There are two types of alumni groups: networks and constituent organizations. All constituent organizations begin as a network.
Networks define groups of alumni in a smaller area of influence that could be based on alumni population size or specific school/unit. Networks consist of alumni who would like to host events based on specific criteria or one-time opportunities, such as a VCU basketball game watch party in Texas or a group of engineering alumni gathering twice a year in Seattle.
Constituent organizations are organized groups of alumni that advance the office’s mission to increase alumni participation by supporting university initiatives and creating opportunities for alumni engagement. Constituent organizations, from regional chapters to identity- or affinity-based groups and councils, provide breadth and depth of programming and connect alumni with one another based on their locations and interests. The activities of the constituent organizations are volunteer-led, staff-supported and are integral to the VCU Alumni community.
6
(1 must be an open meeting)
4
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4
(1 must be an open meeting)
3
4
2
(1 must be an open meeting)
2
2
0
1
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To become a constituent organization, start as a network and spend one fiscal year (July 1-June 30) recruiting leaders and operating under Level 3 requirements. Once your network gains enough leaders and activity to qualify as a constituent organization and has been active for at least one fiscal year, you can consult with your staff liaison to form a constituent organization.
Note, if a constituent organization loses leadership or is inactive for more than one fiscal year, staff will determine whether it is appropriate to categorize the organization as a network. An existing constituent organization that is newly categorized as a network will not lose its existing communications resources, but funding resources will be reallocated.
Constituent organizations and networks can apply for the next level of structure after one full fiscal year of activity at the next level’s standards. For example, if a network is formed in January 2021, it can apply to be a constituent organization for fiscal year 2023.
This position serves as the liaison between alumni in their region and the VCU Office of Alumni Relations. The president provides leadership and direction to the alumni constituent group, oversees all other positions and assigns responsibilities for individual/committee duties. The president serves as a representative of VCU in the local community.
Responsibilities:
The secretary keeps written records of meetings and maintains documentation to ensure current and future staff and constituent organization leaders have a history of past activities.
Responsibilities:
The treasurer keeps financial records and assists with maintaining the chapter budget and finances with support from the staff liaison.
Responsibilities:
General leadership committee members support constituent organization leadership by volunteering their time to support activities. Members can have a primary focus if they are interested in specific aspects of the organization, such as social media and marketing, career and networking events, and basketball watch parties.
Responsibilities:
The president position requires a nomination and an interview with the constituent organization leadership, the staff liaison and council members.
Other positions require a nomination and an interview with the constituent organization president and staff liaison.
Leaders serve a two-year fiscal year term. Leaders rolling off are still involved with the constituent organization and can fall into any other leadership role once their term expires. If no other leader is available, the leader can continue in their current role for up to one additional year.
