7th CURAC/ARUCC Annual General Meeting Thursday, May 21, 2009 Université de Moncton Moncton, NB Minutes

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1 7th CURAC/ARUCC Annual General Meeting Thursday, May 21, 2009 Université de Moncton Moncton, NB Minutes President Tarun Ghose called the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m. (ADT). He reminded everyone that, while discussion is open to everyone, only one official Delegate or Alternate of each Member Association is entitled to cast a vote. 1. Adoption of the Agenda John Meyer said that he would have something to present under Other Business. Tarun Ghose said that he would interchange items 8 and 9 on the circulated Agenda. Alison Scott-Prelorentzos (Alberta) moved, seconded by Peta Tancred (McGill), that the Agenda, as amended, be adopted. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2008 AGM APPROVED without dissent Tarun Ghose noted that the Minutes of the 2008 AGM had been available, and asked for any corrections or additions. There being no corrections or amendments, Sandra Pyke (York) moved, seconded by Tom Poiker (Simon Fraser), that the Minutes be approved. APPROVED without dissent 3. President s Remarks Tarun Ghose welcomed all present to the 7 th AGM. He said that the progress he will be reporting for is not his work, but the work of CURAC as a whole. On the membership front, we have one new member (Brock University Retirees Association), recruited by John Meyer. Another Association approached us about joining, and we expect to receive their application very soon. A Board member has been working to recruit Calgary retirees, who were among the founders of CURAC s predecessor organization. Tarun has also been corresponding with retirees at Lakehead University who are working to establish a new organization there. After noting that the Lakehead University Faculty Association is a member of CURAC on behalf of faculty retirees, Tarun invited Brian Phillips of Lakehead to bring Delegates up to date on developments there. Brian Phillips noted that the Faculty Association at Lakehead is a member of CURAC and has a Professor Emeritus Committee, of which he is a member. Although that arrangement works, a number of people decided that they need an association for all retirees. The new association was created in September, and now has more former administrators than faculty among its ~70 members. Brian is a Delegate representing the Emeritus Committee of the Faculty Association because they were able to support his trip to Moncton. He would like to see one CURAC Member combining both groups, but that remains to be negotiated. Tarun Ghose wished them well. Tarun Ghose said that another type of possible growth for CURAC is through linkage. We have already formed links with a number of organizations: CARP (described just before the AGM) and AHED ( Academics for Higher Education & Development), which provides opportunities for academics to volunteer overseas. For the last two years, the Board has been discussing forming closer links with CAUT. In April, Peter Russell, Howard Fink and George Brandie had a meeting with Prof. Penni Stewart (CAUT President), Jim Turk (CAUT Executive Director), and Neil Tudiver (CAUT Assistant Executive Director). As a result of that meeting, Tarun recently received a letter from Prof. Stewart outlining the areas in which CURAC and CAUT might interact: Links on our Web sites Free hosting of the CURAC Web site Sharing information for research and briefs Reviewing CAUT policies toward retirees Access to the CAUT Collective Agreement database

2 Working to ensure retirees have access to libraries, research grants and workspace Retiree housing Benefits and Pensions Tarun reminded Delegates that the Bargaining Unit in each university or college negotiates pension and benefits, often without retiree input. Forming a link with CAUT can help us to evaluate pension and benefit status and to prevent deterioration in these areas in the future. CURAC has also negotiated arrangements with Waterloo Insurance (discussed at lunch today) and with the Literary Review of Canada to offer reduced rates to our retirees. The Pension Committee, chaired by John Meyer, has made submissions to Pension Review Commissions in Ontario and Nova Scotia. The CURAC Board makes its decisions in meetings at Conferences and teleconferences. Discussions are often lengthy and always animated, but this is a price worth paying in a democratic organization. Tarun hoped that this style of decision-making will continue. Concerning communication, Tarun praised the quality of our Newsletter, but wondered how widely it is distributed. Tarun lauded Ken Rea s many efforts to improve communication between CURAC and its Member Associations, but felt that this is still a problem. Tarun Ghose next suggested that if we want to increase our activities, we will need additional financial resources. He recommended that the incoming Board should take this under advisement. He concluded this report, his last as President, by thanking the Board and Committee Chairs for keeping him going and for making his term as President so interesting, so full of surprises, and so fulfilling. 4. Secretary s Report George Brandie referred Delegates to his written report, already circulated (See Appendix A). In the Registration Package for this Conference, George had included an Informal Survey/Sondage Informel asking Delegates how many CURAC/ARUCC Conferences they had attended. He said that any thriving organization needs a balance between experience and institutional memory on the one hand, and fresh energy and new ideas on the other. The Survey represents a snapshot of where we are; George would leave it to Delegates to draw their own conclusions from the results which he presented (See Figure 1). Figure 1. Results of the Informal Survey (36 responses)

