Additional Material – UMD Retired Faculty Association

Things to Read (articles, additional information, etc.)

TST March 2025 Survey – Open-Ended Results

The following are the open-ended questions asked in the March 2025 TST survey. They have been edited only slightly to correct spelling errors and similar things. The only things removed are answers that may reveal the name of the responder and “non-answers” such as “no.”

Q7. If you do not read TST at all, please tell us why, and thoughts on what we could do to give TST more value so you would read it?

Busy with other things
“Did not know it existed. I was previously not able to find and info re the retired faculty association which was surprising, given the potential brain power that exists…
Far too many other things to read; cannot imagine what would make the newsletter of greater interest to me.
I hadn’t heard of it till this survey.
I live far from the university now, but I am thinking of moving back to the Collage Park area in a few years and reconnecting with the university. At that point I would like to engage with the retired faculty and ARHU in general.
I scan each issue, but don’t have the time to read it thoroughly. I get lots of newsletters and this sone doesn’t “grab” me as important.
I skim TST and generally ignore the self-indulgent essays by UMD retirees who assume everyone else finds what they are doing in retirement interesting.
I was not aware of TST before now.
I’m retired from UMD but not retired. I’ll take a look soon!
If I knew what its goal was, probably I would read it, or at least part of it.
“In the past few years I have been very distracted working on finishing a book, doing a lot of editing, otherwise being involved with sustainability issues . So more reading was just not inviting. But some critical information has been helpful.
Just forget to open and read TST consistently.
Just joined the group

Q9. Are there features or specific essays you would like us to add to TST (e.g., types of essays, additional information, anything else)

Articles about potential volunteer opportunities, esp. if possible to specify opportunities by category related to time flexibility and skill areas. And/or set up a presentation workshop for retired faculty (perhaps on zoom) for interested parties!
Budget outlook for university
Coverage is good now – I have no changes to suggest.
“Engagement opportunities for emeritus facility within the university and with external organizations-enhancing the “brand” of emeritus faculty as sources of innovation and expertise with internal and external constituencies.
Essays on research advances and current events would be interesting.
Have you thought about asking for responses to what people write? questions they might have in response to a given essay.
History of retired faculty achievements,
How about something from the athletic dept.
How the University has changed since we retired.
I don’t know.
keep going
More information on our state and federal laws, services, and resources regarding the elderly
More information on specific campus activities.
new to retirement, so this seems just right
No. I think TST is a nice benefit as written.
perhaps a section on area activities, events, volunteer opportunities for those of us still in the Delmarva area
Surprise me
The essays are enjoyable to read and hear about colleagues
UMD news, issues facing higher education
What happening in College Park
While we have access to the ongoings of the university and charting the current challenges, it would be useful to have reflections on past times when the university persevered through state budget or other difficulties. Links to updates on the university’s work within the Big Ten and the early stages of new offices, such as the Center for Community Engagement.

Q10. Are there things you think we can eliminate from TST?

As indicated in Q7, the self-indulgent essays by retired faculty on their activities are boring. If you want to include something like that, shorten the essays by 50%.
Could do without the Trivia.
I do not think so.
I don’t know.
I think the newsletter is wonderful as it is, and I am very grateful to those who have given their time to make it so. as for question 11, my answer is really “not at this time.”
Latest Chapters
“Need to improve embedded figures as these sometimes are bigger than the screen.
The next question should allow for other option such as maybe in a year.”
No
no, it’s a good collection of topics
“No.
Regarding the next question, there ought to be a Maybe Circle.
It is possible I was recently asked by Marie Howland. I am thinking about it. “
No. The current format covers a good balance of topics.
None really
Terrapin Trivia
too much pre-retirement info, so much can be gotten in other ways and once retired has become irrelevant.
You can never tell what your readership will be interested in except when you keep repeating the same things over and over.

Q12. Do you find UMDRFA of use to you as a retiree, and why?

