Membership:
Q: Do I have to be affiliated with UC Davis to join UFC?
A: No. University Farm Circle (UFC) membership is open to anyone supportive of UC Davis and our mission to fund scholarships for UC Davis students.
Q: What are the different levels of membership
A: An individual membership is for a single member. A bundled membership is for two adults residing in the same household.
Q: Why be a member of UFC?
A: UFC has three basic tenets: Friendship, Enrichment, Scholarship. Membership in UFC supports the UFC Scholarship Endowment with UC Davis. A portion of your dues supports scholarships, and any membership also offers the opportunity to participate in enrichment programs and interest section groups to develop friendships and stay both physically and mentally active with like-minded members.
Q: What is in the Members Only section? Why can't I access it?
A: The Members Only section contains information available only to current members, such as an online membership directory, past newsletters, current program book, UFC Board information, UC Davis resource listings, and more. If a member has paid current dues, their password will allow access to these pages.
Q: I forgot the password to the Members Only section of the website. What should I do?
A: Each UFC member creates a unique password. Illustrated directions are HERE. Note that annual dues are due Oct. 1 each year and must be current to log in to the Members Only section and to receive the yearly mailed roster. If you have trouble logging in, please contact support@ufcdavis.org.
Q: I am interested in UFC, but I work full-time. What do you have for me?
A: The Program Committee plans events throughout the year with a desire to accommodate varied schedules. Some events are during the day, some are in the evening, and some are on weekends. Interest sections are also held at varied schedules.
Website / Wild Apricot:
Q: What is provided on the UFC Website?
A: The UFC website http://www.ufcdavis.org) has pages for the public and pages for members only. The website offers members a list of resources. Logged in members can:
- Update their contact information and interests.
- View the complete and up-to-date Member Directory.
- View the complete list of Interest Sections.
- Pay dues and make donations.
- Register and pay for events.
- Read about UFC scholarships.
- View minutes of Board Meetings.
- View current and past newsletters.
- View the current Program Book.
- View bylaws and standing rules.
You need a password to access Members Only pages. Instructions are HERE.
Q: What is the Wild Apricot App?
A: Our website and member database were created using the Wild Apricot platform. The Wild Apricot app is a useful tool for access to membership activities, however does not include all of the information available on the website. Download the Wild Apricot App to your smart phone or tablet to:
- Have full access to the Membership Directory with quick links to emails and phone calls.
- Renew and pay for membership.
- Register and pay for events.
- See who else has registered for events.
- Edit your personal profile.
- View a list and details of events for which you are registered or have registered in the past.
Click HERE for instructions on how to download the Wild Apricot app for Members. You will need to be logged into the UFC Website to access this page. Keep track of your UFC login and password, as you will be using the same credentials to log into the Wild Apricot App. Contact membership@ufcdavis.org if you need assistance.
Dues and Finance:
Q: Are my annual dues based on the calendar year or the academic year?
A: The academic year.
Q: Do I have to pay the annual dues if I participate in only one section?
A: Yes. Anyone participating in a UFC activity or meeting must be a paid member.
Q: Will I receive a receipt for my scholarship donation for income tax purposes?
A: Yes. You will receive a tax acknowledgment for any donation you make to UFC Scholarship Endowment.
Q: How are dues established?
A: The Executive Board establishes dues after considering the budget for operating expenses. Because all donations to UFC, as well as all net proceeds from fundraising, are restricted and only used for scholarships, dues are UFC’s primary source for the payment of operating expenses.
Q: How are dues spent?
A: Your dues pay for UFC's operating expenses, including the printing and mailing of the yearly program handbook and the roster; fees for the website services; insurance; subsidizing some of our programs; and other operating costs. Approximately 20% of all dues are used as a donation to the UC Davis University Farm Circle Scholarship Endowment.
Q: What brings in revenue?
A: Operating revenue is derived from dues, sabbatical housing listings, and excess revenue from our programs and events.
Q: What are our fundraising events?
A: Fundraisers are led by the UFC board and traditionally include the biennial Home Tour. New fundraising ideas are welcomed by the board.
Q: What is Sabbatical Housing?
A: Since 1976, our sabbatical house listing service has posted furnished houses for rent. Our site lists both HOUSES FOR RENT and HOUSE SEARCHES. You do not have to be a member of UFC to list a house. The current fee for each rental listing is $150.
Newcomers:
Q: Do I have to be a newcomer to the area to join the Newcomers Group?
A: No. The Newcomers Group is open to any first-year member of the UFC organization regardless of geographic longevity.
Q: What is a Newcomer?
A: First year members are Newcomers. As a Newcomer, you are eligible to join other Newcomers for specific events and programs. You will receive special invitations to these events and programs and will meet in small groups to get to know other new members better. These events include First Friday Coffees.
Q: What are ‘Newcomer Only’ programs?
A: Select programs are offered only to the current Newcomers and not open to general membership.
Programs:
Q: What is a Program?
A: Programs are a variety of events created and managed by each year’s Program Chairs . They are offered throughout the academic year. Programs encompass activities such as bus trips, cooking classes, speakers and workshops. There is a program committee comprised of members who develop the schedule and coordinate the logistics. New programs are introduced each year, giving members the opportunity to experience something different. Programs are limited in size, so registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: How Often Are New Programs Offered?
A: Members should look for new programs that are released on the 15th of each month in the member’s monthly Upcoming Events email, and HERE on our website.
Events:
Q: What is the difference between an event and a program?
A: UFC Events are held annually, such as The Candlelight Dinner held in December and the Spring Luncheon when the new Board of Directors is installed. The Fall Welcome, Scholarship Reception and The Newcomers Welcome are also events. Programs vary each year (see PROGRAMS above).