3 Some respondents noted that they had been involved in every CURAC Conference AND in meetings of its predecessor organization. George suspected that many for whom this is their first Conference were from the Atlantic region and he hoped that they will continue to be active within CURAC. George Brandie concluded by expressing special thanks to Francis Weil and the Local Committee for reproducing all of the documents for this AGM on relatively short notice. Applause from the audience confirmed their appreciation of the work of the Local Committee. 5. Treasurer s Report Alasdair Sinclair referred Delegates to the Treasurer s Report already circulated (See Appendix A). Referring to the Financial Statement, he noted that although expenses exceeded revenues by over $5,000 last year, this need not signal a long-term problem. The budget shortfall had two causes. First, despite its overall success, the Montréal Conference was the first one that did not generate a surplus (the budget had anticipated a $2,000 surplus). Secondly, we incurred some unplanned travel expenses in connection with the honouring of four contributors to CURAC. Nevertheless, we still have a positive bank balance of roughly $6,000 and we also have a GIC worth more than $5,000. The Statement also shows that an account has been set up at Queen s so that expenses there connected with the Secretary s Office and the Web can be paid from that. Alasdair said that he has the statement signed by Auditor Mike Bradfield, whose text is included on the Financial Statement. Following the Financial Statement are projections for and We have to include projections for two years because our fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31 (not from AGM to AGM) so we are already into the year. Each of those projections does include a Conference surplus. Tarun Ghose suggested that, before proceeding to the Treasurer s motions, we should have motions to approve the reports already received. Doug Creelman (Toronto) moved, seconded by John Meyer (Windsor), that the reports of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer be approved. APPROVED without dissent Alasdair Sinclair noted that Mike Bradfield has freely donated his auditing services to CURAC for the past three years, and is willing to continue, if that is our wish. Alasdair Sinclair moved, seconded by Lois Brockman (Manitoba), that Mike Bradfield be appointed Auditor for  APPROVED without dissent Alasdair drew Delegates attention to the Travel Subsidy form for Delegates, urging them to complete the form and return it to him before the end of the Conference. Tom Poiker (Simon Fraser) moved, seconded by Clint Martin (Guelph), that the financial estimates for the next two years be approved. Evan Simpson (Memorial) asked why the estimates do not include any income from our agreement with Waterloo Insurance. Alasdair Sinclair said that he anticipates receiving something in January, 2010, but he can t estimate the amount because this is the first year of the agreement and we have no idea how many CURAC retirees will take out policies with Waterloo Insurance. John Meyer (Windsor) noted that CURAC s dues have remained unchanged at $0.50 per member since our founding. He suggested taking a straw vote to ascertain the reaction of Delegates to increasing the dues to, say, $1.00 per member, with an upper limit of $400. This could help the Board in its deliberations about proposals for future dues. A Delegate asked whether the minimum fee for small Associations would also increase, and Alasdair Sinclair replied that he would not propose raising the minimum. Lois Brockman (Manitoba) suggested that, rather than having large percentage fee increases from time to time, CURAC should have its fees increase annually in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index. Howard Fink (Concordia) suggested that doubling the fee would, in effect, cover the compounded inflation of the last several years. Tarun Ghose said that a straw vote would give a sense of how Delegates feel. By show of hands, 13 Delegates voted in favour of raising the fees, 2 Delegates were opposed, and 3 abstained. Clint Martin (Guelph) wondered why dues for large Associations are capped. Evan Simpson (Memorial) said that, although he personally supported raising the fees, he had voted No in the straw vote because he feels that much more discussion is needed at the local level before any change is approved.

4 He worried that, if a compelling rationale were not presented by the Board well in advance of any binding vote at an AGM, a number of Associations might drop their membership, offsetting any increase in revenue. After this discussion, the motion to approve the financial estimates was APPROVED without dissent 6. Report of the Nominating Committee Howard Fink noted that, while the Board may make decisions, ultimately those decisions must be approved by Delegates at the AGM. While the Board has smiled upon the slate recommended by the Nominating Committee (See Appendix B), Delegates must elect the Board and the Officers. Candidates are elected to the Board for two-year terms. Part A of the Report lists the Nominating Committee s recommendations for those to be elected, along with the ex officio members of the Board. Part B lists Board members who were elected at the 2008 AGM and have another year on their terms: Joan Cunnington (OCRA) Thérèse Leduc (FRUQ President) June Panteluk (Alberta) Howard noted that the proposed Board contains members from across the country. Howard Fink then listed the Nominating Committee s proposed slate of Executive Officers: President: John Meyer (Windsor) [new] Vice-President: John Stager (UBC) [new] Secretary: George Brandie (Queen s) [renewing] Treasurer: Alasdair Sinclair (Dalhousie) [renewing] Past President: Tarunendu Ghose (Dalhousie) [ex officio] Tarun Ghose noted that, in addition to the nominations presented by the Nominating Committee, Delegates may also make nominations from the floor. He called three times for any additional nominations as the Executive Officers. There being none, Tarun declared the Executive Officers proposed by the Nominating Committee to be elected. Howard Fink then listed the Committee s nominees as Directors-at-Large: Chair of LOC for next Annual Conference: Sandra Pyke (York) [ex officio] Jack Boan (Regina) [new] David Lubell (Waterloo) [renewing] Francis Weil (Moncton) [new] Ron Cosper (St. Mary s) asked about the number of Directors-at-Large, and Howard said that, if elected, the three nominees would join the continuing Directors and newly elected Officers to make 12 Directors, the number specified in our By-Laws. Tarun Ghose called three times for any additional nominees. There being none, he declared the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee to be elected. Howard Fink thanked the members of the Nominating Committee, and noted that John Stager did not participate in the discussion of, or vote on, the nomination for Vice-President. He congratulated the new President and Vice-President, and welcomed the new members to the Board. John Meyer noted that Nominating Committees always face the challenge of finding new members to nominate to the Board, and he encouraged all Delegates to send in names at any time, so that a pool of potential nominees might be established early. 7. Reports of Committees Tarun Ghose referred Delegates to the Committee Reports, already circulated (See Appendix C), and invited any Committee Chairs who wished to add any comments to do so. Ken Rea (Toronto) reported that the CURAC Housing Committee has not functioned recently, and its Chair, Anne Piternick (UBC), has long argued that all that is needed is someone to coordinate information about housing developments for academic retirees, of which there have been very few. As a member of the Committee, Ken has heard from Anne that she no longer wishes to be active in this area, and strongly urges that the Committee be dissolved. Ken assumes that the Board will address this matter. Peter Russell (Toronto), Chair of the Professional Support Committee, reported that the Committee had not met in He reminded Delegates that two years ago the Committee had undertaken a

