FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SSI
What is SSI?
We are a non-profit, all volunteer organization affiliated with Portland Community College/PCC
Foundation and whose members are life-long learners striving to share common interests in
several educational areas.
We depend upon and invite our members to help in our efforts to provide these learning
opportunities. Without volunteers, we would not exist much less thrive.
Who can become a member?
Anyone can become a member, not just seniors. There is no age limit.
How much does membership cost?
$40/year for individuals, $70/year for couples. SSI’s year begins September 1 and ends August 31. Membership includes access to all classes and activities.
How can I become a member?
Online credit card payment is available which is easier and faster… Highlight and go to www.pcc.edu/ssi and follow the instructions.
Download a membership application from our website under the “Join Us” menu tab or
highlight and go to www.ssipdx.org/join-us.html. Print the form and fill it out, then mail it with your check, payable to PCCF, to the address at the bottom of the application.
Where are your presentations, activities and current events discussions located?
We are resuming physical gatherings, post COVID, on a limited basis currently. Check the weekly email newsletter for location. The remaining SSI activities are conducted online using the Zoom platform with the link for participation included in the newsletter.
How often are your classes/presentations held?
Our activity schedule is published weekly to our members in an email newsletter. We have activities throughout the week, dependent upon your interests. Each term schedule, as it falls within the year (Fall, Winter and Spring), is posted on our website.
Do I have to register before I can participate in SSI activities?
Possibly for the streaming classes due to a licensing agreement which will be noted in our
newsletter.
Non-members may attend as a guest in up to two (2) activities prior to becoming a member of SSI by contacting ssimembership2@gmail.com.
What kinds of classes and activities do you host?
Class presentation topics vary widely. We have had presentations about Irish history, Oregon wineries, well-known artists, and many others. We also have courses from Wondruim (formerly Great Courses) and 1-Day University and are continuously looking into other professional online lectures and courses (at no extra charge to our members).
Our other activities include Poetry and Play Reading, Book and Film discussion groups and Current Events discussion groups.
Can I get credit at PCC for attending SSI presentations?
No, our presentations are not accredited. Members attend our sessions because they enjoy learning.
Does SSI give tests or grades for their sessions?
No. Again, our presentation classes are not accredited – there are no tests or grading – only learning opportunities.
Who presents SSI sessions?
Many are presented by our members while others are presented by non-members who may be experts on that topic. All presentation topics are developed and approved by our Curriculum Committee.
Can new members present classes?
Yes. There are many opportunities for new members to contribute to SSI, including presenting a class. You can click on the “Suggest A Class” tab on our website, complete and submit your suggestion to the email address indicated.
How does SSI communicate with its members?
SSI communicates to its members three ways.
Newsletter
Website
Zoom
Our newsletter is distributed via email on a weekly basis and as needed for special
announcements. Paid members are automatically added to the email list.
Our website, ssipdx.org, is updated as needed and is open to the public.
We moved our learning activities from the traditional classroom setting to the virtual
world of the Zoom learning environment during the COVID pandemic.
Since the world is now opening up from “stay in place”, we are striving to have a robust program of presentations and activities offered on the Zoom platform as well as in-person gatherings simultaneously (on a limited basis currently).
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact
Membership at SSIMembership2@gmail.com.