Council activities include the following:

Assist/support members with queries about benefits
While direct assistance to all retirees is available from McMaster Retirement Support Services, the role of MURA is to support and facilitate contacts, and to identify and raise matters of general concern to the membership.

Represent members on the Pension Trust Committees
Council’s representatives on the Committees act as advocates for retirees’ concerns and ensure that matters of interest are brought to the attention of the membership.

Endorse University academic objectives by donation of scholarships
The annual donation of modest scholarships for Gerontological Studies from the funds of the Association reflects the members’ continuing commitment to the academic mission of the University, expressed in a way that is relevant to the membership.

Send cards and flowers to members/families as appropriate
These contacts are usually made in bereavement situations.

Write letters to new retirees
New retirees are informed of the role of MURA and invited to become active in the Association.

Maintain a database of retirees and other members of the Association
This file maintenance work facilitates the work of the Association while maintaining a friendly arms’ length from the University’s administrative departments and other campus entities.

Plan and organize trips and other events for members
These frequent excursions of many types are popular with a significant segment of the membership, who also enjoy the company of other McMaster retirees.

Publish a newsletter and maintain a website
The MURA news has been the main communication vehicle between Council and the membership and will continue to play a major role. This website is complementary to the newsletter providing timely up-to-date information for members. Many members elect not to receive the mailed hard-copy of the newsletter, in favour of accessing its content on the website.

Negotiate with other organizations special opportunities for members
MURA is a member of CURAC which provides all MURA members with an opportunity to participate in various benefits and opportunities negotiated Canada-wide by CURAC. Council also has made arrangements for MURA members to join CARP, Canada’s Association for the 50 Plus, at a reduced annual fee. Other opportunities are continuously sought.

Revised 26 February 2006