U3A or University of the Third Age is not really a university – there are no tests or exams and no competition. It’s a learning community for people 55+ who are retired or semi-retired. It’s a place where we share our skills and talents for the benefit of all.

U3A Mornington started in 1991 and has grown into one of the largest U3As in Victoria, with more than 1200 members and over 180 courses and activities on offer each year.

Volunteering is the keystone of all U3As. Everyone at U3A Mornington is a volunteer. Our Tutors who teach or lead groups and activities are volunteers. Similarly, all the many tasks of timetabling classes, maintaining the buildings and equipment, paying the bills and keeping members informed, are carried out by volunteers.

Our campus buildings are leased from Mornington Peninsula Shire. Rental costs and all other expenses are covered by the income from membership fees. A committee composed of a dozen or so key volunteers meets monthly to deal with management issues, and plan for future growth and development.

Due to COVID, the Office will be closed until further notice.

Here is a map with the layout of the campus

The membership fee for 2023 is $60.00 which entitles you to enrol in up to 15 courses throughout the year.

Restricted Members can join for $10.00. Restricted members have access to a small number of face-to face and Zoom courses. They may also have access to some plus one speaker events during the year.

In 2023, Restricted Courses will include:

• 23GAM07: Cryptic Crossword-Beginners- Zoom
• 23LIF02: Meditation for a balanced life- Zoom
• 23LIF03: Journey to Tranquility-Zoom
• 23LIF04: Buddhism-Ongoing Insight-Zoom
• 23LIF08: Intro to Buddha’s teaching – weekend retreat
• 23LIF09: Living younger longer-Tuesday-Zoom
• 23LIF10: Living younger longer-Thursday-Zoom
• 23SNG01: Sing till you grin!
• 23YOG02: Chair Yoga-Zoom

As our members are in a vulnerable age group, we prefer that all members have been fully vaccinated for COVID when they attend our face to face classes.

• COVID awareness, social distancing, ventilation of rooms and hygiene are paramount.
• Mask wearing may be required.
• There will generally be a 30 min break between classes to avoid overcrowding. Members must leave and arrive promptly.
• Social distancing will be required in all classes.
• Members must bring their own cup if desired.
• All members are asked not to attend classes if they feel unwell.

Your membership badge makes it easy for tutors and other members to get to know you. It includes details of your emergency contact in case of accident or illness.  It also shows your Membership Number, which you’ll need to login to UMAS and enrol in courses. Please wear it at all times when at a U3AM activity.

The Office is open 10.00 am – 12.00 midday weekdays (closed school holidays). If you are a new member or have mislaid your badge, you can print your badge at home or collect one from the office.  Print a membership badge

Our website has a wealth of information for members and tutors about our U3A. It is also where you pay your annual membership fee, check out the course details and enrol for courses. Enrolling online is quick and easy – clear instructions are on the website.

A word that may be new to you is UMAS (‘yoo-mass’). The letters stand for U3A Member Administrative System. If someone tells you to ‘look on UMAS’, it means the list of courses on the website.

Our courses include art & craft, languages, performing arts, discussion, film & book clubs, science & technology, games, exercise, excursions, speakers and many social activities. See the full list.

Our tutors take all care when they are running our courses, but you are fully responsible for the state of your health and you must take all reasonable steps not to place yourself or other members in danger.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor to ensure that you are physically able to undertake any courses or activities in which you enrol.

These simple instructions will guide you through the process

If you are a Current Member, please download enrolment instructions for Existing members.

If you are  a New Member, please download enrolment instructions for New members

If you prefer a short video, click here

How to enrol using your Smartphone Click here

You can easily reset your forgotten password by following the links below the SUBMIT button on the Login Page.

You can download instructions here.

No need to phone the Office. You can check yourself by following these 4 simple steps:

Is my course on this week

Can’t find a course that you like just now, but would still like to join so you can receive our news updates?

Follow these instructions .  Select our “Dummy course”   Category: SUBS     Course: 23SUB01 .

Please note: if you select this option, a refund of your membership fee is not available.

Your tutor is volunteering their time to prepare and run the course. Please ensure that you apologise if you are unable to attend.

Please do this using My Absences on UMAS.  A number of unexplained absences may cause you to lose your place in courses that have waiting lists.

If you wish to withdraw from a course because your circumstances have changed or perhaps the course is not what you expected,  login to UMAS, select My Enrolments and Request Removal. An email will be sent to our course administration team.

There is often competition for car spaces. Our classes are timetabled with a half-hour break before the next class occupies the room. Please ensure that you leave promptly when your class is finished and do not linger in the car park. Only vehicles with a permit are allowed to park in the disabled spaces (including the adjoining yellow striped areas). If you have to park in the street, avoid blocking driveways or causing other problems for residents.

Throughout the year you’ll receive Currawong catch-up, an emailed  news bulletin that will keep you updated on new courses and other matters of interest; plus our monthly Curra News  with stories about U3AM people and activities. Other emails may arrive from time to time with special announcements. (If not of interest to you, please just delete. Active Members cannot be unsubscribed from these mailing lists.)

Your annual membership fee covers enrolment in up to 15 courses during the year. Only in extraordinary circumstances will it be refunded. Some activities, such as excursions, will require a payment to cover entry fees, transport, etc. You’ll be asked to pay this in advance. If you then need to pull out, please find someone to take your place. These payments to external suppliers or venues are not refundable.

Ensure that you are aware of and follow the COVID-safe procedures. Please take care on campus. If you have an accident or feel unwell, your Tutor has instructions on what to do. Wear your membership badge at all times, in case your emergency contact person needs to be called. If there is a fire or other event needing evacuation, follow instructions from your Tutor and be sure to congregate at the designated assembly point in the children’s playground near the Currawong Street entrance, so heads can be counted.

Animals, other than registered assistance animals, are not permitted on the campus.

If you have a passion, skill or interest that you would like to share, you could offer to Tutor a course. Approximately 12% of our members are also Tutors and we are always on the lookout for new tutors with interesting ideas for courses. There are many other ways in which you can volunteer: at the Office, on the Committee for special one-off projects. You may have specialised skills to offer, or would like to be a helper in other ways. Please email office@u3amornington.org.au or leave a note at the Office marked Volunteering with your name and phone number and you’ll be contacted for a chat.