Then U3A (UWA) could be for you
Aims and Objectives
U3A (UWA) was founded in 1986 in Perth to provide learning opportunities for people in
their retirement years who live in the Perth Metropolitan area. U3A is open
to anyone over the age of 50 and aims to give members the opportunity to develop
new interests and learn new subjects. U3A (UWA) offers its members opportunities
to interact through learning and teaching, without distinction between those
who learn and those who teach, and thereby encourages the intellectual, cultural
and creative abilities of members.
History of U3A
Some people find the title University misleading. It is based on the mediaeval
Latin word 'universitas', that is a group of people getting together to learn
for pleasure. Started in Toulouse, France in 1972, its object is to provide
learning opportunities for seniors in an informal and unstructured environment.
This is quite different from that provided by professional educational organisations.
The concept became so popular that U3As began to develop in many European countries
and are now found throughout the world. The first U3A was introduced into Australia
in Victoria in 1985 and the movement has since spread throughout Australia to
every State and Territory.
Entry
Requirements
There are no entry qualifications and no examinations or diplomas are
given. People who have never had the opportunity to continue their
studies discover latent talents both as students and as course
leaders. U3A is a voluntary organisation and its success depends on
the willing participation of members at all levels, whether it be in
helping to run a course, helping with the administration of the
organisation, as an occasional speaker to groups or simply by taking
part in what is offered. The success of U3A at any given time depends
entirely on what its members are able and willing to do.
What does
U3A (UWA) offer?
It runs study groups, occasional workshops and seminars, lectures and
from time to time educational outings. Members of U3A (UWA) are eligible
to attend any of these activities, subject to availability of space.
U3A in the City Courses
Held in the Alexander Library in Perth Cultural Centre, these run fortnightly
or monthly over a period of two semesters - March to June and August to November.
All tutors come from our own members who offer their services voluntarily. Topics
have included Local and World Affairs, Science and Technology, Environmental
Issues, Creative Writing, Music and Art, Literature, Languages and History and
vary from time to time depending on what members can offer.
Weatherburn
Lecture
A lecture is held on the first Sunday in the month in the Weatherburn lecture
theatre at UWA. Professional speakers give their time freely to speak to us
on a theme topic. Entry free to members. Small charge for afternoon tea. Visitors
welcome.
Seminars
For some years we have held a one day seminar with Guest Speakers. Together
with lunch and morning tea the cost is about $25. Visitors are welcome and pay
a small surcharge.
Newsletters
A quarterly newsletter keeps members informed of matters of general interest
and includes a calendar of events for the whole organisation.
Regional Meetings
In addition to activities held centrally, U3A (UWA) has nine regional groups.
Each has a committee which organises activities and gives members a meeting
place near to where they live. See the 'Contacts' page for details of the regions.
Regions meet weekly, fortnightly, or monthly and usually include
a guest speaker or a talk by one of our members. They also run special interest
study groups, the number and subjects vary from region to region. Occasional
educational outings form part of the regional programmes.
Organisation
Each of the nine regions has its own committee and Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary etc. Members pay an annual fee (currently $30) to the central body and a proportion (normally $5) is returned to the regions, with the balance used to operate the central body.
Costs
Annual membership is $30 and covers the monthly Weatherburn lecture,
newsletters and general administration. Our membership year is from 1st January
to 31st December. A small charge, usually $2 a time, is made at regional meetings.
If you want a membership application form, go to the 'Downloads' page or click
here.