5 major effort to ensure that the research granting agencies (principally NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR) did not discriminate against people who were retired. The Presidents of all three agencies confirmed that retirees are equally eligible for grants, provided they still have the necessary support of their local institutions. NSERC, the only agency to keep such data, showed that retiree applications had a high success rate, although the amounts awarded were smaller. These results were reported by the Committee at the Windsor AGM in Peter Russell went on to say that he had been contacted by a scientist who had been turned down on a renewal of his grant despite having superb letters of support from Canadian and international colleagues. Peter is concerned that, in the present situation of cutbacks, agencies may begin to discriminate in favour of â œless agedâ scholars. Peter is working with the individual in his appeal of the decision. He feels that the Professional Support Committee should act as an ombudsman for colleagues who believe they have faced discrimination from the granting agencies. He invited Delegates to remind colleagues at their home institutions that they should not face discrimination because they collect pensions rather than salaries. John Meyer (Windsor) noted that Peter Russell had been instrumental in initiating collaboration with CAUT, and felt that those actions also constituted Professional Support. Howard Fink (Concordia) added that the Committee has also heard from the Canada Council for the Arts that they too do not discriminate against retirees. Chester Sadowski (York) pointed out that the institution must be involved in giving research space and supporting the grant application. Alex Murray (York) said that people cannot use the grants they get from York after retirement to attend conferences without presenting a paper or to join academic societies, because (the administration argues) of regulations of the Canada Revenue Agency. Peter Russell said that this is something his Committee should take up and he will get the details from Alex. Howard Fink (Concordia) said that various matters had kept him from activating the Aboriginal Education Committee in the past year, but he will be reporting in future AGMs. Alasdair Sinclair (Dalhousie) moved, seconded by Marianne Van der Wel (McMaster), that the Reports of  Committees be approved. APPROVED without dissent 8. Other Business (I): 2010 Conference Tarun Ghose invited Sandra Pyke, chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2010 Conference at York University, to speak about it. Sandra Pyke invited everyone to come to the 2010 CURAC Conference at York University. York has two associations: York University Retirees Association (YURA), an all-inclusive organization of which she and Nancy Accinelli are Co-Presidents; and the Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians (YUARFL), whose President is Alex Murray. The two organizations have created a Local Organizing Committee, which has proposed a theme for the Conference: Beyond Pensions and Benefits. She invited all Delegates to give any member of the York delegation their ideas and suggestions for the Conference. Anyone wishing to make a presentation should contact her by at spyke@yorku.ca. The 2010 Conference will be held on May 18 th, 19 th, and 20 th, 2010 (Tuesday Thursday), just ahead of the Victoria Day holiday weekend. Sandra invited Delegates to pick up literature on York University and to submit their names for a prize draw. 9. Input from Delegates Tarun Ghose invited Delegates to talk about what CURAC might do for them, or what they might do for CURAC, in the coming year. Evan Simpson (Memorial) suggested that the members of CURAC would benefit from focus or refocus by the Board. In thinking about the President s Report in the context of CURAC s published objectives, he concluded that only one item (linkage with CAUT) is clearly tied to those objectives. CURAC should focus on its published objectives, in order to be able to make a clear case to Associations of what CURAC is and what it does. Tarun thanked Evan for his comments and anticipated that the Board would have a response in the future.

