Sharing Cost Saving Ideas Wichian Rojanawon, University of Massachusetts, Boston Lisa Strickland, University of Alabama, Huntsville Rebecca Lawrence, San Diego State University Jennifer Kidwell, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa October 13, 2009

Using New Technology Constant Contact Pingg PD Express Video Conference Technology Day Website as a Focus Point of Information—handouts on line

Reducing Personnel Budget Using Stipended Volunteers Using Work-Study Students Members as Office Volunteers Reducing Office Hours

Results Reduced ½ of the printing/postage costs in less than a year – a saving of over $12,000 Save staff time Reduce mistakes Improve turn around time and planning time

Using Incentives to Generate More Revenues “Cutting expenses alone is not enough, we need to increase revenues” Changing the Membership Structures Explore “Added Value” for Being an OLLI Member Making a deal with organizations that want to give “Perks” for their volunteers or clients

Reducing Operating Cost Catalog Cost Print and mail cost continued to rise with the increase in courses and instructors Edit the course descriptions and instructor bios to keep the size of the catalog to 20 pages and affordable to print and mail.

Reducing Operating Cost Catalog Cost Course descriptions are limited to 140 words Printed instructor bios are limited to 75 words Full course descriptions and bios are listed on the web site, where real estate is plenty

Reducing Operating Cost Member Newsletter Cost Printing cost and postage continued to rise Members were surveyed by for opting to receive monthly newsletter by vs. USPS New and renewing members select their preference on membership form 60% now receive by only

Reducing Operating Cost Course handouts Curriculum committee funds 4 to 6 copies per student in each class If the course dictates more handouts, then each student in the class is charged a nominal printing fee, disclosed in the course description, and collected in class

Mobilizing Members to Cut Cost Office Volunteers Staff membership office 1.Help with registration each term 2.Collect and process new memberships 3.Answer new members’ questions both by phone and in person

Mobilizing Members to Cut Cost Classroom Volunteers Equipment facilitator 1.Assign a facilitator for the class and provide training on equipment 2.Facilitator makes sure needed equipment is in the classroom on time and in working order 3.Frees up university staff

Mobilizing Members to Cut Cost Classroom Volunteers Class facilitators 1.Make copies of handouts 2.Make coffee, check on supplies, take attendance 3.Put classroom back in order at the end of the session 4.Frees up university staff and lets instructor focus on teaching

Jennifer’s Rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk Jack believed! WE believe in the OLLI program and lifelong learning. Jack and his mom needed resources to survive. A wise man gave Jack “magic beans” to bring growth to his family- our OLLI programs.

Magic Beans The magic beans are the resources around us that allow us to grow without spending $$$$- A. Marketing B. Curriculum and Instructors C. Administration and Facilities

Plant the seeds Have an open mind, plant the seeds in the leadership of your OLLI, your administration and the local political powers that be……….. Develop relationships with your University Administration. Develop a relationship with your OLLI. Assume Positive attitude

Overcome the Giant Defend your program Never leave anyone behind The Goose -layer of your Golden Egg. Contribution

Partnering with the College College provides some in-kind support OLLI Director and Coordinator Outreach opportunities: cross-promote International Conversation Partners

Partnering with the Marketing Department Focus on being strategic -Make each dollar count Annual marketing plan -Introduction, Summary, Strategies, Action Plan, Evaluation

Partnering with the Marketing Department Campaign style approach Social media Tracking

Partnering with the Marketing Department Getting to know our audience: survey Focus group Paper survey Findings

Partnering with the University Student volunteers Bookstore coupon for members Write-up in alumni newsletter Recruiting instructors