It is very interesting to read about what retired faculty are doing — every story is unique.
I also enjoy reading about the history of UMD and seeing how well I do with the monthly trivia contest.
Some of the information presented about the prescription drug transition was very useful.
Have not used it.”
All of the support and information regarding the SOM change of our prescription drug benefits was immensely helpful. I like reading the updates from retired colleagues.
As a recent retiree, I enjoy reading TST and feeling connected with other retirees.
Besides talking with other UMCP retirees, this is my only other source of information. The news here in very informative.
“Certainly appreciated the information during the RX challenges
Enjoy the articles re: retiree adventures & activities; Anne’s trivia contributions.”
Connection.
Enjoy hearing about activities and lives of other retirees.
general information for retirement
Good information
“Good suggestions
Keeping in touch with campus”
Good to know what former colleagues are doing.
Have found no use at all so far & have been both extremely surprised & disappointed!! I went to the website, which, as I recall, had little to no information of interest. Perhaps I missed something?
I enjoy reading about other retirees and hearing their talks.
I find it interesting but not so much in it helping me.
I find it useful as my major continuing connection to the university.
“I hear nothing from my faculty about Departmental research projects and so cannot encourage.
children of my former students. What are some examples of journal publications about Human.
Development. Why are my repeated requests for such information ignored – because Maryland research is insignificant?”
I really like the Zoom meetings and presentations.
I’m planning to check it out more.
Information about other retirees
Interesting to read what other retirees have been doing.
It is an extension of our time at the university. I have had the pleasure of meeting other retirees from other colleges in my post university activities and pursuits.
It keeps me connected with other colleagues.
It was very useful in announcing the changes in the drug prescription plan AND in giving information on how to get new plans.
It’s nice to know what other retirees are doing.
keeps me informed about issues of importance to retirees and keeps me connected to UMD
Marginally. I’ve moved on to a new phase of my life.
News
NO
no as missed seeing it
Not OF USE exactly BUT I ENJOY READING IT.
Not of use per se, but interesting.
Not really
Not really, I want to stay connected, but don’t really see this as a worthwhile mechanism.
Not really. So far I have not found it to be important, effective or useful. The monthly publication is a pleasant read .
Sense of community and shared interests is useful. Thank you for your efforts.
some what interesting.
Somewhat but not essential.
Somewhat, because it gives me a sense of connection to UMD.
Sure, it reflects what other retirees are thinking about
The articles on activities that retirees pursue are helpful for considering my own pursuits.
The connection on topics of interest
Updates on state/university policy and procedure that potentially impact my retirement benefits, services or opportunities
Very useful to stay connected,
yes
Yes– the articles are interesting to me…. and generally, it keeps me connected to UMD.
Yes, because it keeps me informed about topics that I would not normally read from other sources.
Yes, for info on benefits.
Yes, for providing information.
Yes, I particularly like the webinars on senior health and well-being
Yes, informative.
Yes, it has been helpful both in terms of information related to retirement issues, as well as to know how others experience this transitional phase.
Yes, it is valid. It keeps me in contact with the University.
Yes, it makes UM very human and relatable.
Yes, it’s nice to hear that we have an active group of retirees and also to hear about how they are coping with retirement
Yes, keeps me in touch with the campus
Yes, networking information
Yes, several articles have been beneficial.
yes, there is new and useful information and I enjoy hearing about some of my former colleagues
Yes, though I am actively working at another university, and still not retired from there, it is coming and I value the wisdom of the collective facutly, some of whom I know.
Yes, though I am not sure if membership is automatic or there are things that I need to do to continue membership.
Yes, to see what other retirees are doing.
Yes, useful to get UMD information and the hear about what other retirees are doing.
Yes, very useful for staying oriented.
Yes. Update on UMCP
Yes. Keeps me up to date on happenings.
Yes. I can keep up with UMD
Yes. In many cases it is a connection to old friends. Also helps to an extent to salve my yearning for information on how the university is coping with current times. And the information on benefits is essential to life after life.
yes. Keeps me informed
Yes. The Department of Plant Science & LA has totally forgotten about retirees. I get nothing from it — no contact whatsoever. So monthly information from UMDTFA is appreciated.
Yes. Contains valuable information,
Yes. I learned about the change in prescription drug insurance.
Yes. It does provide a connection to my past life at UMD.
“Yes. Keeping connection alive
Yes. Keeping in touch with University life.
“Yes. Useful topics of retiree experiences.

Q13. What can UMDRFA do to make it more valuable to you and other retirees?

I believe this is already in place but might be more emphasized — information about upcoming events that might be of interest to the retired UMD faculty — perhaps more Zoom offering allowing retired faculty to hear directly from various leaders of the campus — what they are currently trying to accomplish; what challenges the campus is facing giving current political currents, etc. etc.
Nothing
Add a section on current Maryland campus events
“Advice on making better use of retirement years. I really enjoyed recent seminar on how lives matter
As indicated above, publish essays on research advances and current events, broadly defined.
As stated previously, more information on laws, services, and resources for the elderly and retired.
At this point, I don’t know.
Can’t think of something right now
Continue attention to senior-specific concerns, from health care to insurance to comprehensive care senior communities.
continue to actively advocate for recognition of the value of UMD retirees to the university
continue to keep us informed
“Continue to provide information about retiree benefits.
Keep us informed on how we get new parking permits, Programs that are of interest to retirees, etc.”
Continue to provide updates on bemefits.
Continue to publish articles relative to our survival. I find most information provided of some use.
Don’t know.
“Establish a volunteer post-faculty response committee, including non-tenured members of current
staff. “
Fine as is
Have an effective voice that politicians will pay attention to. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to achieve it.
Health related topics or webinars are one of the most relevant topics that we all face.
Here is a suggestion. Each month highlight an issue facing the University or the country as a whole and elicit responses from the membership. This could be a poll or a request for a short statement. The results could be published in a subsequent issue of The Silver Term. Suggestions for the issues highlighted could come from the membership.
Hold workshops on benefit changes, particularly pharmaceutical benefit plan. These plans are changing constantly and it is hard to keep up.
I can’t think of anything off the top of my head that is not already covered.
I do not now know because I do not read it (or get it, to my knowledge).
I don’t have any ideas to contribute
I have no suggestions at this time.
I have nothing to suggest. Because I live sufficiently distant from the UMD campus, I have almost no reason to participate in events held on campus.
I LIKE HEARING ABOUT WHAT OTHER RETIRED FOLKS ARE DOING, HAVE DONE. Gives me a sense of still belonging to a community even if no longer “employed.”
I like the range of topics. A specific item I would like to know more about is in-home living. There has already been at least one good article on this.
I really do not know what it does, I cannot answer your question
“I suspect that lots of continue to do academic work in some way. I am.
But, I have no idea what various resources of multiple kinds the Univ. might make available to me.
Do you need? Help with? “
I think this 1st year of the Silver Terp has been great.
I’d be interested in knowing more about current conditions at UM, e.g. stats on enrollment, hiring, departments.
I’d like to hear about retirees who decided to move away from their research and scholarly pursuits and turn their life in a different direction. I’ve frankly been a little intimidated by the fact that most of the stories (“latest chapter”) are generally about people who are research/academic superstars and continue to be after retirement. That’s great for them (though honestly it sometimes feels like they can’t let go of the “look at how wonderful my CV is” attitude that dominated their life in academia), but there are also others who perhaps have no interest in continuing to pursue academic interests. I’d like to hear from people who have found other was to create lives with grace.
“I’ll write an essay but not for now…too much to do for the next several months….
As for what to do to make more valuable, perhaps more on the history of UMCP and the state/country.
It does have a rich (and mixed…) history.”
I’m satisfied with what I get from UMDFRA.
I’m sorry, but I’m depleted of good ideas right now. I’ll reply to you by e-mail as soon as I have some.
“In -person lectures and workshops.

