There are many advantages to becoming a member of the BCIT Retirees’ Association, and perhaps the greatest of these is the opportunity to maintain a rewarding connection with people you have worked with for many years. People who, like you, have also retired.
As we graduate into our retirement years, we face a very different dynamic in our lives; one that is unfamiliar, and without the structure of an established work week, and without exposure to the familiar faces we have seen on a day-to-day basis during our working careers.
With free time to do whatever we choose, we appreciate our retirement, but often find ourselves at loose ends. We miss the productivity that our jobs afforded us and we miss the connection with friends we have made at work. The transition to retirement can be a difficult experience, and at the very least it will take some time to settle into this new way of life.
The BCIT Retirees’ Association aims to provide members with an avenue to maintain those connections. We remain integrated with BCIT through our work with the BCIT Alumni Association, the BCIT Foundation and with the ongoing growth of the BCITRA Endowment Fund. RA members are invited to BCIT events, such as the Board of Governor’s Christmas Reception, Open House, Presentation Idol, and Convocation. Your ties to BCIT do not have to end because you have retired, our Association is recognized and welcomed by BCIT Administration in many ways.
Our Association is undergoing its own revitalization, and our membership is growing. We are in regular communication with our members through email providing: newsletters, information on upcoming events and activities, offering opportunities to volunteer within our organization and in the community, and extensive information on a wide variety of pertinent topics. We have a vibrant and current website that provides answers to questions and links to other helpful sites.
We invite you to join us, whether it is to just read the Newsletters, or to become actively involved in the events that we organize, we have no doubt that you will enjoy feeling connected once again.
Here are some perks that might pique your interest:
- Upon joining the BCITRA, the calendar year in which you join is free and regular dues begin the following January. You can either pay your Association fees on an annual basis or take advantage of the NEW reduced ten-year fee. The majority of the ten-year fee will be immediately contributed to the Endowment Fund which is established through the BCIT Foundation and provides bursary assistance for BCIT students.
- We communicate via email to keep members updated on what is happening in our Association. This includes but is not limited to newsletters and specific event reminders. All members are welcome to contribute articles for our Newsletters, these will be vetted by the Directors.
- BCITRA is affiliated with COSCO BC (Council of Senior Citizens’ Organization of BC). This is a very active organization and we have a delegate who attends their monthly meeting and brings relevant information to the Directors to share with the membership. This organization also has a Health and Wellness division which offers free workshops to interested parties.
- Our Association has an affiliation with Johnson Insurance. You will have access to group pricing for your medical, household and travel insurance that is competitive and will meet your needs.
- The Board of Directors facilitates events where members can socialize and enjoy themselves. Annual events include a Spring Luncheon and a Christmas Breakfast. In the past we have held monthly pub lunches in Burnaby which are planned throughout the year. In the past these events have been well attended and it is our hope to once again resume these when the Covid restrictions ease. Suggestions for future social events are always welcomed.
- The BCITRA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in March of each year, and we encourage all members to attend. This is an opportunity to hear reports from your Board of Directors regarding the activities that have taken place over the past year, and anticipated priorities going forward. You will hear speakers discuss topics pertinent to the membership, and representatives from BCIT Administration who will provide highlights and directions regarding BCIT activity. You will also vote for your new Board of Directors who will steer the ship, with your help and input, over the next year.
When you join the BCITRA, you will receive a membership card. Your membership card is your ‘key’ that will help access opportunities that are available to BCIT retirees.
These opportunities include:
- BCIT Retiree ID Card available from the Safety and Security Office. The BCIT Retiree ID Card will enable you to access the BCIT Library and services; BCIT fitness facilities and services; 24-hour Security escorts through the Safer Walk program; and entry to events.
- Your Retiree ID Card will enable you to enroll in BCIT courses that are offered through part-time studies as an ‘audit’ learner, and will be dependent on whether the class fills prior to term start.
- Present your BCITRA membership card at the Safety and Security Office to receive a Retirees’ parking permit (renewed yearly). The Retirees’ parking permit will allow you to park in any student lots on the Burnaby campus (all visitors lots and staff lots are restricted. Note restricted lots are identified on the permit).