SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE u3a
Compiled by Cam, Dursley & District u3a. Click on any of the items below to see the information.
What exactly is the u3a?
The University of the Third Age is a world-wide network aimed at providing life-long learning and stimulating activities for retired people. It has been around for more than 25 years and is particularly strong in Britain, where a u3a can be found in most large towns or districts.
Is it a real university?
It is called a university because it offers opportunities to study, to practice new activities and to experience the pleasure of learning together with others, but there are major differences between the u3a and normal universities. For a start, we don’t have students; we have members. You join a local u3a just as you would become a member of a local amateur dramatic society or tennis club. You pay an annual membership fee, which enables you to go to meetings and join groups, to get involved in special interest activities or subjects that interest you. Another difference is that there are no entry qualifications or exams to take. In fact there isn’t an ‘end’ as such; you can carry on with a subject or activity as long as it is on offer. No one will be turfed out for failing, or for not doing enough work.
What sort of people join the u3a?
The u3a is for all people who wish to learn new skills and improve their social activities in retirement or semi retirement. Previous experience (jobs, qualifications, achievements, etc.) are irrelevant. The u3a welcomes everyone and gives all-comers the opportunity to try out exciting new things.
Is there an age limit?
No. There is neither an upper nor lower age limit. You do not need to be a senior citizen, though most u3a members tend to be in that category. You don’t need to be permanently retired and you can be semi-retired. No one will delve into your background at all if you come along and ask to be a member. An important point is that most meetings are held during the daytime, so the u3a isn’t really suitable for people who have a steady 9am - 5pm job.
Would I be joining a local or a national organisation?
A bit of both - when you pay your membership fee you are actually joining a particular local u3a and can then take part in any of the subjects, activities and meetings run by that u3a. However, there is a National umbrella body, called the Third Age Trust (referred to as u3a National), which exists to provide advice and resources to all the local u3as and all u3a members. A part of your membership fee goes to the National u3a.
How do u3as differ from each other?
Local u3as are independent bodies. They organise their own programme of activities and fix their own subscription fees. In practice, however, most u3as tend to be run on fairly similar lines, each offering a set of ‘interest groups’ that members can join. The number of such groups varies, as does the actual subjects on offer. These reflect the interests of the local membership.
What meetings are there?
Local u3as hold Monthly General Meetings, usually with a visiting speaker and offer a wide variety of special-interest groups. Individual interest group meetings are held once a month or once a fortnight, or weekly, as required by the group. The subjects are wide ranging; with some that have a broadly educational slant (e.g. history, religion), some that are primarily practical (e.g. digital photography, patchwork quilting, gardening), and some that are unashamedly social (e.g. ‘lunch group’). It would be wrong to classify the groups too tightly; for instance a language course is both educational and practical, and often very sociable as well.
What does it cost?
Each local u3a fixes an annual subscription fee which includes a small contribution to u3a National. The individual interest groups charge varying small fees depending on their expenses. For group meetings held in private houses it is normal to ask people to pitch in to cover the cost of tea and biscuits. The minimal costs are enormously attractive compared with what you would have to pay to attend local authority or privately-run courses. The u3a is a fantastic bargain.
Can I join the u3a for the monthly meetings only?
Yes, a few members do just this although you will get more out of the u3a if you join one or more of the special interest groups.
Can I join an interest group but not come to the monthly meetings?
Yes; again some of our members do this. However, as well as offering some interesting talks, the Monthly General Meetings provide an opportunity to keep members informed of developments such as new groups starting up and to make announcements about future events. It’s also a nice social get-together with tea/coffee and biscuits.
Can I join more than one interest group?
Yes, as many as you like if you are a Full Current Member or an Associate Member. If you are a Cotswold Link Member you can join one interest group.
Where do the teachers come from?
This is an important point. A basic principle of the u3a is that of ‘shared learning’. There are no ‘Teachers’, only Group Leaders who are u3a members themselves – they volunteer to lead a group. For instance the language groups are run by u3a members who are knowledgeable in the appropriate language. However, not all groups require an expert to lead them. In many cases the Group Leader is simply a member who volunteers to coordinate the group’s programme of meetings, with no more knowledge or skill than others in the group. Joining the u3a does not mean that you will be expected to be a Group Leader; only a small proportion of members are Group Leaders. Occasionally outside speakers knowledgeable in a particular subject are invited.
