The Alumni Association recognizes the rich opportunity that exists for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater, their faculty, fellow alumni, and current students by supporting and encouraging affinity group reunions and programs
Once developed, affinity groups have the potential to schedule programs across the country, often in concert with the local BC Alumni Chapter, the Alumni Career Service Committee, or the Office for Student Affairs.
How do I form an affinity group?
If you are interested in forming an alumni affinity group, please review the protocols outlined below. You will need to submit a form for review by the Alumni Association. Your request will be taken under advisement and you will be contacted by a member of our affinity group team.
I. The following protocols and procedures are required from alumni seeking to organize formal/recognized alumni affinity groups:
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There must be at least 1-2 alumni or faculty/staff coordinators willing to do most of the initial coordination and program development.
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The Alumni Association must support the concept of creating an alumni network in this area; as well as the BC departmental chair/sponsor (if appropriate).
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The network should have a faculty/staff advisor from a University department.
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A mission statement and goals must be submitted to the Alumni Association.
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All correspondence sent to prospective alumni must be approved, edited and sent by the Affinity Group staff.
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An original introductory e-mail to prospective alumni members must be written from the coordinator(s) with the specific intent of asking them if they would like to join this new alumni group/network. Only those who respond positively will receive subsequent e-mails about this group/network.
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The coordinators of the network will create a Leadership Advisory Committee from alumni in the network.
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Any programs sponsored by the network have to be financially self-supporting.
II. The basic services of the alumni group/network should include:
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Career networking opportunities for alumni.
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Information on internship opportunities for undergraduates (if applicable).
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Sending periodic electronic communications which include interviews/updates on faculty or alumni.
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Updates on new publications by faculty or alumni in the related field and related professional developments.
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Calendar for upcoming events and programs.
III. Once a group is formally recognized, the Alumni Association will work with them to provide the following support:
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All of those who choose to join the group/network will be segmented in the alumni database so that future e-mail blasts can go to only this group. We will also update their Alumni database record with their preferred e-mail address.
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A new e-mail address account will be created for each group/network. Coordinators will be responsible for checking this account.
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A website will be created for each group/network. Content must be provided by the coordinator(s) and approved by the Affinity Group staff.
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You will be given the opportunity to work on regional programs with members of the network and the local chapters.
III. Following the successful submission of the application, the coordinator(s) will be contact by the Alumni Association to discuss next steps.