Question 1

WHAT IS THE DSO?

Accepted Answer

A Direct Support Organization (DSO) Alumni Association is a separate nonprofit corporation that is officially affiliated with and supports a public college or university. It is created to manage alumni engagement, fundraising, and related activities that benefit the institution.

The organization operates exclusively to support the university’s mission by receiving, managing, and using funds and other resources for the university’s benefit. It must be formally recognized by the institution’s governing board and comply with applicable laws, including Florida Statutes Section 1004.28 and federal tax-exempt requirements under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

Question 2

WHY DID THE UNIVERSITY SEVER TIES WITH THE FORMER NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (NAA)?

Accepted Answer

The National Alumni Association was a third party between alumni and the University.  The work done by the NAA has always been appreciated. However, during the Reaffirmation process, it was determined that the University would suffer adverse effects based on the non-renewal of the required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University and the NAA. Upon learning this important component to Reaffirmation, the University needed to adhere to the SACCOC (SACS) Standards (Standard 5.3) immediately.

A case in point to how any third-party group affects the University is in the Percentage Rate of Alumni Giving.  When donations are made to a third party, then subsequently given to the University, it is considered indirect or a soft donation.  Indirect donations do not count toward the University’s alumni giving rate.  To increase the alumni giving rate, it is more advantageous to give directly to the University.  The rate of Alumni “giving” has a positive effect on influencing outside donors who can be paramount to receiving large donations and is advantageous to the University’s fundraising efforts.

Question 3

HOW DO I JOIN B-CU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy! Complete the membership form found online and pay your appropriate membership dues. 
 If you are joining a regional alumni chapter, local dues will need to be paid as well.  In the coming weeks, your digital membership card will be sent to you via text.  Please visit this page MEMBERSHIP | Bcualumni

Question 4

WHAT IF I CURRENTLY HAVE A LIFE MEMBERSHIP?

Accepted Answer

Any individual who can show evidence of holding a life membership from the past national alumni association will be grandfathered to the life membership within the B-CUAA and will gain automatic membership as a Partner-level in The B-CU Alumni Association‘s Legacy Partners Giving Society for a year.

Question 5

ARE THERE MEMBERSHIP DUES TO JOIN THE B-CUAA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dues of $50 will cover a calendar year starting January 1st through December 31st.  There is a membership fee discount for young alumni and individuals who are faculty and/or staff of B-CU.  Remember all recent graduates receive one-year FREE membership in the B-CUAA upon graduation.  In addition, we encourage all alumni to join the Legacy Partners Giving Society.  Visit the website for more information about the Society.

Question 6

IS THERE A REGIONAL ALUMNI CHAPTER IN MY AREA?

Accepted Answer

Please visit https://www.bcualumni.com/regionalalumnichapters  
to learn more about our current Regional Chapters. If you do not see a Regional Chapter in your area and would like to start one, please contact us at alumni@cookman.edu.

Question 7

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE BCUAA?

Accepted Answer

Being a Wildcat has its perks. As a valued B-CUAA member, you can access exciting perks like exclusive B-CUAA member pricing and free virtual classes. The Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association Perks at Work is a resource designed to help you save time & money by offering savings and rewards from national retailers on the purchases you already make - big and small - so you can do more of what matters to you. A list of resources can be found on the https://www.bcualumni.com/membership-1 website.

Question 8

HOW DO I DONATE TO THE UNIVERSITY?

Accepted Answer

All donations should be payable and mailed directly to the university. To learn more ways to donate to the university visit the "Donate" section of the website.

Question 9

WILL MY DONATION BE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Accepted Answer

All donations made directly to the university are tax-dedcutible according to the
IRS rules and regulations.

Question 10

WILL MY DONATION BE INCLUDED IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HONOR ROLL OF DONORS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all donations made directly to the university will be recognized.

Question 11

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Accepted Answer

558 Oak St.; Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Question 12

HOW DO I ORDER A TRANSCRIPT?

Accepted Answer

To order a transcript, please go to the: Transcripts Ordering Center
First, please make sure any financial obligations to the University are resolved. Transcripts cannot be issued unless your account is clear.

Normal Processing Time
The normal processing time for transcript requests is five to seven business days. During peak periods (registration & grading periods), processing time may be up to 14 business days.

Express Processing Options
Express Mail options are available for an additional cost and will be processed within 48 hours after the transcript request is received. NOTE: No Saturday or PO Box deliveries.

FERPA / Privacy
FERPA, a federal law, protects your privacy and your right to determine who outside the University may or may not see your records. Accordingly, we will not release your transcript to anyone without your written authorization and signature.

Question 13

I NEED INFORMATION ON HOMECOMING 2026

Accepted Answer

On Saturday, September 19, B-CU will celebrate with the biggest homecoming tailgate at Municipal Stadium as B-CU takes on the Dragons of Virginia University of Lynchburg!

Click the link below to register for Homecoming 2026 and reserve your hotel at a discounted rate!

Homecoming 2026 Details: Reservation-Link