Get Involved, Get Connected
- Ways to Volunteer
- Alumni Clubs
Help shape the future of the Alumni Association and UMass Amherst by sharing some of your time and expertise. Let us help match your interests and skills to volunteer opportunities that best suit you! Fill out the volunteer interest form today.
Click on any of the different opportunities listed below to find out more:
- Alumni Association Board of Directors
As the Alumni Association’s governing body, the Board is composed of members whose demonstrated service and leadership display a strong understanding and commitment to our mission. Nominations for openings on the Board of Directors are reviewed by the Nominating Committee to be included on the general election ballot. Directors are elected to three-year terms beginning in July.
- Alumni Association Board of Directors - Sub-Committees
Sub-committees concentrate on issues of strategic importance and develop recommendations in support of the Alumni Association’s strategic plan and related goals, as well as the long-term growth and stability of the organization. Sub-committees are comprised of Board members and alumni volunteers who have an interest or expertise in a committee’s specific area of focus. Alumni volunteers are appointed to a one-year term on sub-committees, which include: • Alumni Clubs • Audit • Career Connections • Communications, Marketing & Membership • Finance & Investments • Honors & Awards • Programs & Services • Technology & Online Services • Volunteer Advocacy & Public Affairs
- Alumni Awards & Student Scholarships
Help us honor our most outstanding alumni, faculty, staff and students. Each year, the Alumni Association presents awards recognizing distinguished service and achievement, and sponsors a number of student scholarships. Alumni volunteers help select award and scholarship recipients and attend the presentation ceremonies to help celebrate their achievements.
- Amherst Advocates – Governmental Advocacy
A UMass Amherst advocate is...anyone who supports or takes action on behalf of UMass Amherst! Stay informed about the legislative priorities of the campus through regular updates, and help make UMass Amherst matter to Massachusetts state legislators who vote to fund the university’s annual budget appropriation. Amherst Advocates will periodically be called upon to contact government officials in support of projects and proposals that support UMass Amherst.
- Alumni Admissions Council
Recruit the best and brightest students to UMass Amherst! Following training, Alumni Admissions Council volunteers may staff college fairs and speak with prospective students, answer questions and generate further interest in UMass Amherst. Your experiences, success stories, and enthusiasm for your alma mater can significantly impact a student's final choice to attend UMass Amherst.
- Alumni Clubs
Bring UMass Amherst into your local area by becoming a Club leader or joining a Club steering committee! Volunteer for an Alumni Club, and you'll have a chance to build lifelong friendships, enrich your career and have fun. Help engage alumni by organizing events and programs that provide networking, professional development and entertainment opportunities.
- Career Connections
Share your career success and expertise with alumni and students. Throughout the year, alumni volunteers speak at career workshops and professional development seminars, participate in industry panels and networking events, host mock interview sessions, and review resumes. You can also sign up to mentor students and alumni in your professional field! Opportunities to participate occur both on campus and in your local area.
- Minuteman Mentors
Mentoring is not about job leads, it is about information. The Minuteman Mentors network connects alumni and students with alumni willing to share their experiences and provide guidance on careers and professional growth. Mentees will be looking for advice on issues like career transitions, relocating to a new area, setting realistic professional goals or developing networking leads. Your involvement may consist of one email, a few phone calls, or an ongoing relationship. As a mentor, you set your availability and define the best methods to contact you.
- Reunion Committees
The Alumni Association works with Reunion Planning Committees throughout the year to organize reunion events that are a memorable and fun experience for all who attend. There are many wonderful opportunities for alumni to reunite, reminisce, and relax with their UMass Amherst classmates from a particular student group or class year.
- Student Programs
Build relationships with current students to help ensure a strong, active alumni constituency for the future. Alumni assist with programs that enhance the student experience while simultaneously teaching the importance of giving back to one’s alma mater. Alumni volunteers speak at student seminars and leadership events, and also participate in large campus events such as First Week, Family Day and Commencement.
- Program Resources
Not only can you donate your time and talent – you may have access to resources that can benefit alumni and students. Some of these include: event or meeting space, student internships, or professional services or products for alumni programs and services.
- University Volunteer Opportunities
You can also work with particular schools, colleges, and departments around campus. For more information on these volunteer positions, please get in touch with the Alumni Association by calling 1-800-456-UMASS or email alumni@admin.umass.edu. We are here to help you make a difference!
Other ways to help
Invest in your Alumni Association! As a non-profit organization, your Alumni Association offers a wide array of programs and services that add value to your UMass Amherst degree. Your support is appreciated and tax-deductible as allowed by law.