Issue Highlights
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Retirement Organization Leadership Development
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Welcome New Trial Members
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Many thanks to the dedicated AROHE Board members, officers, and Interim Executive Director Sue Barnes, for extending their commitments through 2021. I want to express very special thanks to our Past-President Trudy Fernandez and our new President-Elect Roger Baldwin.
I gave a talk many years ago on our love/hate relationship with change. When I became dean of the ASU Emeritus College, I used that talk as a basis for an Emeritus College newsletter article (read the article on page two).
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The "Cliff Notes" version is that we dislike some changes and miss others that we enjoyed. Recently, we welcomed a new year and possibly regretted that another year had passed. Well, maybe not 2020 when AROHE experienced a significant change brought on by the pandemic – the postponement and subsequent cancellation of our biennial conference. Some changes we like, e.g., the change of seasons and voluntarily changing our fashions. Perhaps what we really dislike is change that we do not instigate it. In any case, EMBRACING CHANGE is important because change is inevitable. Why is this on my mind now? This year AROHE experiences another significant change – a different president. ME!!! I am reminded that "Different isn't always better, but better is always different." Trudy Fernandez has been an excellent mentor and there is no way I can "fill her shoes!" And yet, EMBRACING CHANGE is the key to a successful future. Besides, “Everything old, traditional, comfortable, good, and beautiful was once new, revolutionary, and annoying.” [Carl Carlozzi, 01/26/02] I look forward to working with the AROHE Board of Directors and officers, committees, interim executive director, and YOU to make 2021 better. Bill Verdini,
AROHE President Click to return to the Issue Highlights
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The uncertainty and risks associated with the 2020 pandemic led us to postpone and subsequently cancel our Biennial Conference that was scheduled for October 2020. We are now planning a virtual conference in 2021.
Although brought on by the uncertainty of the pandemic, we are not “settling” for a virtual conference to replace our in-person conference. We are “investing” in a virtual conference experience because a virtual conference may be a better way to reach our constituents conveniently and cost-effectively. We know how valuable a networking experience the conference is.
Conference Committee – A Role for You
We are reassembling our conference committee to include persons who have an interest or experience in organizing virtual conferences/meetings. Conference committee members Joyce Tenney, Gretchen Schulz, Roger Baldwin, Gray Crouse, Caroline Kane, Trudy Fernandez, Sue Barnes, and I invite you to join the planning group as AROHE enters and explores the virtual conference world and as we continue to explore how best to transform retirement in academia.
We see several major roles for planning the AROHE 2021 virtual conference:
Coordination -- Technical platform-- Recording rubrics – Sponsors – Content -- Social events – Communications -- Budget
Please contact info@arohe.org if you have ideas for the AROHE virtual conference and would like to participate.
“These are the voyages of the Starship AROHE. Let us ‘boldly go.’”
Reimagine the 2021 AROHE Conference!
Reimagine AROHE! Reimagine retirement!
Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
AROHE Briefs - Ideas to Improve Retirement Organizations |
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Are you looking for ideas to improve your retirement organization (RO), increase retiree engagement, or enhance support for retired faculty/staff from your college/university? AROHE members will find a wealth of information in twelve AROHE Briefs at the Knowledge Center on the AROHE website.
Briefs, developed by the AROHE Research and Education Committee, are concise reports identifying programs and practices of interest to ROs and individual faculty and staff retirees. Briefs offer advice for those starting an RO, those who are new RO leaders, and those seeking successful retiree programs.
Given the challenges of the pandemic and shrinking budgets, three Briefs highlight the extraordinary benefits ROs offer institutions and the reasons they deserve support. For a general overview of this topic, read the Brief “How Retirement Organizations Benefit a College or University.” The “UC Retiree Survey” Brief demonstrates, in a replicable survey, the value of University of California retirees; this report led to enhanced support for retirees. The Brief “Retirement Organizations’ Engagement in Service/Philanthropy” offers multiple examples of projects undertaken by retirees to benefit their institutions.
Please stay tuned for a new Brief discussing the ways ROs are engaging their retirees through innovative programming during the pandemic and send any responses about the Briefs to info@arohe.org. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
Register now for "Member Spotlight" Webinar |
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Wednesday, July 11, 2020, 9 - 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time The most successful retirement organizations adapt their programs and practices to meet their constituents’ changing needs. Never before in recent history has the ability to quickly pivot been more critical, as the 2020 pandemic has demanded unprecedented changes in communications, event planning, member engagement,and more. During this webinar, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Retirement Association (UWRA) and the Retirement Association of Portland State (RAPS) will share some of the successful programs and practices that have helped them to thrive, not just survive, during this challenging year. Following their presentations, participants will be divided into smaller groups for informal discussion. Click here to register. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
"Ask AROHE" Webinar Answered Member Questions |
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During the “Ask AROHE” Idea Exchange webinar in November, participants submitted questions on several topics, including membership recruitment and engagement, leadership development, outreach/communications, and viability during the pandemic. The presenters offered many suggestions, including:
- Increasing membership:
- Tailor efforts to each level of the “membership engagement funnel:”
- Non-members: Build awareness; offer freebies.