6 John Meyer (Windsor) noted that he had sent out a survey about two months earlier asking these questions. About 20 responses have been received, and he invited anyone who has not seen or completed it to get a copy from him. 80% of the respondents had put Pension Issues and Health Benefits as their primary priorities. Health Insurance came third (78%), followed by Retiree Facilities (50%), and Advocacy Activities (46%). On the question of what CURAC could do, communication of best practices was noted. 10. Report of the 4 th Annual Atlantic Regional Conference Evan Simpson (Memorial) reported that representatives from five Atlantic universities had met the previous day. In comparing notes, they found differences in pension and benefit arrangements among their institutions and felt that being able to hear about good and bad practices elsewhere was very valuable. They also had some discussion of problems common to Associations like ours and possible solutions: maintaining contact with a dispersed membership (use Newsletters), recruiting and retaining executives (recruit by personal contact), and dealing with faculty associations who focus on active members. After lunch (provided by Université de Moncton), they discussed what they wanted from CURAC. The Atlantic representatives were most interested in information and communication among Associations, and felt that CURAC should put more effort there, despite everything that had been discussed in the Report of the Communications Committee. They felt that better highlighting of best local practices would be invaluable to all Associations. If CURAC could persuade Associations to pass on accounts of their successes so that they could be shared, this would provide a strong rationale for Associations to maintain their memberships, he felt. The last topic of discussion was the future of regional meetings. The Delegates felt that the Atlantic Regional Conferences were valuable and should continue. They are looking toward having the 5 th Atlantic Regional Conference in Halifax shortly before the Annual Conference at York. Evan thought that similar meetings in other regions might be valuable, and he invited non-atlantic Delegates to talk to Atlantic Delegates about the value of their Regional Conferences. 11. Other Business (II) Philip Welch (Dalhousie) worried that, in view of what John Meyer s survey and the Atlantic Regional Conference had emphasized, having the next Annual Conference focus on things other than pensions and benefits might lead people to stay away. Sandra Pyke (York) said the concerns of Associations had been noted. Don Wiles (Carleton) said that pensions and benefits were not major concerns for his Association. He thought that CURAC should look at contributing to society at large, specifically to improving the K-12 education system. Howard Fink (Concordia) invited anyone sharing that interest to join his Aboriginal Education Committee. John Meyer said that the Board, in its meeting following the Conference, will take into account the comments made at this AGM. He also intends to promote more frequent and regular communication with Associations. 12. Adjournment In closing, Tarun Ghose noted that there is a wide world, full of problems and challenges, beyond the world of Canadian academic retirees. He welcomed the theme proposed by York for the 2010 Conference and thanked everyone for their participation. Alasdair Sinclair (Dalhousie) moved, seconded by Marianne Van der Wel (McMaster), that the Annual General Meeting adjourn. The Motion PASSED without dissent and Tarun Ghose declared the Meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m. Appendix A: Reports of Officers Appendix B: Report of the Nominating Committe Appendix C: Reports of Committees

7 Annual General Meeting 2009 Reports of Officers 1. Secretary s Report 2. Treasurer s Report

8 Secretary s Report Our current membership position is detailed in the Report of the Membership Committee. There you will see that in the past year one new Associations joined CURAC/ARUCC, while one federation has dissolved. You will also see that your Board has been working to assist in the formation of new retiree associations at several other post-secondary institutions, associations that we hope will eventually join CURAC. One region that continues to be under-represented in CURAC is Alberta, where our only member is the Association of Professors Emeriti of the University of Alberta. If anyone can suggest contacts for retirees from other institutions (in Alberta or elsewhere), we would appreciate their contacting any member of the Board of Directors. From time to time we are asked, How many retirees do you represent?, so it is important that we have current retiree numbers from all of our Member Associations. I appreciate the cooperation of our Members in fully completing the Membership Renewal Forms each year. The Renewal Forms that will be sent out in September will, for the first time, ask for contact information (postal and addresses) of Alternate CURAC/ARUCC Delegates, as well as information on your Association s President and CURAC/ARUCC Delegate. Please inform me if there is any change in your Association s postal or address during the year so that we may continue to stay in contact. The work of the Communications Committee is summarized in their Report. That Report describes the creation of the new web site for CURAC/ARUCC. I welcome your comments on, and suggestions for, that site. Since the 2008 AGM, your Board has met four times in person in Montréal at the end of the 2008 Conference; by teleconference on October 3 and December 10, 2008; and yesterday here in Moncton. The Executive Committee (Officers) held a teleconference on July 10, These meetings were supplemented by vigorous exchanges throughout the year. Finally, on a personal note, I want to express my appreciation to the Board Members and Committee Chairs for their prompt and helpful comments and corrections, and especially to President Tarun Ghose for his ever-cheerful support. Respectfully submitted, George Brandie, Secretary George.Brandie@Queensu.ca

9 Treasurer s Report CURAC/ARUCC Financial Report for 1 April, 2008 to 31 March, 2009 The Financial Statement for 2008 to 2009 has again been audited by Michael Bradfield. It shows a different picture than previous statements since it shows a considerable deficit for the year s activities of over $5,700. There are two reasons for this. One, the Montreal Conference, great as it was, did not generate a surplus to be shared with CURAC as has been the common occurrence in past years. Two, Board Travel was up by almost $2,000 over the previous year owing to the travel expenses of the three persons honoured for their work on behalf of the organization at the Montreal banquet. In the estimates for and it is assumed that conventions will again generate surpluses which generate $2,000 for CURAC/ARUCC, and Board Travel will fall to $3,000 this year and $4,000 next year. Other expenses are assumed to remain about the same as in The relatively small deficits can be covered by our current cash balance. The only source of income to the organization at present, apart from the potential sharing of surpluses, comes from the per capita dues paid by member organizations, with a minimum of $50.00 and a maximum of $ per annum. In the current fiscal year dues were received from 33 members. Two members sent in dues after March 31, and two remain outstanding, but are promised. Respectfully submitted, Alasdair Sinclair, Treasurer

