UC Santa Barbara Retirement Association Report
October 2022 Report
Submitted by Robert Mann, CUCRA Representative
Membership (including recruitment and marketing)
Annual membership fee is $15.
Our membership fell substantially during the pandemic, from a high of 369 in April 2020 to a low of 145 in October 2020, but membership numbers have been increasing during 2021/22, and reached 343 in September, 2022. While general membership numbers have been increasing lately, we have had several recent resignations from our board (including our President), and so we are focusing recruiting efforts on replacing them at the AGM to be held in late October. Meantime, we are very grateful that Barbara Anderson, a past President, has stepped in as our Acting Vice President.
Association's activities (picnics, luncheons, lectures, etc.)
Normally, the Association's activities include a wide range of functions, including monthly speaker meetings, local tours, Spring and Fall lectures (held jointly with the emeriti), a Chancellor's Reception for New Retirees (usually held in May), as well as a June Members' barbecue. Most of these had to be put on hold during the pandemic, but have now resumed with the easing of pandemic restrictions. Several lectures, webinars and trips have been held recently (including a webinar from our illustrious CUCRA Chair, John Meyer!). More of these are being planned for the near future, including our Annual Picnic/AGM and the Chancellor's Reception for New Retirees that will both be held in late October.
Communication with our members has continued electronically from our Center Coordinator and Association President, including on-line newsletters and direct e-mails.
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 pandemic, but they are becoming more utilized now. Additionally, the Association continues to offer two $1000 scholarships for needy/local students enrolled at UCSB.
Status of the Retirement Center
We don't have assigned space for a "Retirement Center" at UCSB, but HR provides office space for our 50% time Center Coordinator (recently increased to 75% time), and access to a room that's formally designated as the "Retiree/Emeriti Meeting Room". Furthermore, we're hopeful that additional space (and resources) will be made available after a Task Force set up by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Academic Senate makes its report (see next section).
Plans for the next year or two.
In addition to the challenges brought on for everyone by the pandemic over the last 3 years, we have had some additional struggles at UCSB. Our Emeriti/Retiree Center Co-ordinator unexpectedly resigned in April 2021 and was replaced in August 2021 by Ellen Pasternack who has made a great start in her 75% time position. In addition, as mentioned above, several board members have recently resigned or given notice of their resignation, but we're expecting new board members to join us at the October AGM. Furthermore, the Chancellor appointed a Task Force this fall to review the support provided to retirees and emeriti on our campus, and we are hopeful this will lead to additional and improved space and resources being provided for retirees.
Meantime, our program team have planned many interesting speaker programs and tours for the coming months, and we have already had some new people show interest in joining our board and getting more involved in 2023. In addition, our colleagues in the emeriti have elected an energetic new board, and we're hopeful this energy will carry over to the Retirees Association.
Overall, there's a new momentum stirring at UCSB, and prospects are looking good for broadening the scope of programs and activities offered in 2023, so we can further our goal to make retirement a more meaningful, rewarding and stimulating experience for UCSB retirees.