- New members: Focus on onboarding; there is a 1/2 life of 30-60 days on enthusiasm.
- Longer-term members: Provide varied opportunities to appeal to differing interests and activities levels.
- Involved members (volunteers, committee/board members): Match tasks to skills; give volunteers meaningful tasks/ownership.
- Finding new leaders:
- The leadership pyramid: create opportunities for short-term or less intensive commitment; leaders will rise to the top.
- Give every board member a specific job (officer, committee chair/co-chair, committee member, project leader) to increase board engagement.
These tips and many more were offered to benefit those starting new organizations, restarting stalled ones or improving established groups. AROHE members can watch the recorded webinar. Not a member? Join as a free trial member through June 30, 2021 to access member benefits. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
Retirement Organization Leadership Development |
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Succession planning for key leaders and development of those leaders is critical to an organization's success. Two AROHE members report using a variety of methods to orient new board members and officers to ensure a smooth transition. Also critical is to publicize the contributions of their retired faculty and staff. Retiree contributions often fall under the radar of campus administrators and bringing their activities and accomplishments to the forefront greatly benefit retirees. One AROHE member recently published a compelling article on this topic. Read their stories below. |
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Oregon State University Retirement Association --
Presidential Preparation
The Oregon State University Retirement Association (OSURA) presidents serve one-year terms. We have a 15-member board that handles specific tasks, such as programs of tours, educational presentations, travel reports, new member recruitment, and the like. Most often presidents come from the board, so they are familiar with the activities and procedures.
The vice-president serves in that role for a year before becoming president. During that year, he/she is mentored by the current president and past presidents. On occasion the vice-president, who we term the president-elect, will step in to preside if the president is absent. The president-elect and immediate past president have specific jobs, such as heading the nomination committee for future board and committee heads, as well as nominating the next president-elect.
For the past 10 years or so a detailed manual of presidential tasks is given to the president-elect. Generally, the board consists of quite a few past-presidents, so there is always a lot of organizational memory available. But by far the most important source of guidance comes from our staff member, a 0.2 FTE member of the university’s Events Office. In addition to handling scheduling of rooms and campus facilities, this person handles the transfers of funding, membership donations for our scholarship program, list serve notifications to the campus and membership of upcoming events, all the registrations for such events, and timely refreshers of scheduling regarding organizational necessities. We are absolutely reliant upon this person, whose salary is provided by the campus administration. For more information, contact Michael Schuyler, OSURA immediate past-president and AROHE liaison at osura@oregonstate.edu and/or visit our website. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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University of Cincinnati Emeriti Association and Center –
Recruiting and Developing Leadership
The success of the University of Cincinnati Emeriti Association and Center for the past eight years has been due in large part to finding committed leadership in our board presidents. With a good presidential leader in place, the board of 21 members functions effectively through a variety of committees that are overseen by their respective chairs and who work closely with the president and with her/his encouragement. |
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The key for us in finding such a leader as board president has been individual contact and development of qualified candidates. This has come from selecting a member of the board itself, but with careful initial consideration of several potential individuals and well enough in advance that the next leader has been installed as vice-president who then functions essentially as the president-elect. This allows for a seamless transition and ideally is the model we hope to continue in the foreseeable future.
Board Retreat - We have a board retreat in the spring. At that time, we review the mission statement and current goals and set new goals for the upcoming year. Time is also spent brainstorming to develop innovative ways to involve our emeriti and to develop potential new events for our general membership.
Board Orientation - Additionally, we have initiated an orientation for new board members. We have approximately seven new members each year, serving for three-year terms. Due to the limitations of the pandemic, the orientation this past year was conducted on Zoom. We covered the history of the organization, the mission, the committees, the meeting schedule, and the responsibilities of each board member. We have found that this plan is extremely helpful and expect to continue this practice in the foreseeable future. For more information, email Terrance Milligan at milligtg@ucmail.uc.edu and/or visit our website.
Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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College and University Retiree Associations of Canada /Associations (CURAC/ARUCC)
College and University Retiree Associations of Canada /Associations de retraités des universités et collèges du Canada (CURAC/ARUCC) is the Canadian counterpart to AROHE. CURAC/ARUCC was established in May of 2002 and has maintained a connection with AROHE since that time. For example, Peter Russell, CURAC/ARUCC’s first president, attended AROHE’s founding conference in October 2002 and was appointed a member of the AROHE Board of Directors.
