Member-led Administration Council, Committees and Office
The MCLL is member-led by volunteers in its governance as in its educational activities. In partnership with the McGill School of Continuing Studies, it is self-administered by an elected Council whose members include the Chairs of the various committees.
Council
As the governing body of the MCLL, Council manages the operations and finances of MCLL and ratifies policy decisions. It is responsible to the membership to which it has to report once a year at the Annual Meeting. The Council consists of fifteen members: the president, vice-president, treasurer, and the chairs of the development, membership, newsletter, planning, and special events committees. The information technology coordinator, the volunteer coordinator, the representative of the School of Continuing Studies, the secretary of Council and the immediate past president also sit on Council. The Council normally meets once a month. Members may attend Council meetings. The president and vice-president are each elected for a one-year term. Other councilors are elected for two-year terms. The term of office for councilors begins on June 1st.
Committees
Most of the organizational work ensuring the smooth running of MCLL takes place behind the scenes and is accomplished through the various committees to which many members contribute their talents. There are usually between three and five members on each of the committees, but there is no limit to how many members there may be. The committees are briefly described below so that you can see where you might contribute your own talents.
Communications
Is responsible for all aspects of internal and external communications, acting both as an originator of communications content and as a facilitator of content creation and publication for other MCLL committees. It also has the task of maintaining the content of all MCLL electronic communications platforms including the website and a Facebook page.
Community Outreach Committee
The Community Outreach Committee pursues activities designed to make MCLL accessible and inclusive to diverse communities. It also promotes activities that allow members to learn about issues related to groups that are under-represented at MCLL. In addition to the goal of opening MCLL to more diverse populations, the Community Outreach Committee builds partnerships with units at McGill, with organizations serving the +55 age group in Montreal, Quebec and Canada and also with international organizations involved in later-life learning.
Curriculum
The Curriculum Committee establishes the study group programs offered by the MCLL. It receives or initiates new study group proposals. It also seeks out and recruits new moderators, provides guidelines, and maintains liaison with and between moderators. The Curriculum Committee is largely responsible for maintaining a balanced, challenging and enjoyable program.
Development
The Development Committee works closely with SCS Administration and the Council to solicit financial support for MCLL activities and assists with setting fundraising targets and support of fundraising events.
Newsletter
The Newsletter Committee is responsible for the MCLL newsletter, the Courier, which is published three times a year. The Courier keeps members informed of our programs and upcoming special events. Members are encouraged to make contributions to the newsletter with letters, articles or member profiles.
Planning and Membership Committee
The Planning Committee reviews and evaluates the activities, organization, and financing of MCLL Acting as the research arm of Council, it concerns itself with the broad picture. The Committee looks in depth at issues determined by Council for the purpose of identifying possible problems and developing a plan of action. This committee also suggests measures to council designed to promote membership. This means that it regularly monitors membership demographics (age, gender, etc) as well as levels of satisfaction shown by new and current members.
Information & Technology Coordinator
Oversees the administration of computer related activities and makes recommendations to Council with respect to the use and purchase of computer equipment. Works closely with the Administrative Coordinator and SCS Administration to ensure registration and administration are handled efficiently. This is an area of rapid change and we have been active in using new technology to enhance our learning experience. On-line registration is now available. We have dedicated equipment in our “Music Room” and computer projection equipment in our other classrooms. We are also communicating more and more with our members electronically and hope to continue this trend. Our website is a good source of information for potential members.
Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator identifies volunteers to serve on standing committees and recruits and supervises volunteers to assist with ad hoc activities such as special events and taking registration for lectures.
Volunteer Opportunities
MCLL volunteers are a valuable resource for international students in the School of Continuing Studies’ Intensive English Language and Culture program. Volunteers serve as conversation partners, sharing cultural experiences and speaking to students both in the classroom and on a one-to-one basis.
Special Events
The Special Events Committee organizes the social, cultural, and educational events for the whole membership. There is usually one of these events per term, for example the holiday party in December, the Spring Fling, etc.
