This document describes CU-Boulder Alumni Association Chapters and Affinity Groups and their relationship with the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Association, including support from the Alumni Association. Chapters and Affinity Groups are separate entities comprised of alumni, family and friends who come together in camaraderie to express their CU Buff spirit and loyal support of the University. Expectations of Chapters and Affinity Groups described within this document are based on practices at other schools.

Regional Chapters

Chapters are “registered” by the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Association (CUBAA) through a set of alumni guidelines and best practices. Chapters are asked to notify CUBAA of their purpose and interests and return a signed confidentiality agreement. Chapters are encouraged to have their own bank accounts and collect their own revenues. They do not use University accounts, must have University approval for the use of University trade marks and are not covered under the University’s insurance.

The following events and services may be undertaken by area chapters:

• Build loyalty to the University of Colorado Boulder
• Welcome alumni who move into the chapter’s area
• Hold athletics watch parties
• Promote new student admissions efforts
• Hold summer send offs for new freshman and transfer students in their area
• Promote career networking
• Host events when the CU-Boulder Chancellor, the CU President or other University officials, faculty or athletic representatives are in the area
• Encourage annual giving and scholarship fundraising to the University through the CU Foundation

The CUBAA provides the following services, donations and assistance for chapters:

• A CUBAA staff liaison who will serve as a contact and visit the chapter as often as possible
• Website assistance and posting, mailings (limited), social media set-up and assistance, advice/support and blast e-mail capabilities
• Buff spirit items for door prizes and use at events
• A set of guidelines and best practices in managing the chapter and its activities
• The opportunity to purchase football tickets through the athletic department
• A “Chapter Leadership Weekend” held every two years for the purpose of re-energizing the officers, in-depth training, networking with other leaders and enhancing the Chapter’s activities.
• Except for events such as a Chancellor’s reception or a National Council Admissions program where the chapter is asked to host or participate, CUBAA does not assume liability for the chapters’ activities, finances and actions, nor does it absorb the upfront charges for chapter events.

Affinity Groups

University of Colorado alumni have formed affinity groups that are not based on geographical area. Rather, their relationship is based on a common background and/or a service mission. Affinity groups operate under the Chapter guidelines. The groups currently include:

• Black Alumni Society
• Hispanic Alumni Association
• Asian American Alumni Association
• American Indian Alumni Association
• Colorado Army ROTC
• Director’s Club
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Alumni Chapter (GLBTA)
• CU Military Veterans Alumni Society
• National Alumni Admissions Assistance Program (NAAAP)

What the CUBAA cannot do for chapters and affinity groups

Due to University policy and financial constraints, the CUBAA cannot do the following for Chapters and Affinity Groups:

• Sign contracts (in most instances)
• Hold liability for finances, events or functions
• Pay for events (some exceptions may occur if the CUBAA or a University representative is participating, and there is a mission-related purpose for the event)
• Run event registration payments through the CUBAA (in most instances)
• Run fundraising events through the University; all fundraising must be done on the local level