Robert Morrison, a CURAC/ARUCC board member, recently published a compelling article that outlines the various contributions that retired academics make to their communities and the work of CURAC/ARUCC, arguing that it pays for university administrators to recognize, value and keep their retired colleagues active and engaged.
Robert Morrison, “Administrators should pay attention to this fast-growing group: university retirees,” University Affairs, November 3, 2020
Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Welcome New Trial Members |
AROHE is pleased to welcome three new trial members, Dr. Kaye Jeter from Central State University in Ohio, Jose Riera from the Washington State University Emeritus Society, and Harold Goldwhite from the California State University Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association (CSU-ERFA). They are all working to further engagement of retired faculty and staff at their colleges/universities. AROHE members who wish to connect with these new members to offer connections, resources, or assistance can reach out to them via email at their addresses below. |
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Name: Dr. Kaye Jeter
Email: Kjeter@daytonmetrolibrary.org
Retirement Organization: None yet
College/University: Central State University, OH
My thoughts about the value of retired faculty/ and staff: We are an untapped resource for all HBCU (Historically Black College and University) campuses that do not have retirement organizations for retired faculty and administrators. I want to help correct the situation. |
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Current efforts to develop/enhance retiree programs and engagement: My first effort was to become a member of the national organization so that I could learn more of how to get started. I am currently serving on the AROHE membership committee.
Goals for AROHE membership: I want to help organize a national effort for HBCU retired members. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Name: Jose J. Riera
Email address: emeritussociety@wsu.edu
Retirement Organization: WSU Emeritus Society
College/University: Washington State University, WA
Web address: https://emeritussociety.wsu.edu
My thoughts about the value of retired faculty and staff: Emeriti can provide stewardship and mentoring to university faculty and students while also maintaining strong social and emotional bonds among ourselves. |
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Our current efforts to develop/enhance retiree programs and engagement: We are striving to provide online interaction and meaningful presentations to keep our faculty engaged and motivated during these isolating times.
Goals for AROHE membership: I would like to share ideas and launch inter-collegiate collaborative efforts that can support our faculty. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Name: Dr. Harold Goldwhite
Email: csuerfsa@csun.edu
Retirement Organization: California State University Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association
Web address: https://csuerfa.org
My thoughts about the value of retired faculty and staff: Experience; volunteer service of many kinds; continuing public recognition of the university through retiree activities; supporting student scholarships; supporting retirees' continuing professional work.
Current efforts to develop/enhance retiree programs and engagement: CSU-ERFSA is recruiting actively and partnering with a benefits agency
Goals for AROHE membership: Learn from others' experience.
Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Places to Notify after Someone Dies
Nothing has to be done immediately after a person’s death. Take the time you need. Remember that everyone grieves differently and there is no right way to grieve. In the following weeks, you may want to notify a few places about your loved one’s death. These may include:
- The Social Security Administration
- Life insurance companies
- Credit agencies
- Banks and financial institutions
Find out more from National Institute on Aging website about what to do after the death of a loved one. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Estate Planning Basics You Need to Know
Some people get scared off by the term "estate planning" because they think it sounds like something only the wealthy need to do. Truth is, one of the greatest gifts you can make for your loved ones is leaving instructions for both your wishes after you die or in the event that you can't make health or financial decisions while you're alive.
As Krueger said: "It's not always all about money. It's about planning to make things easier for the transfer of your assets and to reflect what's important to you should anything happen." To read further, go to Estate Planning Basics You Need to Know | Next Avenue. Click to return to the Issue Highlights. |
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Come Join Us in Transforming Retirement |
Since 2001 AROHE has supported both institutions and individuals by transforming the experience of retirement – the preparation, the actual transition, and post-retirement programming – into a smooth and productive life-course change.
To renew, join or learn more, visit arohe.org or contact AROHE by emailing info@arohe.org or calling (213) 740-5037. |
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Share News, Activities, and Events of Your Retirement Organization Please send us a note about the activities, events, and news of your retirement organization for inclusion in AROHE Matters. Send your information to our newsletter editor at pcullinane@berkeley.edu by February 12 for the March 2021 newsletter. |
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AROHE's mantra is "Transforming Retirement."
AROHE is a nonprofit association that champions transformative practices to support all stages of faculty and staff retirement, their mutually beneficial engagement, and continuing contributions to their academic institutions. By sharing research, innovative ideas, and successful practices, AROHE emphasizes the development and enhancement of campus-based retiree organizations and programs which support this continuing engagement in higher education.
Copyright © 2020 AROHE. All rights reserved.
Contact email: info@arohe.org
Contact phone: (213) 740-5037
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