What is U3A?

What is U3A?

U3A is the acronym for 'University of the Third Age'. It is a worldwide organization which began in France in 1972 when legislation was passed that required universities to provide more community education.  In Australia we follow the British model where the ties to universities disappeared and it was determined that members themselves would decide upon the course structures and would run everything themselves.  This was introduced into Australia, Melbourne, in 1984.

The term ' university' is still used but only in the original sense of the word, i.e. a coming together of like-minded people with a common interest in learning.

What is Third Age?

Childhood is our first age.  The second is that of career and parental responsibility.  What follows thus becomes our third age or the age of active retirement.

What is U3A Online?

U3A Online - A Brief History

The processes and events leading to the funding of U3A Online are not important per se to this report. However, there are a number of misconceptions about how and why the project began, and why different personnel and organisations were involved.

Dorothy Braxton, a member of the Project Management Group, has written a detailed background explanation to ensure that an accurate version of events is available for those who would like it.

U3A Online is the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. All that's needed to study online is access to a computer, tablet or other device with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills.  U3A Online is an individual, independent and autonomous U3A.  U3A Online offers many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated.

The U3A Online website provides up-to-date contacts for all U3As that provide their information, as well as facilities for their members to exchange ideas, resources and information about U3A events. The wide range of helpful information, including news items, research reports and links to many interesting websites, will also prove useful to other groups of older people.

U3A Online is the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet.  https://www.u3aonline.org.au/home

U3A NSW News:  https://nsw.u3anet.org.au/newsletter/

U3A NSW:  https://nsw.u3anet.org.au/

U3A Australia Network:   https://u3aaustralia.org.au/

U3A Kiama:  https://kiama.u3anet.org.au/

U3A Wollongong:   https://wollongong.u3anet.org.au/

U3A Shoalhaven:   https://shoalhaven.u3anet.org.au

U3A Macarthur:  https://sites.google.com/view/macarthuru3a