Seneca Retirees' Association Manual | Advancement | Seneca Polytechnic

Seneca Retirees’ Association Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. About the Association 

3. Membership 

4. Governance & Board Structure 

5. Meetings & Committees 

6. Financial Management 

7. Programs & Activities 

8. Seneca Retirees' Association Bursary

9. Code of Conduct 

10. Communication & Records 

11. Amendments & Revisions

1. Introduction

This manual provides the guiding principles and operational framework for the Seneca Retirees’ Association (SRA). It is intended to support executive members, volunteers and SRA members in understanding the structure, policies and mission of the organization. 

2. About the Association

Legal status:  

The SRA is a non-profit retirement association established in the 1990s by Seneca retirees. 

Mission:  

The SRA supports and engages with the renewed identity of the Seneca Polytechnic community by celebrating its proud heritage and actively contributing to its future success in meeting the challenges and obligations of an ever-evolving academic world. Our mission is to create a community of caring and sharing where all SRA members feel connected, valued and informed. 

Vision:  

The SRA will accomplish this mission by providing a venue where retirees can meet and connect through emails, newsletters and luncheons.  Where possible, the SRA will also work with Seneca and outside organizations to help provide members with discounted opportunities, such as travel, laptops, computer software, insurance, cell phone plans, etc. The SRA will promote and support the SRA Endowed Bursary as our ongoing contribution to the future success of Seneca and its students. 

3. Membership

Eligibility:  

Open to all former Seneca employees who have 5 years of service and are retired. 

Membership fee:  

$29 for a lifetime membership (non-refundable). 

Member rights: 

• Participate in events and AGM meetings 

• Be eligible for executive or committee positions 

4. Governance & Executive Structure

Executive Roles:

President – Welcomes new members annually, attends Seneca events when invited and chairs meetings as required.

Vice President – Supports the President by attending events when the president is not available.  Takes notes at every meeting. Participates in all meetings when available. Looks for new bursary fundraising opportunities. 

Past President – Supports the board members with historical SRA information. Participates in meetings. 

Social Director – Looks for opportunities to engage members in social activities, such as the monthly lunch. Participates in meetings. 

Photo Director – Takes photos at events and has the photos published in the SRA monthly newsletter. Participates in meetings. 

Membership and Fundraising Director – Assists the SRA members with questions, looks for new opportunities to raise money for the SRA Bursary. Participates in meetings. 

Communications Director – Solicits content (e.g. newsworthy articles, poems, short-stories) for the SRA monthly newsletter. Participates in meetings.

Benefits Director – Looks for new cost-saving benefits for SRA members.  Participates in meetings. 

The executive will determine the size and roles of the executive as needed.  

5. Meetings & Committees 

• Annual General Meeting: Held annually, generally in May or June, and where possible in person 

• Executive meetings: Held as needed 

6. Financial management

• Lifetime membership fees go toward supporting the administration of the association

7. Programs & Activities 

• Monthly lunches: monthly luncheons at local establishments 

• Annual General Meeting: held on campus in the spring 

• Annual Holiday Luncheon: held on campus or off campus at a banquet facility such as Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club  

8. Seneca Retirees' Association Bursary

Purpose:  

Provides financial assistance to students with demonstrated need.   

Criteria:  

Awarded to a student enrolled in the second year of any program and has a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5. Eligible students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons, Ontario residents and have demonstrated financial need 

Award amount:  

Determined annually based on available endowment interest 

Funding sources: 

• Donations and fundraisers 

• Used laptop purchases from Seneca 

9. Code of Conduct

• Respectful, inclusive behavior is expected at all times 

• Harassment, discrimination or disruptive conduct may lead to membership review or removal 

• Executive members must declare conflicts of interest 

10. Communication & Records 

• SRA digest: Monthly newsletter sent via email by the Alumni team 

• Meeting minutes: Stored and shared with members upon request. 

• Privacy: The Seneca Retirees’ Association adheres to Seneca Polytechnic’s Privacy Policy  

11. Amendments & Revisions 

• This manual can be amended by a two-thirds vote of the SRA executive  

• Reviewed every two years by the executive