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Affiliation Agreement
AFFILIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
AND THE OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY


The Affiliation Agreement for OLLI's use of the Tallwood Annex and the University's support for OLLI-GMU was renewed for five years in September 2007.
This agreement complements the Deed of Lease, which was finalized on October 8, 2007.

AFFILIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY AND THE OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

THIS AFFILIATION AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this 28th day of September, 2007, by and between George Mason University (“University”) and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (“OLLI”).

WHEREAS, the University, an institution of higher education established pursuant to Virginia Code § 23-91.24, et seq. ;

WHEREAS, OLLI, an independent Virginia corporation and non-profit organization dedicated to offering older adults in Northern Virginia learning opportunities through a wide variety of non-credit, non-degree-granting classes, events and activities, seeks to fulfill its mission as an affiliated educational institute of the University by offering its program at one or more locations on University campuses;

WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia has encouraged the Commonwealth’s institutes of higher education to support “Learning in Retirement” institutes and organizations;

WHEREAS, the University is a party to a April 2006 Grant Agreement from the Bernard Osher Foundation to support OLLI,  and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the terms and conditions of a mutually beneficial affiliation;

NOW, THEREFORE IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises and benefits hereunder and other good and valuable consideration, the parties mutually agree to the following: [Back to Contents]

ARTICLE 1 – Term and Amendments

1.1    This Agreement shall be for a term of five (5) years beginning on July 1, 2007 and ending on June 30, 2012.  The parties may renew for additional five-year terms by mutual written agreement. Either party may terminate this MOU without cause at any time by serving written notice of its intent to terminate not less than six (6) months in advance of such termination.

1.2    The Parties shall enter into a separate lease (the “Lease”) governing the use of space on the University’s Fairfax campus known as Tallwood House, or equivalent space designated by University, on terms reasonably satisfactory to OLLI and sufficient for OLLI’s reasonable requirements.  The Parties acknowledge that the University has entered into negotiations under the Commonwealth’s Public Private Education Infrastructure Act (PPEA) for the construction of a University Based Retirement Community (UBRC); and that OLLI may establish a presence in the UBRC as soon as practicable after it is completed.  Space allocations and usage agreements to be jointly developed prior to occupancy.

1.3     This Agreement may be amended by subsequent written agreement of the parties. [Back to Contents]

ARTICLE 2 - Responsibilities and Commitments of the University

2.1  Recognizing the interest of citizens of Loudoun County in establishing an institute for learning in retirement at the Loudoun Campus of the University, as well as the possible interest of local citizens in making similar arrangements at other University campuses in the future, the University shall support, consistent with its resources, the establishment of such facilities by providing dedicated classroom, office, meeting and social space, without rental cost, as well as access to parking, in accordance with provisions to be established by further agreement. It is understood that the establishment of such facilities could take several forms, including OLLI establishing a new site or sites at the Loudoun or other campuses, local citizens establishing separate entities affiliated with the University or a combination of these forms. The determination of which form to follow in each case shall be taken in consultation among OLLI, the University and local citizen supporters.

2.2 The University shall make facilities and services available to OLLI on the same terms and conditions as are available to University departments, including but not limited to:

2.2.1    Reimbursable use of printing and copying facilities and publicity resources, including design of publications;

2.2.2    Advice and support of the Office of University Development on matters relating to OLLI fund-raising;

2.2.3    Advice and support of the University Public Relations Office on matters relating to OLLI marketing and promotion; 
 
2.2.4    Use of the University’s mail stop and Local Area Network (LAN) system, including, if feasible, establishment of a wireless or other connection linking the LAN system with the OLLI office and classrooms at Tallwood House; and

2.2.5    Reimbursable use of University conference rooms and banquet facilities;

2.3  University, through its departments of Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Office of Sponsored Programs, shall serve as OLLI’s fiscal agents for the purposes of disbursements, purchasing and grant administration, subject to compliance with all requirements of Virginia law and University policies and procedures.  UNIVERSITY, through its Human Resources Department, shall process payroll for OLLI’s executive director, subject to compliance with all requirements of Virginia law and University policies and procedures.  OLLI shall at all times comply with all University policies and procedures for purchasing, accounts payable, sponsored programs, or human resources. 

