans for the next year or two.
In addition to the challenges brought on by the pandemic over the last 18 months, our Emeriti/Retiree Center Co-ordinator unexpectedly resigned in April 2021; but things are looking much better for the next 18 months. A new Center Co-ordinator (Ellen Pasternack) was appointed in August and made a great start, many interesting speaker programs and tours are now planned for the near future, and our colleagues in the emeriti have elected an energetic new board. Overall, there's a new momentum at UCSB, and we hope to continue broadening the scope of programs and activities offered to make retirement a more meaningful, rewarding and stimulating experience for UCSB retirees.