REGIONAL CHAPTERS
How Chapters Work
Chapters foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for alumni of all class years, majors, and experiences residing in their region. They communicate regularly and effectively with alumni, The Office of Alumni Affairs and Bethune-Cookman University. As part of their objectives, chapters recruit new volunteers and serve as a local contact for current and prospective students.
Chapter Expectations
Chapters are the main point of contact for Bethune-Cookman University Alumni in each regional area. To maintain an active community, we ask that chapters keep a consistent presence by:
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Hosting regular meetings 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 in the region (admissions activities, academic events, B-CU Wildcat athletic teams and Chorale).
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Building an identifiable audience for future B-CU premier activities in the region
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Providing opportunities to recognize and celebrate the achievements of alumni living in the region.
How to Start an Alumni Chapter
Don’t see a regional chapter in your area and want to get one started? Here are a few things to consider before partnering with the Office of Alumni Affairs to launch a new one.
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The person interested in starting the chapter in that area will need to reach out to the Office of Alumni Affairs (who is in charge of chapters) and schedule an interest meeting. Where possible, we recommend having more than one alumnus interested in launching a chapter.
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During the interest meeting, the interested alumni leaders and the Office of Alumni Affairs will review the potential region to determine if there is an adequate number of alumni to sustain a successful regional chapter and what will be expected of them to start and maintain it.
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If both parties agree, new chapter leaders will work with the Director of Alumni Affairs to write a chapter by-laws that includes a mission statement, goals for the chapter, and the leadership structure.
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The chapter leaders will meet regularly (virtually or in-person) to plan a launch event with the support of the office of Alumni Affairs. Generally speaking, successful events require a minimum of 8 weeks to plan and execute.
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Before, during, and after the launch, chapter leaders will be responsible for recruiting other alumni volunteers who would like to lead the chapter. Alumni Affairs staff members may assist in this endeavor by referring interested alumni.
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After the chapter launch, the leaders will maintain the chapter presence in the region through regularly scheduled meetings, formal and informal events, and support of Bethune Cookman University, including Admissions, Athletics, and Advancement initiatives.
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A Chapter Charter will be issued after all requirements for the new group has been met.