Interest Sections:
Q: What is required to become a member of an Interest Section?
A: You must be a current member of UFC. There are two Interest Section sign-ups. The first is held in September and the second in February. Newcomers can also sign up at the First Friday coffee. The waitlist for an Interest Section is ongoing.
Q: Can anyone participate in an Interest Section?
A: Yes, but you must be an active individual member or part of an active bundled membership.
Q: Are interest sections limited to a specific number of participants?
A: They may be limited but that is usually based on the type or nature of the group. For example, a book group might be limited to 12 as people’s homes cannot accommodate a larger group. Interest sections can close once they have reached their limit of participants. Contact the Interest Section leader listed HERE to determine if there is a waiting list for a group.
Q: Can I start my own interest section?
A: Yes. Contact the Co-Chair(s) of Interest Sections HERE to get the process started. If you're proposing a new type of interest section, the Co-Chairs will need to obtain board approval before moving forward. If it's a new section of an existing type of group, the process is much simpler. The Co-Chairs will connect you with experienced mentors who can help you establish and lead the group, or they can assist in finding someone to serve as the group's leader. Interest sections help foster friendships, provide community, and connect people with shared interests.
Q: Are we insured when we participate in an interest section?
A: In your user profile you will be asked to consent to a Waiver, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement. By checking the box, you are indicating consent. This is common practice with most organizations.
Q: Do the sections change from time to time?
A: Yes. As interests change, so do our sections. Some sections have been active for decades; others were added just this year. Some sections may be dropped if interest declines.
Board of Directors
Q: How can I serve on the board?
A: Any UFC member can inquire about board positions and attend a board meeting
by contacting a current executive board member. Current executive board members are listed on our website HERE. Each year when you renew your membership, or when you update your profile, you can indicate if you are interested in serving on the board and if you have a specific skill to offer. Board nominations are held annually and members can self-nominate or speak to the UFC president to learn more.
Q: How many board positions are there?
A: There are seven elected Executive Board Positions: President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary. Chairs and co-chairs of committees, including Membership, Newcomers, Interest Sections, Sabbatical Housing, Scholarship, Programs, Events, Publications, Publicity, and Data Management are appointed. In addition, UC Davis appoints a University Liaison to represent the membership.
Q: How long does one serve on the board?
A: The minimum term is one year. However, many members serve for several
years. In some positions, a two-year commitment is requested so the member can learn
the job for a year and then serves as the experienced member year two.
Q: How often are board meetings held?
A: Meetings are held the first Wednesday morning of the month during the academic year (September through June).
Q: Where are board meetings held?
A: Meetings are usually held at board members’ homes.
Q: What is an appointed chair or co-chair?
A: The committee chairs/co-chairs are appointed positions nominated by the Nominating Committee, approved by the Executive Board and introduced to the membership at the annual Spring Luncheon.
Q: How are board members selected?
A: Each year when members renew their membership, they are asked their volunteer interests, including serving on the board, or special skills that could fill a board position such as accounting for the treasurer position. You can also update those interests throughout the year by editing your profile, described HERE. The list of those that have selected an interest is compiled and given to the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee then contacts possible candidates to find a match for upcoming board openings.
The nominating committee is composed of the president, the president-elect, two (2) additional members of the Board, the Newcomers Chair(s), and two (2) members who are not members of the Board. This committee shall report to the Board prior to the annual meeting, placing in nomination the names of members for each of the elected offices and the names of the appointed Standing Committee Chairs. The nominating report shall be published prior to the annual meeting. Vacancies on the Board occurring between annual membership meetings may be filled by vote of the Board.
Scholarships/Endowments
Q: How are the scholarship recipients selected?
A: Scholarships are awarded by the UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to high achieving undergraduates, according to a list of criteria outlined in the University Farm Circle Endowment Agreement:
- Undergraduate students with financial need
- Junior or rising senior standing
- High scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership experiences, community service, and volunteerism
Q: What role does the UFC Scholarship Committee play in the award process?
A: The Scholarship Committee Chairs communicate with the DEVAR (Development and Alumni Relations) University Liaison to receive information about the annual awards and to provide the student scholars with UFC information and invitations to UFC led events.
Q: Who manages the UFC Endowment?
A: The UC Davis Foundation manages the UFC Endowment consistent with other university endowments.
Q: UFC serves as UC Davis’ longest running Support Group. What does this mean?
A: As an official Support Group of UC Davis, UFC primarily exists to provide financial support to UC Davis programs and uses the UC Davis name to fundraise. Funds raised by UFC must be transferred to the university as outlined in the Administrative Guidelines for Support Groups. UFC has selected to fund student scholarships through the established UFC endowments.
Q: How does UFC fund the UC Davis University Farm Circle Endowment?
A: UFC donates a portion of membership dues and any fundraising proceeds to the endowment.
Q: Is there a UC Davis Scholarship FAQ?
A: Yes: UC Davis Scholarship FAQ
Q: How does UFC interact with the student scholars
A: Through support from the UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, UFC invites the students to attend select UFC events. Student scholar participation in UFC events is optional.
Q: Why do similar sister clubs at other UC campuses operate differently in regard to how they fund emergency student grants?
A: All UC Support Groups operate under the standard Administrative Guidelines for Support Groups. UC Davis can only account for operational procedures within UC Davis.
Q: How are the University Farm Circle Next Chapter Scholarships awarded and funded?
A: Unlike other UFC Endowment funded awards, the Next Chapter scholarships awarded by UC Davis to first year students in Yolo County may be funded through current-use funds donated by UFC to UC Davis at the end of each fiscal year.