2.4  The University shall continue to encourage its faculty to respond favorably to OLLI requests for teaching and other assistance involving OLLI’s program. It is understood that such assistance to and participation in OLLI programs is voluntary on the part of individual faculty members and that, in accordance with OLLI’s standard policy, no remuneration or honoraria are awarded.

2.5 The University shall continue to provide persons who are officially certified by OLLI as active OLLI members or staff with identification (ID) cards that identify them as “Affiliate” and “faculty/staff.” As such, OLLI staff and OLLI members shall be entitled to the benefits found in Addendum 1 to this Agreement.  This Addendum may be modified from time to time, as circumstances require. [Back to Contents]

ARTICLE 3 – Responsibilities and Commitments of OLLI

3.1 OLLI shall undertake to continue to provide its program to older persons in Northern Virginia utilizing its main Tallwood House site and such other sites as may subsequently be established. It shall use its best efforts to continue to offer its program at sites that are not part of University campuses.

3.2 OLLI shall support the University in appropriate ways, including but not limited to:

3.2.1 Award of annual scholarship funds to the George Mason University Foundation;

3.2.2 Development of joint or cooperative programs of classes and other activities with University entities in which the participation of older adults and students may create synergies beneficial to both the University and OLLI;

3.2.3 Publicizing in its print and electronic media educational, social, cultural, community and other activities organized or sponsored by the University, particularly those in which older citizens may be interested or could play a valuable role. Included among these activities are: the Center for the Arts, Harris Theater, Patriot Center and Aquatic and Fitness Center;

3.2.4 Use of rooms and facilities at Tallwood House by University departments and other affiliates during such time, as the space is not needed for OLLI programs or functions.  Such requests shall be made by and through the University’s Office of Space Management;

3.2.5 Support the Office of University Development on matters relating to University fund-raising activities.

3.3 OLLI shall reimburse University for salary and benefits paid by University to its Executive Director pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.

3.4  OLLI shall procure and continue in effect and be covered by a comprehensive general liability insurance policy, including but not limited to, a professional liability, libel, and slander endorsement(s) and a non-owned and hired vehicle liability policy (if applicable), each with $500,000 coverage per occurrence and a $1,000,000 umbrella. These policies shall name University, the Commonwealth of Virginia, their employees and agents, as Additional Insureds.  OLLI agrees to keep University advised of any material changes in this policy and to provide University with a copy of the Additional Insured endorsement of the policy.  In locations where it is required, Workers Compensation coverage shall also be maintained. OLLI shall, at University’s request, furnish University with insurance certificates indicating such coverage.

3.5 OLLI shall continue to encourage its members to respond favorably to University requests for assistance, including teaching, educational support, studies and other activities, and shall circulate such requests to its members for these purposes. It is understood that such assistance to and participation in University programs is voluntary on the part of individual OLLI members and not rendered in expectation of remuneration or honoraria.

3.6 To facilitate cooperation, liaison and the exchange of information between OLLI and the University, OLLI shall welcome the attendance and participation of a designated University representative at OLLI open meetings, such as its Board of Directors and Annual Membership meetings. To this end, OLLI will provide notice of such meetings to the designated University representative at the same time such notices are sent to OLLI members and shall allow the representative’s full participation in open meetings on a non-voting basis. [Back to Contents]

ARTICLE 4 - Joint Undertakings

4.1 The University and OLLI shall publicize their affiliation appropriately in their respective print and electronic media.

4.2 The University and OLLI shall cooperate to promote their individual and joint interests, including but not limited to the following:

4.2.1 OLLI shall lend its official support and encourage its members to support the educational and financial objectives, policies and goals of the University before national, state and local government bodies, consistent with its non-profit status. To this end, OLLI shall welcome advice and suggestions from the University identifying current and anticipated issues where OLLI’s official and individual member support would be welcome.

4.2.2  To the extent allowed by law, the University shall lend its official support and encourage its staff and faculty to support the educational and financial objectives, policies and goals of OLLI before corporate and government bodies and with private individuals. To this end, the University shall welcome advice and suggestions from OLLI identifying current and anticipated issues where University’s support would be welcome.

