Initial Query from Gail Acree, Lagnaippe Studies Unlimited, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA
We of Lagnaippe Studies are interested in other programs' policy and rate of compensation for their courses' teachers. We use a number of willing/interested professionals from the faculty of Louisiana State University and think that their time is worth an honorarium. Currently we pay $200 for a commitment of six, two-hour classes which extend over a six-week term. Thank you for your input to our reevaluation process.

From Stew Engel, Mary Washington ElderStudy, Fredericksburg, VA
For instructors who are getting paid to "educate" the public (i.e., a government or electric company PR person), or for members, we pay nothing. For others the pay is based on a per-2-hour session basis & on how far they travel to reach us. Locals get $50 per 2 hours. Folks from Richmond or DC (about 60 miles) get $100 per each 2-hour class.

From Judith Gibson, Adventures in Lifelong Learning, Glen Oaks Community College Centreville, MI
From the start, ALL decided that they would request that instructors be volunteers so that "everyone is paid the same," and they have yet to depart from that in four terms of classes. They have recruited instructors widely in the community, and have included some current and some retired Glen Oaks instructors. However, most of ALL's classes so far meet just 1-3 sessions, very few are 4-6 sessions (which require a greater time commitment for the volunteer instructor). Also, ALL has not yet sponsored any computer classes for senior citizens---those have run through the Continuing Education department, where instructors are paid. So, I don't know if ALL will continue to adhere to this policy, but it works for now.

From Ann Burdett, Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement, Utica, NY
We decided from the beginning that all facilitators would be volunteer. We will be beginning our 5th year in the fall---have run 40+ classes each fall and spring for 8 weeks each, and 4 weeks in February. We have no problem getting people to volunteer for 1 1/2 hours/week---for eight weeks. The only exception is our computer classes, which we run through the Continuing Ed---at cost--for using a continuing ed instructor and lab. That cost we pass on to our members for each course. We usually run 8 computer courses, for eight weeks, along with the 40 or so other courses. We do have a few SUNY professors who teach for us---they do this on their time and also as volunteers. We now have a long list of people who want to teach for us. The word has gotten out that MVLLI people are super enthusiastic lifelong learners!

From Silvine Hudson, Retirement Learning at Vanderbilt, TN
Retirement Learning at Vanderbilt pays a $300 honorarium to our instructors for a similar six-week series. That is an embarrassingly modest sum, but at least it is some recognition of their contribution to our program. Some are surprised to be paid at all, and a few we have asked to teach say no to that "peanuts" amount! Several of our best instructors -- most popular, tops in their fields -- have been willing to teach again and again! So that tells me that if they enjoy teaching and enjoy this age group (and many REALLY enjoy an older group), we are not insulting them with our honorarium!

From Jory Peterson, University for Seniors, University of MN - Duluth
At University for Seniors (US), we do not pay any of our study group leaders, lectures or guests in the classroom. We are in our 13th year and the nonpayment of instructors is at the core of our philosophy and is fiercely protected by the membership. Each US study group leader and each of the guest lecturers is honored at a luncheon at the end of the year - US members pay for their own lunches - guest lectureres do not. Each one receives a paper certificate for their service. I totally agree with Ann Burdett in that our procedures are not for all LLIs. Each LLI has to find its niche in its community. This is the strength of the LLI movement.

From Henry L. Schmitz Jr., Center For Lifetime Studies, Marist College, NY
We do not offer remuneration for lectures. This applies to members and to guests from other areas such as neighboring Universities and Colleges, area professionals, etc. We do offer some recognition to lecturers who have frequently presented but this is in the nature of certificates, plaques, etc. We are approaching our tenth anniversary and this has worked well for us. We are lucky to have Vassar College, Marist College, Dutchess Community College, Bard, and Suny New Paltz in our area. I agree with comment from one group that each group must discover what works best for them. There is no universal pattern that works for all.

From Joan Gamble, Eldercollege, Terra Community College, Fremont, OH
We at ElderCollege offer our instructors (members and non-members alike) $240 for a 2-hour class each week for six weeks. Some choose to accept this and some choose to lecture as a volunteer. We have almost 400 members in our rural area. This works for us and I would not presume to say that what works for us is "right" or "wrong" for another Lifelong Learning group. We believe that you need to look at your area, resources and membership and then do what works for your learning organization.

