Original Query from Richard D. Tucker, Learning Institute for Elders, University of Central Florida, Orlando
I would like to know if any of the members of the EIN network can provide information on the following: Does your host institution offer any type of formal academic recognition (honorary degrees, certificates, etc) to long-time members of your ILR? The Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF is exploring such recognition with UCF and it would be helpful to know if there are any "models" for this out there. I look forward to hearing from you.

From Tom Holloway, U3A Organization, United Kingdom
Since the 470 local groups of the UK University of the Third Age don't actually have a "host institution" I was halfway to hitting the delete key -- but then thought ILR's and Elderhostel might like to hear more on that score. U3A in Britain is self-organised and self-funding, meeting in Church or Local Authority Halls (larger groups) and each other’s homes (smaller subject groups). You will find more information on that if you click on http://u3a.org.uk/Describes_U3A.html I think we've identified a cultural difference here. As you can imagine, the subject of 'recognition/certification' of our members comes up quite
regularly and it is always firmly rejected. That isn't to say we would discourage people from applying to Colleges or Universities as individuals, it is simply that our 'ethic' is that we learn for the sheer pleasure of doing it.

From Richard D. Tucker, Learning Institute for Elders, University of Central Florida, Orlando
I appreciate the "cultural differences" identified by Mr. Holloway, but I believe ALL ILR's are motivated by the love of learning. However, the recognition is as much for the institution to recognize these models of lifelong learning for our entire student body, as it is for recipients. I look forward to hearing from others.

From Mary Thompson RISE, Rivier College, Nashua, NH
I bet we will all be looking for other places to meet so it is good to hear that a program can work "off campus." Not only works, but works well -- with a growth of 15 percent per annum we would have had a problem too. Fortunately the less formal structure allows us to absorb new joiners and new groups quite easily. It's worth mentioning that Germany are now looking to promote 'Self-organised Learning” along the UK model' (their words. not mine) and I shall be speaking to that theme at a conference at University of Ulm in November. Way to go?

From Jean Thompson, Coordinator U3A Internetwork
My colleague, Tom Holloway, has answered this query by pointing out the benefits to members of 'teaching' in U3As and ILRs. May I add to this by pointing out that some Universities of the Third Age in other countries share Richard's views. An interesting example is the University of Laval, in Canada, where I saw the first three students given certificates, which were the equivalent of one year's undergraduate credit. I spoke to the ladies concerned and they were all delighted with this recognition of their hard work. The UTAs in Belgium are considering introducing special qualifications of achievement and UNITRE in Italy, (e.g. in Pavia) frequently gives certificates at the end of their academic year to successful students. De gustibus non est disputandum.