The SUNY Retirees Network: Linking Retirees through the World Wide Web: Overview and Demonstration

SUNY Retirees ConferenceNovember 20, 2013

History of the SUNY Retirees Service Corps (RSC)

Retirees Service Corps Timeline A University Faculty Senate (UFS) Task

Force on SUNY Retirees was appointed in January 2007 to study issues relating to SUNY retirees.

The UFS passed a resolution endorsing the Task Force’s recommendation to establish a SUNY Retirees Service Corps (RSC) to create awareness about the potential value of retired faculty, administrators, and support staff.

Retirees Service Corps Timeline

(continued) Chancellor John R. Ryan approved the Faculty Senate’s recommendation, and the SUNY Retirees Service Corps was created in early 2008.

Dr. Ram Chugh, Ph.D., who chaired the UFS Task Force, was appointed as part-time executive director of the RSC. He served in that position until September 2012.

RSC Administration

The Retirees Service Corps is located at SUNY System Administration in Albany and functions under the jurisdiction of the University-wide Human Resources office.

An Advisory Council composed of 15 SUNY retirees and three liaison personnel representing various stakeholders guides the work of the RSC.

SUNY RSC MissionThe mission of the Retirees Service Corps is

to:• Promote a strong “retiree-campus-

community” connection within and among SUNY campuses;

• Create awareness about the potential value of SUNY retirees;

• Encourage campuses to institute programs to promote social interaction among retirees; and

• Provide opportunities for engagement in university and community service.

Retirees Service Corps ServicesSome of the services the RSC offers include:

• Resources for retirement preparation and adjustment to retirement via the RSC website (www.suny.edu/retirees);

• A guide to starting a campus-based retiree organization;

• A system-wide SUNY retirees newsletter (online)

• Connections to campus-based retiree organizations;

• Biennial retiree conferences

What Retirees Want: The Survey Says…

Retiree Survey Highlights

Retirees surveyed by the RSC in 2010 recommended:• Providing a mechanism for them to

connect with other retirees and their campuses;

• Having an electronic retiree newsletter; and

• Creating a web site where they can look for other retirees as well as volunteer opportunities

The RSC is making those suggestions a reality…

Introducing The SUNY Retirees Network

What Is The SUNY Retirees Network?The SUNY Retirees Network (SRN) is an

exciting new component of the SUNY Retirees Service Corps website designed to:• Connect SUNY retirees via a secure online

directory;• Promote online interaction among retirees;

and• Connect interested retirees with volunteer

opportunities

SUNY Retirees Network OverviewThe SUNY Retirees Network (SRN) will be

composed of three main elements designed to:1)Connect Retirees with Retirees: By

using the SUNY Retirees Online Directory, SRN members may securely look up and connect with other retirees who have registered for the Network and opted to be listed in the directory;

2)Promote Online Interaction: The SUNY Retirees Interaction Service allows retirees to securely interact and exchange information with one another through a chat feature as well as explore a variety of online resources; and

SUNY Retirees Network Overview

(continued)3) Connect Retirees with Volunteer Opportunities: The Retirees Service Corps plans to launch a volunteer matching service after a sufficient number of retirees expressing an interest in volunteerism have registered for the SUNY Retirees Network. Information retirees provide will be used to match their interests and expertise with campus and community needs.

Who Is Eligible to Join the SRN?

Verified new and long-time retirees of SUNY’s:• State-operated campuses;• Community College campuses;• Research Foundation;• Construction Fund;• System Administration; and• Affiliated Organizations

Becoming a Member of the SUNY RetireesNetwork

SUNY Retirees Network RegistrationThere will be four ways to register for the SRN:

1) Online at www.suny.edu/retirees2) By Mail3) By Fax4) By Email with attached scan of completed

registration form to retirees@suny.edu

Links to printable Word and PDF versions of the registration form are available at the bottom of the online registration page.

Demonstration of theSUNY Retirees Network

Thank You Very Much For Your Support!