Support Page Content
New Members
What Does Renaissance Society Offer?
- Seminars: These are classes held weekly that are taught by our members. They may be given on campus or on Zoom and viewed remotely. Seminar lengths vary.
- Shared Interest Groups (SIGs): These informal groups are facilitated by fellow members and are centered around a common interest topic. Dates and times will be in the new catalog.
- One-Time Presentations: These may be given by members or guest speakers.
- Forums: These are one-hour talks presented on Friday afternoons. Designed as on-campus sessions, most can alternatively be viewed remotely. They feature highly acclaimed speakers, and recognized subject matter experts.
- Recorded presentations: Many of our program sessions are recorded and are available for watching at your convenience--great for when you miss a session.
Monday through Thursday programs are presented virtually via Zoom. Friday sessions are primarily on-campus in-person programs. Some of the Friday programs may be offered as hybrid--both on Zoom and in-person. Many of the Zoom presentations, including the Forums, are recorded, and can be viewed at your convenience.
How to Join Renaissance Society
1. First, peruse the catalog and find the classes you'd like to take. Note: understand if your classes are on campus only, available via Zoom, or both. If you can only take classes from home, make sure your class is available on Zoom or that they are recorded for viewing at your leisure. (AUGUST 10, 2026
Fall 2026 Catalog Posted to Website.)
2. Next, become a Renaissance Society Member (new registration opens at the beginning of June 2026 -- date coming soon): Online registration is preferred. The full-year membership that include the fall, summer and spring semester cost $120. Membership will be available again at the beginning of June 2026.
The slower process is to fill out this form and mail it in.
3. Attend the Orientation and Open House that will be held shortly before registration for classes opens each semester. Attending is important because it will allow you to meet current members, board members, and program presenters, and receive more detailed information on registering for classes, navigating Sac State, etc. (AUGUST 14, 2026 Orientation and Open House.)
4. Once registration open for all RS members each semester (Fall semester opens AUGUST 17, 2026
Program Sign-up Begins at 8 am), then register for your classes by clicking on Sign Me In "choose seminars".
Follow the directions within the site (the steps are reviewed with you if you attend Orientation at Sac State). Be sure to hit the button at the end requesting an email of your choices.
5. After registering, watch your email for additional information. Zoom links, classroom locations, updates, or changes. Also, check the Catalog Corrections/Updates link on the RS Website.
6. Other important dates for you:
- 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, 2026Fall 2026 Programs End
How to Use Zoom to attend classes/programs/seminars
Go to the Zoom & Tech Essentials for Leaders and Learners on the RS website for detailed information.
New Members FAQs
New Members often have frequently asked questions about parking, library cards, name badges, where to eat, how to get involved, etc. Visit the FAQ page on the RS website to view the answers to these FAQs.
Ch 10 feature on the Renaissance Society
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.
RS Member Code of Conduct
A Membership Gift
Looking for the perfect holiday or personal gift? Why not give a Renaissance Society membership? The full year 2025-2026 membership will be good through June 30, 2026, and will give your recipient a chance to enjoy all the programs, the Forums, social events and everything else Renaissance has to offer. It is the perfect way to share your love of learning and the Renaissance Society with others in your life. Also, with the option of taking seminars over Zoom, your friends can attend classes with you no matter where they live.
To buy a Gift Membership simply go to Gift Membership. Then click on “Sign Me Up” for new members; fill out your recipient's personal information; click submit; and then enter your credit card information. You can also get a specially designed gift certificate to send to your recipient! Contact the RS office at renaissa@csus.edu for the certificate.