10 College and University Retiree Association of Canada (CURAC/ARUCC) Financial Statements for 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009, 1 April to 31 March Revenue 2007 to to 2009 Annual dues $4, $5, Conference surplus $3, Totals $7, $5, Expenditure Delegate travel $2, $4, Communications Web site $ Teleconference $ Post Office box $ Mail, copying $ Annual federal fee $ Memberships $ Conference speakers travel $ Board travel $2, Queens working account Bank charges $ Board recognition Totals $7, $ 11, Net income $ , Bank balance 31 March 2007 $ 11, Bank balance 31 March 2008* $11, $11, Less net income, April 08- March 09-5, Bank balance 31 March 2009 $ 5, Liabilities 1 April 2009 Assets 1 April 2009 Atlantic Conference $ GIC on Jume 6, 2008 $5, Queens working account $ Cash 31 March 2009 $5, *adusted for outstanding cheque (#44) of $ Auditor's Statement I have examined this statement of Revenue and Expenditures for the fiscal year April 1, 2008 to March 31, My examination included checking the books and accounts and the relevant documentation, including bank statements, invoices, and receipts. In my opinion, these statements fairly present the financial operations of the CURAC/ARUCC for the period April 1, March 31, Date - April 20, 2009 Place - Halifax, N.S. Signed M. Bradfield, B. Comm., Ph.D. Occupation - Professor of Economics (ret'd) College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (CURAC/ARUCC) Financial Statements for 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009, 1 April to 31 March Revenue 2007 to to 2009 Annual dues $4, $5,660.00

11 CURAC/ARUCC Financial Estimates for and Revenue Annual dues 5,660 6,000 7,000 Conference surplus 2,000 2,000 Totals 8,000 9,000 Expenditure Delegate travel 4,100 4,000 4,000 Communications + Queens ,500 1,500 Annual fees Board Travel ,000 4,000 Queens working account 500 Bank charges Miscellaneous Totals 11,396 9,430 10,430

12 Report of the Nominating Committee SLATE FOR THE CURAC BOARD FOR 2009 AGM A. To be elected to two year terms (end AGM, 2009, to end AGM, 2011) 1. Board Executive: President: John Meyer (Windsor) Vice President: John Stager (UBC) Treasurer: Alasdair Sinclair (Dalhousie) renewing Secretary: George Brandie (Queen s) renewing Past President: Tarun Ghose (Dalhousie) ex officio 2. Director, Local Conference Organizing Committee: Sandra Pyke (York) Chair of 2010 LOC (to end AGM, 2010) ex officio 3. Directors (Members at Large) David Lubell (Waterloo) renewing Francis Weil (Moncton) Jack Boan (Regina) B. Ongoing (to end AGM, 2010) Directors: (Members at Large) June Panteluk (Alberta) Joan Cunnington (OCRA) Therese Leduc (FRUQ President) Respectfully submitted by the 2009 Nominating Committee: 1

13 Howard Fink, Chair (Concordia) Joan Cunnington (OCRA) John Stager (UBC) [N.B.: John abstained from the Committee s discussion and vote on position.] June Panteluk (Alberta) Evan Simpson (Memorial non Director) the V.P. 2

14 Annual General Meeting 2009 Reports of Committees 1. STANDING COMMITTEES a. Benefits Committee 2 b. Communications Committee 2 Results of Newsletter Survey 3 Report of Newsletter Subcommittee 8 c. Health Care Policy Committee. 11 d. Nominating Committee 12 e. Pension Committee AD HOC COMMITTEES a. Membership Committee 14 b. Professional Support Committee. 15 1

15 Report of the Benefits Committee Following the acceptance of the proposal from Waterloo Insurance by the Board on October 3 rd, 2008, David Lubell met with David Sweeney and Jeff Patterson of Waterloo Insurance on February 9 th, 2009,to discuss the content and format of the materials to be included on the CURAC website. These have now been finalized and approved and there is a link on the CURAC website for those members who wish further information. As reported at the Montréal AGM, thirteen responses to our request for information on medical benefits were received and tabulated. These have not been analyzed as they are very difficult to deal with quantitatively and there has not been time or expertise to develop a qualitative protocol. No other activities were undertaken. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Committee which has not been active (collectively) during the year, David Lubell, Chair Report of the Communications Committee The Communications Committee currently comprises Françoise Arbuckle (Laurentian), George Brandie (Queen s), Linda Choptiany (OCRA), Joan Cunnington (OCRA), François Gallays (Ottawa), Bob Liptrap (Guelph), Roch Meynard (UQAM), John Mundie (Manitoba), Datta Pillay (Windsor), Tom Poiker (SFU), Ken Rea (Toronto), Orville Scott (UNB), Colin Stuttard (Carleton), Marianne Van der Wel (McMaster), Mair Verthuy (Concordia). During the past year the Communications Committee focussed on two main projects, reviewing and updating the CURAC website and devising a new approach to the Newsletter/Bulletin. We also continued to monitor and explore the possible uses for new social networking technologies becoming available on the Internet. The revision of the website was overseen by a sub committee comprising Roch Meynard, Tom Poiker, Marianne Van der Wel, and chaired by George Brandie. As a result of this group s efforts the website has been completely redesigned and moved from the Bell commercial hosting service to an institutional server at Queen s University. The CURAC domain name was retained and the transition to the new server remains transparent to the user. If you have visited the site in the past few months you will see, however, that the format has been updated and redesigned. Not only have the aesthetics and functionality of the site been improved, but CURAC will realize ongoing economies thanks to the free service being provided by Queen s University. George Bundie has now assumed responsibility for running the website. If you have not visited the site lately please direct your 2

