What is the Renaissance Society?

The Renaissance Society is a participatory "Center for Learning in Retirement" in which members choose to study topics proposed by their peers who coordinate the seminars. These subjects constantly evolve from the interests of the members.

Who may join?

Membership is open to all seniors who wish to engage in participatory learning. No college degree is required for membership - just the wisdom that comes with experience and the curiosity that sustains interest in learning. The annual membership fee covers the courses offered during the year, and a campus parking permit good on Fridays. For $5.00 paid to the library, you are granted campus library privileges for the entire school year.

What is the membership fee?

The membership fee is $60.00 per member per year.   For those joining for the Spring semester the fee is reduced to $35.00.  This fee is paid to the Renaissance Society, CSUS, 6000 J Street, Adams Building, Room 210, Sacramento, CA 95819-6074

Where do we meet?

We generally meet on the campus of California State University, Sacramento. Also, there are off-campus seminars, as well as walks, tours and excursions.

When do we meet?

Normally, we meet on campus on Fridays afternoons from 1:00-2:45 p.m. for the Seminars. Additional seminars are held off campus at various times and locations in the community. Following the seminars each week, an "Open Forum" is held featuring invited speakers of note who share their views with members, followed by lively question and answer sessions.

What about parking?

The University has granted the members of the Renaissance Society the privilege of guest parking on campus using a parking pass on FRIDAYS ONLY. 

Click Here to see a CSUS Parking Map with the various lots shown in COLOR. You can zoom into this map to see details and building names. However, note that CSUS has not updated this map with new buildings, such as Parking Structure III, which is between Structure II and the Stadium, and the new Bookstore, which is next to Structure II and across from the Union.

PARKING PASSES CANNOT BE REPLACED FOR ANY REASON!

You must display your Renaissance Society Parking Pass while parking on campus!

Where to Park:  You may park in spaces for Staff & Faculty or Students and in Parking Structures I, II and III. You may also park in spaces reserved for Car Pooling after 11 a.m.  

Where you may NOT Park:  In Speech and Hearing, Administrative Parking Residence Hall Parking or any space requiring a Special Permit (B.Z – Business Zone, C.V. – College Visitor, A.F.A. – Applicant for Admission); or in “15 minute” or “30 minute” spaces for longer than the time limit. 

Handicap Parking: If you have a California Disabled Placard you may park in any disabled parking place but you must display both your Renaissance Society parking pass and your Disabled Placard.

Safeguards: Your permit is designed to hang on the rearview mirror. Do not loan your permit to anyone since it is assigned to you by number.

Daily Permits:  If you come to campus on days other than Friday, you can purchase a daily permit for $5. Daily permits are only valid in student parking lots.  Daily permits can be purchased in lots 1, 2, 4, 8, and at the Information Booths at either end of the campus.

Enforcement: Parking rules are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.

Parking Fines: If you believe you have received a citation in error, go to the Parking Office where you can file an appeal.  CSUS will perform an administrative review of a contested parking citation if the appeal is made within 21 days of the issuance of the citation or within 14 days of the mailing of the notice of delinquent parking violation.

Public Transportation:  There is an RT bus departing every 40 minutes from the campus Transit Center that connects with light rail.  For route and schedule information call 278-5483 or go to the Regional Transit Website, www.sacrt.com.

May I use the Library?

To apply for an annual Library card (July through June) show your Renaissance Society membership card and pay $5.00 to the Library information person. This card entitles you to all Library privileges, to borrow books for three weeks and audiotapes from the Library Media Center for one week. Videotapes may be watched only on the monitors at the Center. If you need to have a videotape shown in you seminar, call the Renaissance Society office at (916) 278-7834 to make the necessary arrangements. Please allow at least two weeks lead-time.

How do I join?

You join by applying at the Renaissance Office, CSUS, 6000 J Street, Adams Building, Room 210, Sacramento, CA 95819-6074, or call (916) 278-7834 during office hours Monday- Thursday 9 am-12, and Friday, 10 am-12:30. An online application form is available on the Prospective Members page!

What else?

If you need more information, send email to: rensoc@csus.edu