About lvu3a

Latrobe Valley U3A is an incorporated Organisation that provides low-cost educational opportunities for its members. Membership is restricted to those in active retirement . There are no other formal requirements and no examinations or awards.

How does U3A Operate?

U3A is run by retired people for retired people. A general committee of management is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting each February. All tutors and other leaders are volunteers and are generally drawn from the membership. Members are encouraged to become active participants in the courses they chose.

What does U3A offer?

In 2012 Latrobe Valley U3A plans to offer long and short courses in most weeks from March to November. Additional courses to those listed in this prospectus will be advertised throughout the year in our Newsletter. All courses should provide a sound theoretical foundation in the subject, including those with a practical orientation.

Subscriptions

The yearly membership subscription is determined by the Committee and confirmed at the Annual General Meeting. Payment of your subscription by March of each year ensures that you will continue to receive your newsletter and able to attend classes of your choice except for the payment of any special levies or material costs applicable to your particular course. The subscription for 2012 is $50 per member

Pro-rata fees are applicable for new members joining after June 30th. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer reciprocal membership for members of other U3A organisations.

Newsletters

Membership entitles a member to receive newsletters during the year. The newsletters are posted to each member, but in the case of a couple, only one copy is sent unless and additional copy is requested. The newsletter is published four times per year: February, May, August and October. The February issue gives the appropriate notices required for the Annual General Meeting which is held in the month of February.

Name Badges.

Upon joining, a member will be issued with a name badge holder. When the yearly subscription is paid, the member will be issued with a slip-in name tag. The tag indicates that the member is financial for the current year and also identifies members of the committee. Members are required to wear their name badges at classes, which apart from helping to identify fellow class members, also indicates to the tutor that you are financial and will not have to pay the casual class fee.

Insurance.

Financial members are covered by a special limited comprehensive insurance scheme. The policy covers all members for all related L.V. U3A activities and in addition, travelling to and from the activities. To facilitate the processing of claims, it is important that members fill in the attendance sheets held by tutors as proof of their class attendance. For details of the condition of insurance or the submission of a claim, please contact the Honorary Secretary.

Member Social Functions

Three times throughout the year, member luncheons are organised. In addition, monthly coffee mornings are held with guest speakers arranged to talk to us on topics of general interest. Both these regular functions are well attended and provide an opportunity for members to meet together in a social atmosphere. Refer to the newsletter for details. Or on our Message Board

Classes

A member is normally entitled to attend any class without conditions of regular attendance, examinations or educational qualifications. However, for some special classes, certain conditions do apply and these conditions are indicated in this prospectus in the class specifications. To go to class page click Classes. If you want to know what days of the week classes are held click Days

Prospectus

This prospectus is produced in February and provides members with up-to-date information on L.V. U3A's activities together with details of course times and dates. The Newsletter will advise additional courses available throughout the year.

Computers

At the moment we have five computers available. Each is connected to the Internet with printing and scanning facilities. These are situated in our Room 9 . These computers are there for use by members, but those wishing to use this equipment must first register as an accredited user. The appropriate forms are obtainable at the office or by contacting Computer Co-ordinator Geoff Springett.

Casual Attendances

An opportunity exists for prospective members to attend one class at no cost. Subsequent attendances will cost $5 per class.

Committee of Management

The management and operation of the organisation has been vested in the Committee of Management. The Committee regularly meets each month. For matters affecting the operation of the organisation, please contact a member of the Committee - their names are listed under Administration .

For any member interested in committee activities, you have the opportunity to nominate at the Annual General Meeting and throughout the year, casual vacancies often occur, giving you the opportunity to participate in the management of this vital organisation.

The Constitution

We are an incorporated organisation and a copy of the constitution can be obtained from the Honorary Secretary. On December 16th 2002 our revised Constitution became official and is available on application to Secretary Jean Hellings

Tutors and Class Subjects

The Committee is always seeking to expand its range of courses and is very interested in ideas and offers of assistance to fulfil these requirements.

As indicated by the current syllabus, the courses cover a wide range of subjects and are of particular interest to the active retired community.

Tutors in general, come from within our membership with the occasional tutor from the outside community. Previous teacher training is not a requirement and it is of interest to note that leading a class can be a very rewarding experience - sharing your special knowledge and skills with our members.

All tutors are volunteers and receive no payment except for reimbursement for associated costs such as phone calls, postage, photocopying etc. However, they are usually guests at the 'end of year' luncheon.

If you would like to become a tutor or class leader, contact the Secretary Jean Hellings or Class Co-ordinator Keith Brownbill.