What is the Renaissance Society?

Renaissance Society is a participatory lifelong learning community where members explore topics shaped by shared interests, curiosity, and experience. Members enjoy programs on a wide variety of subjects, led by peers, guest speakers, faculty, and community experts. Programs may be offered on campus, on Zoom, off campus, or in hybrid format, and many are recorded for later viewing.

Who may join the Renaissance Society?

Membership is open to all who enjoy learning. Most members are older adults simply because their daily schedules are often flexible, but members of all ages welcome.

What does membership cost?

As of the 2025-2026 academic calendar, RS membership is $120 for the academic year, July 1 through June 30. A spring-only membership is also available for $70.

How do I join RS?

You may join online with a credit card or by mailing in a paper form with a check. Visit the Membership page for both options.

What kinds of programs are offered?

RS offers lectures, seminars, discussions, forums, special events, and more on subjects such as history, science, literature, music, art, current issues, travel, and wellness. Check the current Program Catalog to see specific offerings. You can also check the Weekly Update for special events.

Where and when do programs meet?

Zoom programs are offered mainly Monday through Thursday. Friday programs are usually held on campus, with some also available on Zoom. The Friday Forum is offered both in person and on Zoom. Many of our programs are recorded and you can enroll as "recorded only". (There are also special RS member social events like group pizza, picnics, or concerts held on or off campus.)

How do I register for programs?

First become an RS member. Then use the catalog and registration system found on our RS homepage to choose and enroll in programs. Contact the office if you need help.

Where can I find the current program schedule?

Our RS website homepage is the place to begin.

• Click on the Catalog for program dates, times, locations, and formats.
• The Weekly Update is the best place to check for reminders and current happenings.
• The corrections page for changes and updates to programs.
• After you register for programs, use the button that says "email by program list" to receive a list of all the programs you are registered for. You can do this at anytime by simply logging in to our member portal.

Why do RS members wear badges?

The badges identify us as a group to the university and as individuals to each other. It is easier to make a friend when you see a matching RS badge. They also provide the all-important emergency contact information on the reverse side. To order a badge, email your name and emergency contact person’s name and phone number to renaissa@csus.edu.

Are recordings available?

Many Forum and Summer programs are recorded, but not all. They can be accessed via the Renaissance Society YouTube Channel or the RS website recordings page.

If you have signed up for a "recordings available" class, the recordings will be emailed to you by the instructor.

Do I need a parking permit to park at Sac State?

Yes, you do! The current RS 2025-26 parking pass costs $41 plus a $1.09 convenience fee and is good for Fridays and Saturdays only through June 30, 2026. Sac State parking uses virtual permits through UTAPS, with your license plate serving as your permit. To purchase a permit, click the link and follow the directions (online purchase is your only option). If you'd like to park at Sac State on other days, purchase a daily permit at the same link

Please use the Guest Login link to register for your parking account. This process should take less than five minutes and will make annual renewals much faster and more convenient. Remember, you can register up to two vehicles but only one can park on campus at any one time or you risk a citation.

If the Renaissance permit does not automatically appear as an option in your account, please email UTAPS at parking@csus.edu and ask them to activate the option for you. You can also try calling them at (916)278-7275.

Is Wi-Fi available on campus?

Yes. Sacramento State offers Wi-Fi access for phones, tablets, and laptops, including guest access.

• To connect to the guest wireless network, follow these steps.
  • • 1. Open the Settings app on your phone
    • 2. On iPhone Click on the Wi-Fi tab and select SacLink Guest Network Access. On Android phones click on Network & Internet then Internet.
    • 3. Your browser should automatically open and you should be prompted to enter an email address.This should be your personal email address, not a Sac State one.
    • 4. Click the Login button. Once completed, you should now have wireless access. Reminder—Your wireless access must be renewed every 4 hours.

Can I use the library?

Yes, you can always visit the Sac State library to look around. To borrow a book, Sac State library cards are available for $10 per year. You can purchase the library card when you enroll as an RS member.

Is there a campus map?

Yes. A printable campus map and the Sacramento State mobile app are both available.

Where can I eat on campus?

