Should I join University alumi association?

Question

I know it has all these small benefits such as entertainment discounts, access to school career center, free school license plate frames but is it really worth it? Do I need it? Are you a member?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

Schools are pushing membership in alumni associations because they are finding it is a good way to wrestle money out of people.

Three questions:
1. are the benefits something you are really interested in?
2. how do they spend the money they take in? They should be able to tell you what percentages going to scholarships and other areas. Are you comfortable with how they spend your membership money?
3. are you more interested in staying in touch with this past experience or moving on into a new one?

For bragging rights, you don't need the membership. You graduated from the school and that's the majority of your bragging rights and you've already paid quite a bit for that.

If you want to announce your allegiance while driving, go to the campus bookstore and buy a decal for your car for a few bucks.

If you have extra money, donate to a scholarship fund (all tax deductable!) for your favorite department on campus and skip the alumni membership.

As you can probably tell, I never joined alumni association and in fact I've become increasingly unhappy at the aggressive tactics used by my alma mater in trying to persuade me to join.

Answer 3

I am. I get to use the library, which I love. More importantly, they contacted me when a confused little 20 year old wanted to go into my field, and asked me to have lunch with him-- and it was a real joy to be able to give back.

Answer 4

Sure.. and you should send me $8k a year too just cause.. Both will be equally beneficial to you in the future.. (really email me and send that check.. i can prob do more for you than that assn)