Sustaining members were asked to complete a membership survey in February 2026. Of the total sustaining members, 234 individuals submitted information for a 44% survey response rate. Survey respondents provided a significant number of suggestions to the requests for feedback, which the UIRA Board of Directors, Program Planning Committee, and Membership Committee are reviewing to determine ways in which suggestions can be implemented over the next year.
The results of the survey are provided below.
| How long have you been a member of UIRA? (234 responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Less than one year | 13 | 5% |
| 1-5 years | 100 | 43% |
| 5 or more years | 121 | 52% |
| Which of the following are important to you as a UIRA member? Check all that apply. (233 responses) | |
|---|---|
| Retaining my connection to and remaining informed about the University of Iowa | 186 |
| Engaging with other UI retirees | 119 |
| Attending educational and cultural programs | 192 |
| Attending social events | 74 |
| Learning about Medicare and health insurance options through UI Benefits and SHIIP presentations | 108 |
| Receiving the Gray Hawk newsletter | 198 |
| Attending interest group activities | 87 |
| Other | 3 |
| What could the UIRA provide to add more value to your life in retirement? (178 responses) | |
|---|---|
| More opportunities for social engagement | 46 |
| More organized volunteer opportunities in the local or UI community | 70 |
| More special interest groups, i.e., Explorers walking group, a Travelers Forum, Arts Group, or Book Club. | 69 |
| More or different educational programs | 108 |
| Other | 9 |
| How often do you attend UIRA programs or events? (234 responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Regularly (monthly) | 37 | 16% |
| Occasionally (once or twice a semester) | 113 | 48% |
| Rarely (once per year) | 75 | 32% |
| Never | 9 | 4% |
| What time of day do you prefer that we offer programs and events? (230 responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. to noon | 25 | 9% |
| Noon to 1 p.m. | 46 | 18% |
| 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | 87 | 33% |
| No preference | 104 | 40% |
| Do you enjoy having social time and refreshments as part of UIRA programs/events? (229 responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 97 | 42% |
| No | 8 | 4% |
| No preference | 124 | 54% |
| How satisfied are you with your UIRA membership? (227 responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Satisfied | 221 | 97% |
| Dissatified | 6 | 3% |