4.3 To facilitate cooperation, liaison and the exchange of information between OLLI and the University, senior officials of the University and OLLI shall meet on an as needed basis, but at least annually, to review and discuss matters of mutual interest. [Back to Contents]

ARTICLE 5 - General

5.1 This Agreement shall be construed, governed and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. All disputes arising under this Agreement that cannot be resolved between the parties shall be brought before a proper state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

5.2 Should any portion of this Agreement be declared invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such portion is deemed severable from the Agreement and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain fully valid and enforceable.

5.3 This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements, except as otherwise provided or noticed in this Agreement.

5.4 The failure of a party to enforce any provision in this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such right.

5.5 Any notice required by this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the parties’ designated contact listed below.  Notice shall be deemed given when sent; postage prepaid, through the United States Postal Service by certified mail, return receipt, or personally served to the appropriate party. [Back to Contents]

For University:

        J. Thomas Hennessey, Jr.
        Chief of Staff to the President
        George Mason University
        4400 University Drive, MSN 3A1
        Fairfax, Virginia 22030

    with a copy to:       

        Office of University Counsel
        George Mason University
        4400 University Drive, MSN 2A3
        Fairfax, Virginia  22030

For OLLI:
       
        OLLI President
        c/o OLLI Office
        4210 Roberts Road
        Fairfax, VA  22030

5.6 The provisions contained in this Agreement which, by their terms, require performance after the expiration or termination of the Agreement shall be enforceable notwithstanding the expiration or other termination of the Agreement.

5.7 Neither party shall assign or otherwise transfer its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.  Any attempted assignment, transfer or delegation without such consent shall be void.

5.8 Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed as a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Commonwealth of Virginia. [Back to Contents]

IN WITNESS THEREOF,

George Mason University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

For George Mason University:         For the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute:
 
By:     /J. T. Hennessey/                     By:     /Robert P. Carroll/       
 J. Thomas Hennessey, Jr.
Chief of Staff to the President                President

Date:  Sep 28, 2007                             Date:  Sep 28, 2007                         [Back to Contents]

Attachment 1 - University Privileges

All University Card Privileges* for Affiliates of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University

Book Store

Same privileges as Faculty/Staff
Faculty and staff receive a 10% discount on most merchandise.  Exclusions include, magazines, newspapers and convenience items or as designated.

Dining Services

Same discount as offered Faculty/Staff
$3.50 lunch specials at Ciao Hall on Tuesday & Thursday during Fall and Spring semester currently offered

Aquatic Center

Participants offered annual memberships at the same rate as employees of the University (currently $175)
OLLI members receive a parking pass with their membership. This offer does not extend to faculty, staff, administration or other affiliates.

Johnson Center Cinema

Same discount as offered Faculty/Staff ($1 fee for movies).

Library

Take out ten books at one time
Books may be withdrawn for a 3 week period with one renewal
Request books from other UNIVERSITY campuses
Use of Arlington Law Library is excluded

Apple Federal Credit Union

Entitled to join as a member of the Credit Union  
Same benefits as all Apple Credit Union members

Patriot Center

Same discount as offered Faculty/Staff Card holders
Discounts vary per event and require Mason Id card

Freedom Center

15% discount off of regular annual membership rates

Performing Arts Center

Discounts are offered, but not to all events
Discounts vary with performance and require Mason ID card

CUE Bus

CUE Bus rides for free with show of Mason ID

Chevy Chase Bank

Check cashing privileges at Chevy Chase Bank campus locations (Mason ID required)

*All privileges subject to change. Revised- July 1, 2007  [Back to Contents]

Updated: November 4, 2007

Copyright © 2007 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University. Materials in this publication subject to OLLI-GMU copyright may be reproduced for noncommercial educational purposes as long as credit is given to OLLI-GMU.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University
4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032-1028
Phone: (703) 503-3384; E-mail: olli@gmu.edu; Fax: (703) 503-2832
Original site design and construction by OLLI-GMU member Rod Zumbro.