I attend in-person classes through OLLI at American University and find them very stimulating intellectually. They also help introduce me to people who have had extraordinary careers that are fascinating. Could UMD do that??”
Information about how difference academic disciplines are adjusting to having retirees as members of professional organizations
It would be nice if it were possible to provide help in identifying other UMDRFA members who live in the area. I wish there were occasional social gatherings.
it’s fine
Just joined so not sure
Just keep doing what you are doing. All of the work you did on the change in our prescription coverage was very helpful.
Just keep up the great work. The newsletter is greatly appreciated.
Keep an eye on the issues affecting retirees.
Keep doing what you are doing
Keep going!!
Keep providing information relevant to retirees.
Keep recruiting new retirees
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the great work! Anytime UMDRFA can provide verified information about issues facing retirees (e.g., aging in place, health care, retirement benefits, State budget challenges, health/nutrition/exercise, etc), it’s a valued service. Thank you!
Keep up what you are doing if you can.
Let us know what its goal is.
List person to contact for particular issues. For example, I recently received an email telling me to stop using my umd.edu email for personal business. I have been using it for the past 21 years, since I retired. Why this message now?
Many things. I’d potentially (?) be interested in being involved somehow, or at least have things to suggest, as I’m still in the area & my husband & I (both retired July 2024) are both interested in various activities. Some obvious activities are talks on how to feel somehow useful or effective in this dire political situation (for people who do not wish to go downtown and protest)- perhaps through some volunteering (IF flexible with time as we travel). Also– cyber security talks, and various other things.
Maybe more about housing alternatives. Anyone living in Co-housing or tiny house or communal space?
Maybe something about the impact of the Trumps policy on UMD and the local economy.
More campus information.
More explanatory scholarly articles for a general audience
More information about upcoming events ( on campus or beyond)?
More of the same
More scholarly articles
More things about what is happening on campus. Large initiatives, building projects, etc. For example, the status of the Purple Line.
Need to have a mixture of helpful items and those that are just fun. More information about things that might stimulate the readers to do something new.
Needed to stand out more in the email listing as I get many per day.

No clear idea. I am member of several non-profit clubs and our biggest problem is to get members to interact. Here I am the recipient of being asked – the opposite of the problem I usually have and I don’t see how to solve that problem from the other side. No ideas on how to do it, bbut I wish you luck.
no comment
No suggestions at this time.
Not sure
Not sure. I’m giving it some thought
Nothing comes to mind
nothing that I can think of at this time.
Nothing.
Obtain discounts for unsold tickets to sports and arts events on campus
Organize an open monthly or bi-monthly informal happy hour, simply time and place
Perhaps a more analytical, if not critical, commentary on the university and its current policies.
perhaps a website.
perhaps virtual events in addition to those already planned; ca book club?
Please schedule lectures on different days of the week and at different times. I have another weekly obligation every Wednesday at 1pm so I can never attend the lecture.
Poll each college and se what the retoirees are located, and wha tey;doing
Presently, think it serve a valuable function, and I appreciate the communications and representation on campus.
Publicize future events that might be interesting to retirees; organize group trips to events or locations
Recent changes at umd
See previous comments
Seek ways to better integrate retirees into the broader university community.
Try to bring more benefits to retirees– without costing the University more money
Updates from the University Senate are useful.
What Ever
Would like to see lifelong learning opportunities, even if it is just a lecture here and there on interesting topics (history, art, current events, etc.).
Would love to hear more on how the university if dealing with current problems in Maryland.