The student union in the center of campus features a handful of eating options and there are other places on campus to purchase food. Here are the restaurant locations on-campus.

How can I get to know more people in RS?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Dinner class: There's a gathering that RS offers that just involves going out to dinner with other RS students called "Dining Together". Watch the Weekly Update email each week for where to meet and how to RSVP.

2. Join a committee and help us build the organization. Contact a committed leader and ask how you can help. Also watch for volunteer opportunities in the Weekly Update email that you will receive on Wednesdays each week.

3. Lunch in the Student Center: RS members often commandeer a few tables in the Student Center eating area. Grab your food, look for RS badge wearing people and ask if they don't mind if you join them.

4. Attend the Orientation and Open House: Each semester RS offers an Open House to help you better understand how you can get the most out of your RS membership. Watch Weekly Update for information or check the Orientation & Open House page on the RS website.

5. Shared Interest Groups (SIG) classes are always a great way to meet new people who share your interests and there is time built into these classes for talking and meeting each other.

6. As you learn more about RS and become comfortable, think about offering a program of your own or making a one-time presentation. This will automatically expand the number of people you'll meet.

How does RS communicate with me?

Communication occurs in a few ways:

1. After registering for a program/class your instructor will email with information. If it's a Zoom class, you'll receive the Zoom link. Many instructors will communicate via email throughout the semester.
2. RS sends a weekly newsletter to your registered email account. The newsletter is called the Weekly Update.
3. There is also a monthly, longer-article 8-10 page newsletter called The Recorder that you can access via a link within the Weekly Update or on the RS website itself. (Past Recorders are also available on the RS website.)
4. Corrections/Updates to programs occur often (for example, a presenter may have to cancel or a classroom needs to be changed). Check the RS website Corrections/Updates page before attending class for the latest up-to-date information.

Does RS provide Tuition Assistance?

Finances should not be a barrier to lifelong learning. The Renaissance Society (RS) offers a Member Scholarship Program (TAP) that waives annual or midyear dues for a limited number of members who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to learning.

Applicants must reapply each year. Awards are applied internally—no cash payments or retroactive reimbursements.

Apply: Submit a Tuition Reimbursement Program Application with a brief (≤500 words) statement of need. Applications are available via the RS office (renaissa@csus.edu, 916-758-5133) and may be submitted by email, mail, or in person.

Applications are reviewed for completeness and need.

Questions: Susan Wheeler, Membership Committee Chair — swheeler55@gmail.com

Include: Name, address, email, phone, RS # (if applicable, you won't have this if you are applying for membership for the first time), and emergency contact info.

Is there an age at which RS membership if free?

Honorary Members

Renaissance Society members who turn 90 before July 1 are eligible for Honorary Membership and no longer have to pay membership dues. However, these members must still register to renew their membership each year. You can register online, using the usual form but selecting the Complimentary option, or you may contact the office at (916) 758-5133 or renaissa@csus.edu and they'll be happy to help you.

Does RS have a Code of Conduct?

Yes. RS Code of Conduct

What is the History of the Renaissance Society of Sacramento?

We have a webpage documenting the origin of the Renaissance Society of Sacramento.

Are there important dates I should be aware of?

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE FALL 2026 SEMESTER

• APRIL 20, 2026 Request for Application-to-Teach Forms
• APRIL 25, 2026 Program Leaders Workshop for First-Time, Curious, and Returning
  Leaders and Speakers
• MAY 11, 2026 Request for Catalog Photos
• MAY 29, 2026 Submission Deadline for Application-to-Teach Forms
• JUNE 1, 2026 Renaissance Society Annual Membership Portal Opens
• JUNE 19, 2026 Submission Deadline for Catalog Photos
• AUGUST 10, 2026 Fall 2026 Catalog Posted to Website
• AUGUST 14, 2026 Orientation and Open House
• AUGUST 17, 2026 Program Sign-up Begins at 8 am
• AUGUST 31, 2026 Fall 2026 Programs Start
• SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 (LABOR DAY) Campus Closed
• NOVEMBER 26 and 27, 2026 (THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY)Campus Closed
• DECEMBER 4, 2026 Fall 2026 Programs End