BECOME A LEGACY SCHOLAR
The Center for Excellence in Aging and Health invites adults aged 55 and older, from Maine and elsewhere, to join with our students, faculty, and staff in shared scholarship and service in support of healthy, meaning‐filled aging.
Legacy Scholars are willing to participate as subjects in research studies on health and wellness in aging. What’s asked will vary by study. One study might involve only a survey. Another might include an interview or clinical evaluation in an office. Scholars choose the studies they wish to support.
Commitment
Serving as a Legacy Scholar involves volunteering for at least one research study in a given 3‐year period. Time commitments can vary from a few hours per year to a few hours per week depending on the individual. All Scholars support research at UNE by:
- Joining a list (registry) of persons interested in volunteering for research studies. Most will receive 2–5 study invitations per year.
- Filling out at least one questionnaire in a given year.
- Being willing, if invited, to sit for interviews with students from various professional disciplines.
- Attending an annual Scholars Breakfast where Scholars are honored for their service and faculty to present their research findings.
- Legacy Scholars are free to say “no” to any research or other activity that doesn’t correspond with their time, energy, or interest.
Initial Registration Survey
Becoming a Legacy Scholar is a two‐step process:
- Prospective Scholars complete the initial registration form. A more detailed registration process follows soon after and includes a consent form, study examples, and how privacy is protected. This information is reviewed by CEAH staff, and you will be assigned an ID number as a new Legacy Scholar.
- Final Registration occurs a week or two later. You will receive an online link by email (or a paper packet to your home if you choose) which explains the commitment to support research at UNE and a consent form to review. If you sign the consent, you will also be asked questions about your daily life, health, well being, and common challenges in aging. Your answers will help us link you with relevant studies and other activities. All personal information you provide is confidential. Once final registration is complete, you receive a nametag (i.e., to wear on campus), and information about open studies, attending classes, recording a life story, etc.
Cost
Membership is free. Scholars cover their own travel to classes and events.
Benefits
Scholars help to advance research at UNE, and lessons from this work may improve the lives of others. Once enrolled, Legacy Scholars become part of the UNE Family and are invited to sit in on courses, participate in cultural events, sit for recorded life story interviews, and join in other enrichment activities.
Coffee and Conversation
Legacy Scholars gather regularly for fellowship and lifelong learning. Topics range from lectures on art appreciation to discussions on environmental change. Our goal is to feature the intellectual and cultural strengths of UNE in these events.
Be In Touch
The CEAH offers a variety of opportunities to be engaged with others and involved in research. Contact Trisha Mason at tmason2@mng-cz.com to join our intergenerational engagement list.