From Berny Dumoff, LLI, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT
Maybe you started off wrong - we have been in existence for 12 years, with a current membership of over 500. From the very beginning we had a policy demanding a totally volunteer program. No one gets paid, not the adminstrative people, not the Study Group Leaders, not even the College. Although, we do try to give the school a sizable donation each year. We have never had a problem finding study group leaders either within our membership or faculty from Yale, Quinnipiac College, Southern Connecticut State University and our own Albertus Magnus College. They come back again and again, and even bring new volunteers who find great pleasure in teaching to our responsive senior citizens. It may be too late for you, but on the other hand, it may be worth a try.

From Don Tritschler, Explorers LLI, Salem State College, MA
I think Bernie Dumhoff has put his finger on key point—whether you pay group leaders or not depends largely on how you start. I helped found and was a member of one LLI, which decided to offer honoraria to group leaders if they were not members. As a former college instructor I supported that policy as a recognition of hard-earned professional expertise. That LLI's non-member leaders provide a substantial majority of its instruction. I am aware that this policy has become somewhat burdensome; it stands in the way of reaching some important goals. Now I am a member of the Salem State College Explorers, which began with a policy of no payments. The majority of our group leaders are members, but we attract professionals from outside, too. Like other LLIs, Explorers gets excellent group leaders from Salem State and elsewhere. One of our stars helps national politicians with their campaigns and provides other consultation services. He also teaches classes at Boston colleges and universities—for money. I believe our non-member leaders return again and again because we are so responsive. I find in my own classes that my fellow members are fun to work with. They also teach me things I hadn't noticed before. It will be difficult for some LLIs to change their policy, if they so wish. I hate to talk about biting bullets.

From Bob Neil, McCALL, Montreat College, Montreat. NC
We use some retired professionals in our membership, as well as others in the area, and some college professors as our course leaders. We have just increased our honorarium to $125.00 for either a four, or six-week course (2 hours per class each week). If the individual travels more than 25 miles each way, we also give an extra amount for travel.

From Joan Gamble, ElderCollege, Ohio
We (ElderCollege of Terra Community College in Ohio) pay our presenters/instructors $20 per hour for in class time. Some people we contact feel that the sum is ridiculously low and others think it is fine. The finance committee has approved only in class time. We do not pay for preparation time. We are in the business of lifelong learning, not making money. Therefore the finance committee feels that this sum is adequate. We provide an Instructor information form to each P/I which allows them the opportunity to indicate if they wish to volunteer or to be paid. If they are to be paid, they complete the necessary paperwork with the college to be paid through the college payroll system. It is the case that with members and nonmembers that some choose to be paid and some volunteer. The choice is always offered. I will not be telling you anything new when I say, you will have to gage the area in which you live and according to your own budget. I hope our information is helpful to you.

From Berny Dumoff, LLI, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT
We have been running between 30 and 35 different courses each semester, and every single study group leader is a volunteer. That includes professors from other area colleges, as well as some retired professors. The satisfaction they receive seems to be sufficient for them to want to come back semester after semester. Not a season goes by that we don't hear from someone teaching at a nearby college or university who has learned of our program and wants to become a part of it.

From Silvine Hudson, Retirement Living, Vanderbilt U., TN
Retirement Learning at Vanderbilt pays a flat $300 per course (six sessions, one and a quarter hours each.) As someone replied, some feel it is ridiculously low and others seem satisfied. (Hungry doctoral students seem pleased!) As that person also said, One must gage one's own community and setting. The test of our system is that those whom we have invited to teach again (and again!) have been willing to do it -- so they can't be too dissatisfied!

From Ben Fisch, LINEC, New England College, Henniker, NH
We do not pay our instructors beyond compensating them for any expenses involved in teaching the courses. I feel that we have a full program of worthwhile, well attended courses. However, we are always working to recruit new instructors.

From Betsy Morris, Explorers LLI, Salem, MA
We don't give a stipend to any of our non-member course leaders. We offer between 25-29 courses each semester; about one third of them are offered by non-members, and it's all voluntary.

From Henry L. Schmitz Jr., Lifetime Studies, Marist College
We are approaching our tenth anniversary. We do not pay fees for instructors. We do award certificates to instructors who have, over a period of time, made significant contributions in terms of teaching classes. We have been able to recruit instructors from the colleges in our area, from the professional groups in our area, etc.

