UGARA University of Georgia Retirees Association
www.uga.edu/ugara

The University of Georgia Retirees Association (UGARA) is a membership-based organization serving the retiree community of the University. The primary purpose of UGARA is to provide viable opportunities for retirees, both faculty and staff, and to serve as an active liaison with the University community. Furthermore, UGARA seeks to keep members informed about University System retiree benefits.

History of UGARA:

Beginning in 1973, the Alumni Society (now the UGA Alumni Association) sponsored an annual Retired Faculty/Staff Dinner. In 1988 then UGA President Charles Knapp established a 7-member task force to review the status of University retirees. At the annual dinner in 1990, attendees approved the task force recommendation to establish a retirees association. In 1991 UGARA and its 9-member governing council was officially established at the annual Retired Faculty/Staff dinner.

Membership of UGARA:

Membership is open to all University retirees. Those who join receive regular communications and participate in voting and governance. UGARA has a current membership of over 500. Retirees are invited to join as life members or on an annual basis.

Governance of UGARA:

The UGARA Council serves as the governing body. The members are elected for a 3-year term, with 1/3 elected annually by voting membership. Additionally, the ex officio members of the Council represent the UGA President's Office, the faculty, the classified staff, and the Alumni Office. The UGARA Council meets monthly or as deemed necessary. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the annual dinner for retirees. UGARA enjoys a relationship with the Alumni Association but is not governed by the Association.

Activities of UGARA:

UGARA activities include an annual update concerning University System retiree benefits, periodic overnight and day trips, book reviews and other educational events, and other activities as requested by the membership. Members are also active volunteers with the UGA Alumni Association and can serve the University in a variety of ways. While every UGA retiree is welcome at all UGARA events, activities are planned with the particular interests of UGARA members in mind.