1) How old do I have to be to join RAPSU? 

50 or over

2) Do I need to be retired?

No. Many of our members are still working or working part-time.

3) Do I need to be a PSU graduate or be associated with PSU to belong?  

            No. RAPSU is for any senior.

4) Who is the youngest member of RAPSU?

Thomas Lauderdale, founder of Pink Martini, has adopted us and is an honorary member of RAPSU.

5)  How many members do you have?

Our 2012 membership roster to date has 189 members, 101 singles and 44 couples. 

6) What are the dues?

$15 for singles and $25 for couples.  Dues can be paid from September to November for the 2011/12 year.  Membership of new members joining after March 1, 2011 will extend until September 2013.

7) Where are the meetings held?

In the Cascade Room (Room 236) Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway., on the PSU campus.  

Two of the meetings may be musical programs which will be held in Lincoln Hall Room 326. In this venue there are no refreshments allowed.

To see a PSU Campus Map Click Here.  Here is an enlargement containing Smith Center.

8) When are the meetings?

A reception with coffee and cookies starts at 12:30 PM. Announcements are at 12:50, and the programs start at 1:00 PM and finish at 2:00 PM 

The dates of the September and January meetings may differ depending on the dates of Labor Day and New Year's Day. There is only one meeting in September. In October and November and February through May the meetings are usually on the first and second Thursday of the month.   

Depending on special events at PSU we sometimes have to change the dates and/or venues. Changes in meeting dates or venues will be announced in the newsletter or can be seen on Upcoming  Programs. There are no formal meetings in December or June. To see the dates for 2011/12 Click Here.

9) What type of programs does RAPSU have?

Our program committee tries to have diverse programs that will appeal to people with different interests. To see a list of the programs since 2006 Click Here.

10) What are the social aspects of RAPSU?

Before each program there is a social gathering from 12:30 to 12:50 PM.  Cookies and coffee are served.  From 12:50 to 1:00 announcements are made.

There is a Holiday Luncheon the first Thursday in December and a less formal luncheon the first Thursday in June.

11) What is the administrative structure of RAPSU?

RAPSU has a Constitution and Bylaws.

RAPSU is run by the Board Officers and Committees.

The Board meetings are open to members. Dates and place of the meetings are in the Newsletter and Upcoming Programs.

12) What is RAPSU's connection to the SALC (Senior Adult Learning Center)?

·        RAPSU is sponsored by SALC.  SALC's Program Director, Dr. Jost Lottes, is on the  RAPSU Board.

·        Age for joining: anyone 50 or older for RAPSU; 65 for SALC (Oregon residents only)

·        Dues: RAPSU, $15 for singles/$25 for couples;  SALC, no dues, tuition-free

·        You can audit classes through SALC without joining RAPSU.  You can join RAPSU without auditing classes.

·        Gifts to RAPSU are not tax-deductible.  Gifts to SALC are tax-deductible.

13) Is there a connection between RAPSU and RAPS (Retirement Association of PSU)?

No. RAPS is composed of retired employees of the PSU working faculty and staff 55 years of age or older and retired personnel from other accredited colleges or universities. Spouses and/or widows or widowers of these employees are also eligible for membership.  They have a completely different mission, dues structure and program schedule from RAPSU.  To learn more about RAPS Click Here.

14) When is the RAPSU Newsletter published?

      About a week before each month in which there are meetings.

15) Can I receive the newsletter by email rather than US Mail?

      Yes.  We encourage this to help us save postage.

16) Can I receive the newsletter if I don’t belong to RAPSU?

Yes.  We cannot mail newsletters to non-members, but we will put you on the email list.  To request to be on the email list Click Here.