What is the U3A?
- The U3A (The University of the Third Age) is a voluntary community organisation run by its members
- U3A groups provide a range of activities and opportunities for shared learning for mature aged people, to keep their minds and bodies active in their life’s third age
- The term “University” is used in the sense of an association or community of teachers and learners united in the pursuit of knowledge
- The University of the Third Age is an international organisation whose aims are the education and stimulation of mature aged members of the community – those in their third ‘age’ of life. It is commonly referred to as U3A
What do I need to do to join U3A Bendigo?
- Just complete a simple application form, available from our website or the office and that’s all that is needed – you don’t need qualifications to join
- As long as you’re a mature aged person, wanting to stay active and share in life-long-learning with others, we’d like to meet you
- Upon joining U3A Bendigo you will be provided with our Prospectus and a copy of our latest newsletter, The BUZZ
- You will then be free to select which activities you’d like to undertake and contact the Convener to find out more information
What are the aims of the U3A?
- To encourage and enable mature people no longer in full-time paid employment, to help each other to share their knowledge, skills, interests and experience
- To demonstrate the benefits and enjoyment to be gained in learning throughout life
- To celebrate the capabilities and potential of older people and their value to society
- To provide a creative use for leisure time
- To establish and maintain educational, cultural and physical programmes
- To promote and further the concept and adoption of U3A in the general community and municipality
- To seek, maintain contact and network with organisations and individuals involved with U3A Bendigo
Why should I join a U3A?
- Learning should not stop as we get older.
- The U3A provides social, intellectual and physical stimulation for mature aged people
- Activities are designed to be enjoyable as well as stimulating
- Our Activities reflect the needs and abilities of our membership
- U3A gives you the opportunity to learn something that you have always intended to learn but have not had the time to pursue
How does the U3A operate in Bendigo?
- Bendigo U3A is made up of mature aged people who either want to continue learning or being active, or who wish to teach others what they know
- A Committee of Management is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting
- Convenors and other leaders are volunteers who are generally drawn from the membership
- Members are encouraged to become active participants in the Activities
- All administration is undertaken by volunteer members
- An Enrolment Day is held each year so members can enrol in Activities of their choice
- An Open day is held each year to encourage the community to come and see what we do
What does U3A Bendigo offer its members?
- U3A Bendigo offers a wide range of Activities throughout the year
- Activities, which may be short or long, range from formal language studies through to fun pursuits
- All Activities are run during the day for the convenience of members at a range of venues within the Greater Bendigo area
- Some Convenors are retired academics but members who have acquired knowledge and skills are encouraged to teach an Activity in their specialty
- Many Convenors are also participants in other classes
How do I enrol in Activities?
- Only current financial members of U3A Bendigo may enrol in our Activities
- We cannot guarantee entry into any particular Activity as class sizes are restricted by the limitations of the venues
- Enrolments in Activities are taken by the Convenors and are subject to availability
- There are no examinations and no certificates
Can I be a Course Convenor?
- Yes, any member with knowledge about a topic of interest to our members can become a Convenor
- You will need to identify the objectives, methodology to be used and expected outcomes in terms of knowledge or skills to be learned
- You will need to make an application to run a new Activity and submit this to Members Services, who will present the Activity to committee for final approval
- Interest in the Activity content can be gauged by posting an article / information in our newsletter, the BUZZ
- Once approval has been obtained a day and time will be allocated dependant on the availability of rooms / venues
How can I join? What does it cost to become a member?
- Please take a look at our online application forms
Is the Membership Fee refundable if I decide to leave?