Committees

Here are the Standing (rotating) Committees for 2012-13 and their chairs. Non-standing committees, now called "groups," have their own pages. Check out the Groups, Events, and The Arts @ HILR sections (navigation at left).

Do You Want to Serve on a Standing Committee?
 
If you have been an HILR member for 2 or more years you might consider applying to serve on a Standing Committee--Admissions, Curriculum, Development, Member Relations, New Member Review, Nomination, Teaching and Learning, and Technology. Please complete the form, which is available on the Pubs & Info > Policy & Forms page, and return it to the Front Desk or the Office.  (This form is also available at the Front Desk.) 

Members of standing committees are required to have certain skills in order to serve on a particular committee.  These skills are described in the Handbook under each committee. Don't be discouraged if you aren't chosen the first time you apply. A limited number of slots open up each year. Keep trying!

The Admissions Committee reviews and grants admission to new members through an established application and interview process. The Committee evaluates candidates on their commitment to peer learning, their willingness to volunteer, and their overall suitability to the HILR culture. The Committee also looks for candidates who will benefit from their participation in the HILR community. Participation at HILR is a two-way street. The Council determines the number of candidates to be accepted each semester. When necessary, the Committee may develop marketing strategies for attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds. All decisions of the Admissions Committee are subject to the approval of the Director, whose judgment shall be final.

Committee Members (2014-2015)

The mission of the Member Relations Committee is to assist new members to become engaged in the HILR community through the Mentor and Class Partner programs.

 MRC matches new members with Mentors and Class Partners who provide information on HILR, including volunteer and extra-curricular activities, policies and practices, peer learning, and active participation in study groups.

 MRC also holds brown bag lunches early in the term so that new members can meet other members, ask questions and share impressions of their first weeks at HILR. MRC conducts an end-of-year New Member Survey and shares results with the Council and other HILR committees.

We welcome the expertise of seasoned members who wish to become Mentors or Class Partners. Criteria for Mentors and Class Partners may be found here. Frequently asked questions may find an answer here.

There are many ways to get involved, and here are almost 30 suggestions!

Committee Members (2015-2016)

Renee Grabiner, Chair      rgrabiner@gmail.com

Helen Bakeman                    hebakeman@yahoo.com

Dinah Barlow                     dhbarlow@gmail.com

Beverly Gillette                 bevgillette@comcast.net

Fred Martin                         smartin29@rcn.com

Liz Simons                           esimons@earthlink.com

Phyllis Sonnenschein      Sonnenschein@gmail.com

Frank Speizer                     speizerf@yahoo.com

Deborah Weiss                 djweiss32@gmail.com

Mission

The goal of the New Member Review Committee (NMRC) is to promote and maintain the vitality and academic strength of HILR. It works with new members to encourage their active participation in study groups, their development as study group leaders and their engagement in volunteer activities at HILR. At the end of their third year, members are asked to reflect on their participation and commitment to the HILR community and to comment on their experiences.

History

Since Fall 2003, new members who joined HILR submitted Three Year Summary forms to the Committee. The responses showed that nearly all have been active in study groups and in attending lectures, some have led study groups, and most have participated in HILR volunteer activities. This is an indication of their commitment to a vibrant community. New members who had not able to fully participate were contacted by the Committee and expressed their intention to become more active.

New Review Process

In 2014, the NMRC began a new review process. Instead of completing a form, our third year members are requested to attend a meeting with a small group of their peers and the NMRC members to reflect on their experiences at HILR. In 2015, these meetings will be held March 9 – 12, at 3:15. The Committee will review members’ responses and follow up on any comments or concerns.

Committee Members (2014-2015)

Committee Members (2015-2016)

Jean Bonney, Chair 

Michael Bennett

Eugene Ferrari

Andrea Garguilo

Ross Neisuler

COUNCIL ELECTION BY-LAW

 Single Slate Candidates, Petition Candidates, Criteria, Election Procedure. A Bylaw revision endorsing a Single Slate of candidates was approved by 299 HILR member voting in 2012.  Out of that number, 234 voted for the Single Slate and 65 voted against it. Thus 78% of those voting, voted for the Single Slate.  MORE

 NOMINATION COMMITTEE PROCESS FOR SELECTION OF CANDIDATES

Solicits candidates, reviews and discusses eligible candidates, selects prospective nominees, receives petition candidates, notifies appropriate people of selection, introduces candidates to membership MORE

NOMINATION COMMITTEE CALENDAR OF RESPONSIBILITIES

2012 SURVEY to determine members' opinions relative to the process for the election of the Council and the selection process for the Nomination Committee.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE GOALS FOR 2014-2015  

COUNCIL CANDIDATE SLATE 2015

The Development Committee is responsible for conducting the Annual Fund Appeal and for increasing the HILR Endowment. Each year the Annual Fund solicits contributions to cover operating expenses not included in the budget, such as scholarships, distinguished speakers, and technical enhancements.

Were You a Part of This Year's Big Success?

305 members contributed to HILR’s 2014 Annual Fund, for a grand total of $105,795. The Committee and the Council are delighted to report this triumph, which has enabled, among other enhancements to the new building, a Yamaha grand piano, which is bringing joy to all through the several concerts and musical recitals we have held since its arrival.

Fundraising makes a real difference in what HILR offers. We are able to cover scholarships, pay for our Distinguished Lecture Series, an expanded series of stimulating Fridays at HILR, and to provide enhanced AV and listening systems in the classrooms.

The  Committee also invites members to learn more about planned giving at Harvard, enabling them to invest in financial instruments that benefit both themselves and HILR.

Committee Members (2013-2014)