16 browser to (the same address as before) and explore the rich offerings available there. In particular browse the remarkable compilation of member association newsletters devised by George Brandie. To better understand how member organizations could best be served by the Newsletter/Bulletin we conducted an online survey using a free web based survey tool called Survey Monkey. After testing a trial instrument and making some adjustments we sent out a ten question survey to 71 contact persons (named delegates, local association presidents, known local association newsletter editors, CURAC communications committee members, and a few others. The response rate of over 60 per cent and the quality of the comments offered were gratifying. A summary of the results is attached to this report. These results were analyzed by a sub committee comprising Linda Choptiany, Joan Cunnington, François Gallays, and Datta Pillay. This sub committee s report is also attached to this report. The Committee hopes that further comments and suggestions will be received in the course of the Moncton Conference and AGM and will soon thereafter attempt to produce a new Newsletter/Bulletin reflecting all this input. As everyone now knows, Facebook, Twitter and a host of similar Web 2 services have promised (or threatened) to transform the way people interact and communicate. Some of these social networking tools are being utilized by non profit as well as business organizations for a wide range of purposes. As part of its mandate to keep abreast such developments, the Communications Committee has made some very tentative efforts to dip a toe or two into these waters. The results to date have been resoundingly negative. An early attempt to get committee members to sign up as guinea pigs on Facebook demonstrated conclusively that people in our demographic are, with only a few exceptions, indifferent, if not actively hostile, to what they see as an invasion of their privacy than an aid to communication. A similar initiative to explore the use of web based video communication using TokBox fizzled almost immediately. It appears that for the immediate future there is little use for these kinds of tools in the CURAC context. Respectfully submitted Ken Rea, Chair, CURAC Communications Committee Results of CURAC Newsletter Survey March 15, 2009 The survey was sent to 71 member contact persons, member association newsletter editors, and members of the CURAC Communications Committee. A total of 46 recipients of the survey responded. The survey was developed using the free Survey Monkey software, distributed by (through the Survey Monkey system) and the online results were automatically collected and analyzed using the same software. 1. Have you ever received a copy of the Newsletter/Bulletin by OR viewed one or more of the past issues of the CURAC Newsletter/Bulletin at Yes (82%) No (18%) 3

17 2. What would be the best length for the Newsletter? Two pages (6.5%) Four pages (32.6%) Eight pages (19.6%) As many as needed if content is available (41.3%) 3. How much of the Newsletter should be available in both languages? All of it (8.7%) None of it (just publish items in the language as submitted) (13%) Translate abstracts of feature articles with the article itself in the language as submitted (63.6%). Other (8.7%): o Produce two separate issues, one in English the other in French and provide a button that could be clicked for the reader's choice. o I read both, as do most academics, I suspect. o Decide this after you have determined the number needing it in one or other language. o Key articles in both; less important in language of publication with abstract. 4. Understanding that it is not feasible for CURAC to distribute the Newsletter directly to individual members of member associations, how should it be distributed? (Multiple choices allowed). By posting on the CURAC website with notification of new issues sent to known contacts in members associations (91.3%). In hardcopy by post to contacts in member associations (19.6%). Other (13%): o Hardcopy to Pres/CURAC Reps for whom we lack IDs. o Posted to CURAC website with notification, BUT include a table of contents/short summary of articles with both. o Both of above. o Sending it as an attachment to known contacts. o To more than one contact per association. o By e mail 5. Should the content of the Newsletter Be restricted to matters of specific interest to retirees from post secondary institutions (40%). Include material of interest to seniors generally (60%). 4

18 6. What length limit should be imposed on feature articles? 1200 words (64%) Other (35.6%): o According to interest and importance of topic. o 1000 words. o Provide a link to a pdf file for longer articles. o Brief articles with references or links. o Less, but with links to longer versions. o Brevity is important. o Leave it to the author if space can accommodate. Leave it to the editor. o While 1200 words is a useful guideline, there may be some articles which are of interest that are beyond this limit worth publishing. These should be the exception, not the rule. o Editor's discretion. o To the discretion of the editorial board o It depend on the complexity and importance of topic. o About 1200 : a bit of leeway... o As justified by the topic. o Content and sensitive editing should determine length. o As much as needed but not more than 1 page. o What length limit should be imposed on op ed (opinion) pieces? 500 words (75.6%) Other (24.4%): o 1200 words. o No limit. o Brief, please, given the volume of communications to be read. o Depends. Again, brevity should rule. Op Eds can be windy. o Leave it to the editor. o Editor's discretion. o See answer to #6. o Please see no. 5. o As justified by the topic. o Deserved opinion could become a feature. o As much as needed but not more than 1 page. 8. What other types of content should be considered? (Multiple choices allowed). Book reviews (64.3%) Computer and related new technology (64.3%) 5

