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Curriculum and Clientele
With an art studio, computer lab, and dance or exercise classes in the
multi-purpose room, it will be possible to have greater variety in course
offerings. Course lengths, formats and scheduling could also be more
varied. A new evening and weekend program for those still employed might
be added. Vocationally related courses for people pursuing post-retirement
careers could be included. Special interest groups could also be formed
ranging from creative writers to business entrepreneurs to groups for
singles, alternative lifestyle followers, and caregivers.
Use of Volunteers
Volunteers will continue to be needed for tasks other than teaching,
serving as class reps, and serving on committees. For example, there might
be a volunteer to coordinate the use and scheduling of space in the
building. Volunteers with major responsibilities might be able to trade
their time for credit toward NCCCR program costs.
Generating Additional Income
When the Reuter Center is not being used for Center for Creative
Retirement activities, it could be rented out as a means to generate
income. A policy is currently being developed with the University
administration to cover this aspect of facility use.
Other Facility Uses
Seminars and conferences for a regional or national audience could be
planned on topics dealing with the spectrum of aging, retirement planning
and lifelong living issues. They should generate enough income to support
a coordinator’s salary and contribute to the general fund of the Center.
UNCA classes and special events will probably take place in the Reuter
Center, thus making NCCCR more visible to the UNCA community.
Availability of Parking
With parking conveniently available, enrollment may increase among older
students and those who are unable to walk long distances.
Points to Ponder:
How do we diversify our program and clientele without losing our identity
as a program for people “of a certain age” or life stage?
Do we want to grow in number or should we aim to cap overall enrollment
and maintain an age-requirement in order to ensure that NCCCR is more a
community of retirement-age learners than a continuing education program?
What should be NCCCR’s ideal relationship to the UNCA community?
5. Money
The NCCCR currently experiences financial constraints that limit the
Center’s ability to develop new programs and projects, advertise, increase
staff levels, and reduce the cost of tuition for programs and courses.
Further, about 42% of the Center’s current budget is provided by state
funding that may be unreliable in the longer term. After the generous
contributions made by members in the Reuter Center campaigns, fund raising
appeals to the general membership may have limited potential for relieving
pressure on the Center’s operating budget.
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