Original Query from Jory Peterson, University for Seniors, U of MN-Duluth
We are housed on the University of Minnesota Duluth Campus in designated rooms in the Student Union. 87% of our study groups and lectures and social events take place in the Student Union. The other 13% take place in other campus locations or off campus. My question is, are there any other LLIs that are housed almost exclusively in the host institution's Student Union? We are writing an article in collaboration with the Student Union on our situation and want to know if we are unique. Thanks for your help.

From Mary Quinn Burkhart, Academy for Lifelong Learners, Auburn University, AL
We are not housed in the Student Union, but we are expecting to be in about 5 years when the new union is built. I would very much like to have information about your arrangement to take to our next meeting with the campus planners---when you get a chance!

From Jory Peterson, University for Seniors, U of MN-Duluth
Hi Mary, I was cleaning out my email and came across yours. Sorry for the delay. We rent a small room in the student center which we use as an unmanned office - phone, small copier, computer and printer, mail boxes and space for small meetings (5 people). This Hub (what we named through a contest) is located next to the spaces we use for classrooms. We have two rooms that are designated for US from 8:00-5:00 M-F for each of our 8-week sessions. We also can reserve larger meeting rooms in the student center at no charge. Other dept. on campus have to pay for use of the larger rooms. Several years ago I decided that we should be contributing to the center and I wanted to present a proposal to the director before he asked me for rent. We "donate" 7% of our dues income - figured at the end of our year in the spring. I came up with the 7% figure because that is the amount of the traditional students contribution to the center from their "fees" that they pay with each registration. It seems to work for us. The student center also provides us with AV equipment which they deliver and pick up and maintain. We have a very nice arrangement. The director of the student center is very supportive of the program as is our catering operation which gives us all kinds of breaks on food and beverages because we are such good customers.