Who decides which groups are on offer?
The members themselves decide which groups are formed. Local u3as have a Committee and one of the Committee Members is the ‘Groups Coordinator’ with the job of providing help in setting up groups, finding suitable locations, and so on. The Committee does not decide which groups will be offered – all groups come about as a result of members expressing an interest in a particular subject and there is someone willing to act as the Group Leader.
If I join a group, will I be expected to do work between group meetings?
You will never be forced to do anything. Whether you do things between meetings depends on the type of group, and the time that you are able to give to it. For instance, if you join a foreign language group it makes sense to practise what has been covered in the group meeting. The Group Leader may in fact suggest some homework and obviously you will learn more quickly if you find the time to do it. Other groups such as a reading group involve doing some private reading and bringing your opinions to a discussion. Still other groups may involve some background exploration of a subject in advance of a talk or discussion to be held later. In some groups the members take turns to give a presentation – for instance a history group or travel group sometimes work in this way. Such presentations are always voluntary, and you certainly won’t be pressurised into giving one if you don’t feel able to.
What if members of a group have widely varying abilities or knowledge?
Depending on the subject, in some cases this does not matter (those with knowledge share it with those who haven’t) but in other cases this can be relevant. The Group Leader and/or Groups Coordinator can give advice on whether the group is suitable for you, given your existing knowledge. Sometimes a group can be split into two or more sub-groups according to the expertise of group members.
Where are the interest group meetings held?
In a variety of places. Small groups often hold their meetings in members’ homes – sometimes the home of the Group Leader and sometimes the homes of group members on a rotational basis. Larger groups often use a hired hall. Much depends on the resources needed. A large group may require special facilities and this will limit the range of suitable locations. Members often share transport and those without a car will often be able to have a lift from another member. Some will be visits to external locations.
How do I join a group?
It’s best first of all to have a word with the relevant Group Leader. She or he will explain how the group operates, such as confirming when and where the group meets, how the meetings are organised, and what the current programme of meetings involves. You should be able to assess whether the group in question seems to fit the bill.
What if I'm not sure whether a group is for me?
You will be more than welcome to attend a group session a couple of times, to see if it is suitable for you.
What if there isn't a group that caters for my special interest?
We are always on the look-out to start up new groups, and it’s possible that your interest is shared by others. The first step is to contact the Groups Coordinator to find out if the subject or activity has already been suggested by others. Usually the next step is to put out feelers at a monthly meeting or via the Monthly Bulletin, or to contact people who might be interested in joining you. If sufficient people express an interest, it is a short step to getting the new group off the ground. The Groups Coordinator will advise on suitable times and places to hold your meetings. Putting forward an idea for a new group doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to be the group leader; someone else may be willing to do this.
What if the group I want to join is full?
This can happen. Some groups are very popular but there is often a way round the problem. Sometimes a group splits into two, with each sub-group meeting at a different time. Or maybe two groups are formed with slightly different aims or skills, e.g. a beginners’ group and a more advanced group. In some cases the problem is solved simply by moving to a more spacious location but in a few cases it is possible that a waiting list will have to be formed.
What does the u3a national organisation have to offer?
Quite a lot; To start with, there’s a large range of physical resources available for groups to borrow which include DVDs. They are invaluable for subjects such as music, art history, architecture, history, religion and philosophy. There are human resources in the shape of National coordinators for many subjects; their advice can be sought on ways to run particular interest groups. National experts are also available at an annual summer school, where members can choose from a set of interesting short lectures or practical courses. All u3a members receive a regular magazine called TAM (Third Age Matters) and, optionally, they can also be sent an excellent free publication called ‘Sources’. For those with internet facilities, there is a National website which is a mine of useful information and members can join national on-line courses in a growing list of subjects. Finally there is the u3a Travel Network, which offers dozens of special-interest holidays in the UK, Europe and world-wide, at reasonable prices.
u3a: Cam, Dursley & District – January 2019