Who we are and what we do

Welcome from the Chairman

U3AC is one of the largest and certainly the oldest ‘university of the third age’ in the country. We offer over 300 room based courses and physical activities, such as walking groups, to our members.

Our year follows the academic cycle, with three terms of ten weeks each, starting in October. Most members join at the start of the year (Aug-Sept), but new members are welcome at any time.

At U3AC you’ll find people who share your interests and enthusiasms, who want to keep mentally and physically active, who like a bit of structure in their week. We know it’s all good for us, but we do it because it’s enjoyable. Once you’re a member you may decide to run a course or activity yourself. Alternatively, you could volunteer to help with the administration that keeps the organisation running smoothly.

During 2021 the organisation is somewhat in transition, as we adapt to the new ways of learning that the Covid pandemic has necessitated. The core of what we do is unchanged, but it will be delivered in more diverse ways. Rather than offering only face-to-face or video-conference (Zoom) classes, we will be offering classes in which some members are in the room and others are attending remotely (the “hybrid” model)

As a charity we are run by our elected Board of Trustees (‘the Council’). Day-to-day organisation is managed by our three, tireless staff members from offices in central Cambridge. While they are generally your first point of contact, I am always happy to hear from members.

Tim Ewbank