19 Other (33.3%): o Reports on activities of CURAC committees. o Humour. o Items of national interest to retirees. o Health, travel, pensions. o Enacted or projected legislation of interest to members. o Short presentations of new Board members. o The above + retirees concerns health? welfare? continuing efforts for education scholarships, chairs? o Content that may refer to senior (retirees) that the editor decides is relevant. o While remembering this publication is a newsletter for members of CURAC, there will be some particular items worthy of reporting that would not normally be included in such a newsletter. In other words there should be some discretion granted to the editor as to content. o Content should be restricted to that which interests most Canadian academic seniors. o Best practices in treating retirees by universities. o Health related, financial, warnings about scams. o Useful links. o Articles on aging. 9. How frequently should the Newsletter be "published"? Monthly (2.2%) Quarterly (63%) Semi annually (28.3%) Annually (0%) Intermittently (as material becomes available) (6.5%) 10. How might member input to the Newsletter be encouraged? Publicity, invitations to prospective contributors, actual publication of some submissions (will encourage others), and perhaps an occasional contest. "Mine" articles from member institutions' newsletters, with permission. Local CURAC contact needs to issue regular reminders to members to read the Newsletter on the excellent CURAC website. Try to solicit a short news item from member retiree groups, indicating their local activities and/concerns. Promote activities that would be of interest to members of member associations, e.g., tours designed by CURAC. Members of our associations are frequent travellers. They may be interested in traveling with retirees from other universities. 6

20 Members or associations should be encouraged to send input of broad interest to curac. Have a column for a guest article from a member from a different university/region each issue. Ask local president to nominate (strong arm) someone to do it. By making sure members see the Newsletter. The local presidents/secretaries can send it out. Request associations regularly submit articles. 2. Provide a list of topics for which you require articles and request associations to supply the articles. En français, les régimes de retraite des autres associations de retraités d'universités et le comportement dans le régime au point de vue de l'économie. Direct contact by editor with potential writers. I'm not sure given that CURAC does not have access to the contact information for individual members. I guess the best that can be done is to urge member organization contacts to ensure their individual members are aware of the possibility. Sending them s with encouragements. Asking for contributions in te Newsletter. Treat controversial subjects. Editors usually have to chase people for such material. This means keeping an eye open for good topics and likely authors. Ed can thus also SHAPE the organ. The responsibility for this should fall on the member organizations CURAC is their national body and as well as being available to them as an aid it would also "make them look good" by referring members to a national body and its newsletters. Organize regional local associations and charge them with inputting to the national organization's communications system. Lots of encouragement through whatever means available, particular Assoc. (local) contact persons. Each member association should be encouraged to inform their members of the Newsletter and ask them to consider submitting information to their particular association to be considered for inclusion in the Newsletter. It would be desirable to have a section of the Newsletter devoted to activities undertaken by member associations that would be of interest to all CURAC members. Requesting input from faculty association members, especially viewpoint of soon toretire faculty, as well as financial wizards and other specialists (health insurance, etc). Print articles that generate questions and discussions. Have a "letters to the editor" link on the CURAC website. Encourage readers to give their opinions by inserting links to "letters to the editor" in the articles for on line readers. Ask for it via , etc., and suggest areas of interest that the member might wish to address. Content from local association newsletters could be included in the CURAC newsletter. Solicit articles, reviews and items of interest. 7

21 Just ask. But sometimes an editor is necessary when one or two rabid writers have a pet project to flaunt. Perhaps select a theme or themes and invite membership to submit papers. Continue requesting members to submit interesting happenings at their local chapters. Solicitation to be put in member organizations communications. Perhaps contest of some sort. Frequent phone calls from President or other Board members to maintain personal contact. By engaging, antagonizing and challenging membership. As a former editor, I failed miserably, but the internet proves readers do write and a few both very thoughtfully and effectively, employing language cleverly and resplendently, as it should and can be. e mail solicitation. Ask for it Review member association newsletter and reprint articles that apply to the CURAC readership or ask the authors to adapt any articles of interest to CURAC's readership Increase readership (hence increasing the chances of people who may want to contribute) by making the newsletter more reader friendly by:... Changing to a two column format... Providing the entire newsletter in both French and English and stop mixing French and English alternately in the same issue. Either put English in one column and French in the other OR have two separate issues (still in two column format) one issue in French and one in English.... Add a table of contents and or Index for long newsletters... Use a Page by Page format as McMaster University has done... Announce new issues of newsletter on CURAC's home page for about 2 weeks after each new issue and ask the member association contact to tell their membership. Submit member newsletters. By ensuring that member associations send their newsletters to CURAC and following up with then as appropriate. Establishing regional CURAC "chapters". Introduction REPORT SUBCOMMITTEE OF CURAC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE FUTURE CURAC NEWSLETTERS This report is based on the results of an online survey to seek input on how the CURAC/ARUCC Newsletter/Bulletin should be designed. An survey sent via Survey Monkey went to 71 contact persons (named delegates, local association presidents, known local association newsletter 8

