Abstract
A mutually beneficial relationship has developed over the past 15 years between a regional South Australian branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the local university campus. Arising from the initiative of a community member, the group sought assistance from the university, and has now become integrated into campus life. The university has provided a venue for meetings and access to other facilities, and university staff have contributed to the program of classes. The U3A has undoubtedly benefited from these inputs. However, the university has also benefited from these opportunities to engage with the wider community, the presence of willing volunteers to contribute in various ways to university classes and other activities, and favourable word-of-mouth marketing.
 
 Beginning with background information on U3A, the local branch and its setting, we reflect on the sustainability of this relationship with the university and the factors that have contributed to this. We draw on our U3A experience and on two qualitative research projects in which U3A members have taken part: projects which have investigated their motivation for participation in U3A classes and activities, and the contributions of U3A to the university and vice versa. Not only has the relationship itself been sustained thus far, it has also contributed to sustaining U3A members in their active involvement in learning and community activities, and has been a significant part of community engagement activities of the campus.
 
 Keywords
 University of the Third Age; university-community engagement; mutual benefit; lifelong learning; retirement; productive ageing
Highlights
The ‘third age’ is the age of active retirement, following childhood and youth and the age of full-time employment, and preceding a more dependent old age for some
While the partnership we have described here is of a very different kind – a reciprocal relationship, and not one involving a recipient and a donor – these criteria could offer a lens through which to consider its value
Whether or not a formal evaluation of the partnership is undertaken in the future, it would be advisable for the U3A committee and the University of South Australia (UniSA) campus not to take it for granted, but regularly to consider how the relationship could be developed and strengthened for their increased mutual benefit
Summary
The relationship between the regional campus of a metropolitanbased university and a branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) has proved to be a sustainable partnership, enduring as it has since 1996. After providing some background on U3A, a worldwide movement, and on the development of this regional branch, this article reflects on the benefits to both partners – benefits identified by two small earlier research projects, as well as the memories and experiences of the authors – and explores the factors that have contributed to the success of this ongoing partnership. Evaluation criteria for use as a framework for assessing the relationship are considered
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