How to Start a Chapter In Your Area

Anyone is eligible to petition the Alumni Association to start a new local or professional Chapter.

Initial Requirements:

• A new chapter must be officially chartered by the Board of Directors of the Virginia State University Alumni Association. A one-time application charter fee in the amount of $25 is required.
• There must be at least seven (7) prospective members to apply for a local or professional chapter charter.
• All prospective members must be financial with the National Alumni Association prior to forming the chapter by paying their National membership dues of $30.
• Once charter members have been chosen, a list indicating their names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and any other information on the individuals eligible for affiliation to the group (ex. Class year, college major, maiden name) must be sent to the Alumni Association’s National Office.
• Membership potential within the area must be large enough to sustain leadership and programs.
• Each interested chapter must present a Board of Officers to the National Office. The initial board must make a two-year commitment to ensure continuity during initial development. At a minimum the chapter must have the positions of President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Other positions should include Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Chaplain, Parliamentarian, and Sergeant at Arms.
• Each interested chapter must also appoint a representative to the Association’s Board of Directors.

Required within the first two years:

• Establish a chapter meeting day and time. Usually chapters meet once a month at a time convenient for the majority of the area members.
• Determine chapter dues and establish a checking and savings account in the chapter’s name. Chapter dues’ is in addition to the National Alumni Association membership dues of $30 per year.
• Establish a complete set of bylaws, following the Minimum Specification Standardized Bylaws, provided by the Association, for the Board of Directors approval.
• Establish at least three active chapter committees: Scholarship, Membership, and Recruitment. Other committees can include but are not limited to Activities, Hospitality and Amenities.