22 editors, CURAC communications committee members, and others. Approximately 60% of those surveyed responded. Opinions expressed in the survey and additional suggestions from the Communication subcommittee members are reflected in the report. Subcommittee members drew on their knowledge and experience as newsletter editors and writers to contribute to this report. The following guidelines provide the report s framework: Format, Content, Language and Policies. Recommendations 1. Format Two newspaper type columns per page works well when the newsletter is hard copy, but normal letter format may work better when reading the newsletter on a computer screen. Font an easily read font in 10 or 12 pitch with larger font sizes for headings and emphases where needed Margins sufficient white space around print for good readability 2. Content Suggested topics (not necessarily in order of importance): Book reviews, computer and other technology, seniors issues, health, items of interest to senior academics such as developments in research, etc. Articles of a controversial nature to generate debate Letters to the editor section 3. Language Articles printed in full in language of origin Abstracts of articles translated to other official language An on line version with full translation in the other official language with link to refer readers to it in the newsletter 4. Policies 4.1 Length of Newsletter: at least 3 4 pages printed on both sides 5 double sided pages is the limit for 54 cents postage (This cost limitation has frequently influenced the length of retiree newsletters.) 4.2 Articles: recommend one leading article per issue, maximum 1600 words other articles maximum 1200 words op ed articles maximum 500 words 4.3 Illustrations: Photographs, drawings, cartoons, charts, other graphics to prevent eye boredom and highlight articles 9

23 Vary font style and layout 4.4 Distribution: notice to member associations of posting on website via notice to CURAC executive one print copy to be mailed to member associations at their official address 4.5 Frequency of publication: the Newsletter be published quarterly (63% survey response) keeping in mind the wishes of a strong minority of the respondents (28.3&) who proposed semi annual publications 5. Additional suggestions 5.1 Sources: Solicit voluntary submissions from members Mine local association newsletters for articles to be reproduced with permission Editor to publicize list of possible topics and ask for submissions. Publication to be the prerogative of the editor and possibly an editorial committee to be created Editor to make direct contact with potential authors Request articles from specialists in local associations Issues of the day from newspapers, magazines, etc. All authors to be acknowledged and contributions to be accepted on a non payment basis The editor is responsible for coordinating input from contributors and is the contact person for the newsletter 5.2 Advertising: Could be useful source of income Review other Association websites for rates Publish business cards, logos, etc. Divide one special advertising page into a number of units and charge according to space occupied Conclusion The subcommittee recognizes the CURAC membership is a good source of articles for the newsletter. Additional suggestions for future innovations to the CURAC Newsletters would be most welcome. Respectfully submitted by Communication subcommittee members: Linda Choptiany, Joan Cunnington, François Gallays, Datta Pillay April

24 Report of the Health Care Policy Committee The Committee organized a symposium on Mental Health of Seniors at the 2008 Annual Conference of CURAC, Montréal. This symposium was possible because of the help and cooperation extended by Senator Michael Kirby, Chair, The Mental Health Commission of Canada and Professor Marie France Tourigny Rivard, Chair, Senate Advisory Committee for Seniors, Mental Health Commission of Canada. The Committee s goal for the year included the preparation of two reports: 1. A comparative analysis of the healthcare policies of countries that top the table of OECD (Organization for the Economic Co operation and Development) list for the excellence of healthcare delivery (e.g. France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan ) in the context of Canada s healthcare policy. This report is in progress. 2. A summary of the healthcare benefits for seniors in Canada s Provinces and Territories. Progress in the preparation of this report has been very limited because of the lack of manpower. The committee has not been functional. Respectfully submitted, Tarunendu Ghose, Chair 11

25 Report of the Nominating Committee SLATE FOR THE CURAC BOARD FOR 2009 AGM A. To be elected to two year terms (end AGM, 2009 to end AGM, 2011) 1. Board Executive: President: John Meyer (Windsor) Vice President: John Stager (UBC) Treasurer: Alasdair Sinclair (Dalhousie) renewing Secretary: George Brandie (Queen s) renewing Past President: Tarun Ghose (Dalhousie) ex officio 2. Director, Local Conference Organizing Committee: Sandra Pyke (York) Chair of 2010 LOC (to end AGM, 2010) ex officio 3. Directors (Members at Large) David Lubell (Waterloo) renewing Francis Weil (Moncton) Jack Boan (Regina) B. Ongoing (to end AGM, 2010) Directors: (Members at Large) June Panteluk (Alberta) Joan Cunnington (OCRA) Therese Leduc (FRUQ President) Respectfully submitted by the 2009 Nominating Committee: Howard Fink, Chair (Concordia) Joan Cunnington (OCRA) John Stager (UBC) [N.B.: John abstained from the Committee s discussion and vote on position.] June Panteluk (Alberta) Evan Simpson (Memorial non Director) the V.P. 12