Columbia Association (CA) is turning to technology in order to provide a better experience for its members — and an easier experience for those looking to become members.

You can now sign up to become a member at ColumbiaAssociation.org. We have been working hard at making this change as seamless and effortless as possible. The whole process should take no more than 10 minutes.

The online portal lists 11 membership plan types with information about each. The options in the online portal reflect CA’s broad range of membership types, including memberships to single facilities, tennis, golf and pools, as well as the more comprehensive Package Plan and Package Plan Plus memberships. After you choose one and put in your payment information, you will receive an online confirmation e-mail, along with a temporary membership card.

The memberships offered online are based on non-resident rates. Customers who believe they are eligible for lower rates or qualifying discounts and have supporting documentation may upload the documents or bring them for verification to CA’s Membership Service Center. If you’ve submitted documents online, CA staff will respond within 48 hours to let you know whether your request for a discount has been accepted.

Meanwhile, CA is also in the process of making changes to its online registration system for members.

This spring, there will be a new and improved online system for accessing class schedules, registering and paying for classes, reviewing reservations, making changes or cancellations, and browsing through programs in which you may want to participate. Reflecting the many ways we now shop and make online transactions, these improvements will be mobile-friendly for smartphones and tablets.

These are convenient options for residents and professionals whose schedules may make it difficult for them to sign up over the telephone or in-person, and will mean you don’t need to delay your decision to become a member and use CA facilities. However, if you do need any assistance, the Membership Service Center is available Monday through Friday,10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer any questions about memberships.

Call 410-730-1801 or e-mail [email protected] for assistance. We’re also continuing to fine-tune ColumbiaAssociation.org, making CA’s web site easier to navigate.

These improvements were among the suggestions CA received last year during “Columbia Speaks. CA Listens.” We’ve heard you. CA will continue to look at providing better experiences for its members and users throughout the community.

E-mail [email protected] with questions/comments.