ALUMNI AFFINITY GROUPS
How Affinity Groups Work
Affinity Groups foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for alumni based on common interest. They communicate regularly and effectively with alumni, The Office of Alumni Affairs and Bethune Cookman University. As part of their objective, affinity groups recruit new volunteers and serve as a contact for current students.
Affinity Group Expectations
Affinity Groups are the main point of contact for Bethune Cookman University Alumni in areas of common interest. To maintain an active community, we ask that affinity groups keep a consistent presence by:
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Hosting regular meeting with members and at least one social event each year that appeals to a wide variety of alumni.
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Supporting Bethune Cookman University events (admissions activities, academic events, B-CU Wildcat athletic teams and Chorale).
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Supporting current students in each affinity
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Providing opportunities to recognize and celebrate the achievements of alumni in each affinity
Benefits of Joining an Affinity Group
Becoming an active member or leader of an affinity group provides numerous benefits, including:
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Reconnecting with classmates and meeting new Wildcats
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Building a stronger network of other alumni
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Opportunity to connect with current students
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Occasions for strategic discussions about B-CU’s successes and challenges
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Becoming knowledgeable about University news and how to stay engaged
How to Start an Affinity Group
Want to create a B-CU alumni affinity group? Here are a few things to consider before partnering with the Office of Alumni Relations to launch a new one.
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The person interested in starting the affinity group will need to reach out to the Office of Alumni Affairs and schedule an interest meeting. Where possible, we recommend having more than one alumnus interested in launching a group.
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During the interest meeting, the interested alumni leaders and the Office of Alumni Affairs will review the potential affinity group to determine if there is an adequate number of alumni to sustain a successful group and what will be expected of them to start and maintain it.
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If both parties agree, new affinity group leaders will work with the Director of Alumni Affairs to write an affinity group charter that includes a mission statement, goals for the group, and the leadership structure.
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The affinity group leaders will meet regularly (virtually or in-person) to plan a launch event with the support of the office of alumni affairs and Bethune Cookman campus partners, if applicable.
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Before, during, and after the launch, affinity group leaders will be responsible for recruiting other alumni volunteers who would like to lead the group. Alumni Affairs staff members may assist in this endeavor by referring interested alumni.
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After the launch, the leaders will maintain the affinity presence through regularly scheduled meetings, formal and informal events, and support of Bethune Cookman University, including Admissions, Athletics, and Advancement initiatives.
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An Affinity Group Charter will be issued after all requirements for the group as been met.