Original Query from Marilyn Goodman, The Round Table, Stony Brook University, NY
I am new to this forum so if I take too much time/space to explain our query, please forgive me. If anyone would prefer to use "snail mail" and/or to have me call you, please let me know. Thanks. Our organization has grown from 38 members (in 1988) to about 600 in 2002-03. We are now contemplating asking for a written agreement with the university (not to be confused with our by-laws). We are interested in finding out: a) what written agreements (if any)do other organizations have? b) If so, signed by whom? c) Can a copy be sent to us? Pertinent to above is your history, i.e. a) when & how did your group begin? b) was it autonomous or a creation of your host institute? c) does your host institute exercise supervision, direction and/or control in any way? If yes, please specify how it does so. d) how many did you start with and how many members do you now have? We are also interested in how your group functions, in terms of: a) use of facilities b) requirements/ restrictions, if any, by the host c) access to host services/facilities such as library, gym, parking d) number of courses/workshops offered by you d) fees charged. I am very eager to hear from you on these issues. It would be particularly useful to hear from large state
institutions such as Stony Brook, but all responses would be useful. I would also like to know how to receive the latest Data Chart for the ILRS in the Network Northeast Region.

From Gene Bammel, SAGE program, U. of Arizona
Good queries. I will respond by snail mail, with copies of our materials. Our written agreement with the University of Arizona was produced in 1989, amended in 1995, 1997, and may be amended again soon. It does delineate areas of responsibility, and does determine what the "limits" are; it also buttonholes someone as having both authority and responsibility when difficult issues arise. Cheers!

From Noreen Frye, Director, Institute for Retired Professionals, University of Miami, FL
We began in 1984 as a result of the Interim Dean of Continuing Studies. We are part of the university reporting to the School of Education. The dean and our vice-provost are my resources for administrative guidance. Primarily, the program runs as a result of the full-time director (me) and a board and varioius committees. We do not use university space. We occupy about 3000 sq ft of space in a private building that other depts of the university use as well. We use no classroom space. I don't believe we have a written agreement with the university, or we do and I haven't need to search for it yet. The Provost's office helps us a little with our rent. Other than that we operate from membership fees of $390 a year (less for UM retirees). Hope this helps. A few questions I missed: we are able to use the library and receive discount theater tix to the student performances and sometimes work out deals with the baseball and women's basketball folks. I know there was one more question but, I can't remember it.