From Sarah Fletcher, Furman U. LLI, Greenville, SC
You said that you are new to the job, and I suggest you consider a new way of doing things. You could change your basic assumption that "of course, you will have to offer him a stipend." Many LLIs, ours included, do not pay our instructors. Our courses meet once a week for 10 weeks, and each class meets an hour and a half. We offer our instructors their choice of: a $50 honorarium, a membership for the next term (worth $100), leave the money in the budget, put the $50 in our endowded fund. Many of our "outside" instructors choose #3 or #4. Those who are members often choose a voucher toward future membership, which keeps them "in the fold." Once you start the policy of paying outside instructors, it will be very difficult to cut back. Now is the time to start perhaps a different, but less expensive, policy. When we began our LLI, I didn't think that people would teach for free, but they do so willingly and return to teach many terms.

You just need to tell them up front that "we don't pay our instructors" so that they know that when they agree to teach. You may loose a few potential instructors, but we have flourished under this system for 8 years and are still growing. (We offer over 40 courses each term, with 3 terms per year--fall, winter and spring). I often say, " We realize that the $50 honorarium doesn't even pay your gas to the campus 10 times. It is our gesture of thanks to you." No matter what you pay, it isn't quite enough for some people, and it can break your limited budget. Students and graduate students are often happy to have the teaching experience on their resume. They also appreciate your sincere letter of recommendation when they apply for a job. We do take every opportunity to thank them and praise them personally and publicly. Each class has a small thanks party during the coffee break of the last class, and we have a big spring gala luncheon for all the instructors of the year.

From Joe Scorpion, The Academy for Lifelong Learning, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
We offer no compensation to our Study Leaders/Instructors whether they are one of our own members or a non-member. Those individuals who are from "without" are offered campus parking (at our expense) and are recognized at certain program/social functions throughout the year. Many do note that they derive much satisfaction from being part of our program and often repeat their course in subsequent terms. We are indeed fortunate that we can attract many skilled and experienced Study Leaders. Summary: No paid instructors-- all volunteers.

From Kali Lightfoot, Senior College, Portland, ME
Ditto what Albertus Magnus does. The Portland (Maine) USM Senior College faculty are all volunteers. They DO get some perks - one year free membership, one free class per semester, free lunch for the semester ($4.00 value), a free copy of the book they will use if they don't already own it, invitation to the Faculty Recognition Dinner for them and their spouses/companions, and most coveted of all - a parking decal for the Faculty/Staff parking areas on campus good for one year. Most of the faculty are retired from the University or are area residents, so the parking decal is a great perk for them. We do have some regular faculty from the University who teach for Senior College and find the interaction with the students to be satisfying enough that they are willing to do it for free. We have 25 classes scheduled for Spring 2001.

From Marge Wyngaarden, Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
We does not pay instructors. We currently run about 40 courses. Some are for 2, 3 or more sessions. Acting on information supplied by EIN we contacted our state's Committee for the Humanities. For a fee of $35 annually that goes to the Committee, we had our choice of 3 speakers. We had our first this month and attracted more than 200 people to hear a terrific speaker from Princeton who lectured on "The English Language, where did it come from and where is it going." We have lined 2 more for the Spring semester -- one will be talking on the Supreme Court, sure to be real life au courant by Spring. This is one of the benefits of belonging to EIN. The resource information sent out by Nancy Merz is priceless.

From Polly Nelson, VIVA!, University of Denver, CO
We also do not pay our facilitators. Of the 20 courses scheduled for the coming winter quarter, 18 are discussion groups led by volunteers from the VIVA! membership. Two are also discussion classes, or lecture/discussion groups, led by emeritus professors. Since 99% of our facilitators, including the professors, come back to do it again--and again--and since our membership has grown in four years from 70 to 250 members, the intangible rewards must be great. The system works.

From Dick DiVeccio, Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College, CT
I’m putting my two cents in: we pay no fees to our facilitators, but we give them free membership ($15 per year), an invitation to a luncheon in the semester in which they teach, a token gift in appreciation of their efforts and the opportunity to sign up for courses without being subject to the lottery. We have a steady crop of people who wish to participate at this level and we run about 45 courses per semester, many of them new.

From Karl Kregor, RENESAN, Santa Fe, NM
At RENESAN in Santa Fe, when a curriculum committee member coordinates a course by rounding up and scheduling presenters, the compensation for the member is to attend the course at no charge. A 'presenter' or 'discussion leader,' however, receives an honorarium of $25.00 per hour. So for a single 2-hour lecture, the honorarium is $50.00. For a six or ten week course ( at 2 hours once a week), the honorarium would be $300.00 or $500.00, respectively.