Starting an alumni chapter, network or group 


Dedicated alumni are instrumental to UMSL's success and help the University build relationships and connections with fellow alumni in purposeful, exciting ways. By volunteering your time, energy and talent in UMSL's alumni affinity organization program, you have joined a group of dynamic alumni leaders are are committed to supporting the University and linking alumni with each other.

No matter the structure you choose for your affinity organization - chapter, network, or group - developing meaningful engagement is the key focus for the UMSL Alumni Association. As you give your time and energy, please know that you are shaping the strategic direction of the UMSL Alumni Association and future generations of proud UMSL alumni.

Thank you for taking this first step in the journey.

 

Let's get started

 

1. Complete the online Volunteer Interest Form.

Once the Volunteer Interest Form is received, an Alumni Engagement staff member will be in touch with you by email to set up a time to discuss your ideas and interests.

2. Download the Alumni Volunteer Toolkit.

A toolkit complete with all the resources available to help you be successful - strategic planning tips, communications and event checklists, guidelines for planning a variety of activities, and the necessary rules we have to follow - is here to help you and other volunteer leaders create and lead a successful organization.

3. Explore the best approach for organizing a successful affinity with your Alumni Engagement staff liaison.

  • determine the best structural fit - chapter, network or group
  • examine alumni data for your desired affinity

4. Survey

Once the pool of alumni is determined for the affinity, the Office of Alumni Engagement will send an alumni interest survey to measure interest and gather ideas about alumni engagement programming. The survey will also help in identifying and recruiting volunteer leaders who will serve as the initial steering committee for the affinity organization.

5.  Plan

The steering committee and your UMSL Alumni Engagement staff liaison will work together to develop a strategic plan for initial programs and activities including - 

  • initial goals for the organization
  • communications plan
  • engagement programming
  • budget

6. Launch

Once the plan is in place, we will work together in launching the initial program that will bring alumni together to form your organization.