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Starting a Chapter

Why are BYU Alumni Chapters important?


BYU Alumni chapters help bring people together to create a BYU community wherever you are.

The benefits of starting a chapter include creating lasting BYU loyalty, a friendly community and wide network, and providing spiritual and educational opportunities for BYU alumni, Church members, and friends.

Starting a Chapter is an exciting undertaking. There are many great things you can do through a local Alumni Chapter, and you can have a great impact in your area!

BYU Alumni Chapter Start-Up Checklist


Determine Chapter Type


  • Decide whether this will be a Regional Chapter (based on geography) or a Professional/College Chapter (based on industry or BYU college).
  • Confirm there’s not already an existing chapter in the area or field.

Recruit Core Leadership

https://alumni.byu.edu/leadership-committee-roles

  • Identify at least 3 committed leaders:
    • Chair(s) – overall leadership and contact with BYU Alumni.
    • Chair Elect – Supports the current chapter chair and is ready to take over leadership when needed.
    • Secretary – Coordinate events, keep track of goals and chapter plan, remind everyone of meetings and event timelines.
    • Treasurer – Manages chapter finances under BYU Financial policies.
  • Ensure all leaders are BYU alumni or strong friends of the university who reflect BYU and Church values. They should also be from multiple stakes and wards to also serve as liaisons.
  • Gather contact info and BYU NetIDs for all leaders (needed for official registration)
  • See details about roles here.

Connect with BYU Alumni Office


  • Contact Matt Sherry with BYU Alumni Relations to start the chartering process. (They’ll provide the official charter application and onboarding documents.)
  • For professional or college chapters, identify your campus sponsor (college or department contact).
  • For regional chapters, your sponsor will be the Alumni Office directly.

Establish Mission & Goals


  • Review and support the BYU Alumni mission. Guided by the motto "Connected for Good," the BYU Alumni Association works to connect BYU alumni around the world. The organization continues BYU's mission beyond campus by offering opportunities for lifelong learning and service. Through chapters, events, and programs, BYU Alumni helps graduates build character, strengthen relationships, and support their communities. These efforts encourage alumni to stay connected for good.
  • Set your Annual Chapter Plan – Includes event plan, chapter officer meetings, and annual chapter reports.

Set Up Finances


  • Work with the Alumni Office, Matt Sherry, to establish your local bank account through Deseret First Credit Union (DFCU) and your BYU Chapter account.

  • Understand the difference between:

    • Operating funds (for events, printing, chapter expenses). Only through DFCU.
    • Replenishment Grant funds (for Student scholarships — handled separately). Only through BYU Chapter Account.
  • Learn how to use the online reimbursement form and deposit process. Link to form here.

Plan Activities


  • Commit to at least two to four chapter activities per year:

    • One to Connect Alumni with Students (Freshman send-off, mentoring events, student gatherings, etc.)
    • One to Connect Alumni with Alumni (Networking event, performance or athletic event, game watch party, etc.)
    • One to Connect Alumni with Community (Recognize an alum for an achievement in the community, service project, small group events, campus tour,  etc.)
    • One to Connect to a culture of giving (Raise funds for Replenishment grant program, sponsor a fundraising event for Alumni Replenishment grants, see more details here)

Launch & Communicate


  • Create or update your chapter email and social media accounts (with BYU Alumni branding). Refer to Branding Resources.
  • Announce your chapter launch through BYU Alumni networks or newsletters.
  • Begin posting updates, upcoming events, and alumni stories.

Report & Maintain Status


  • Submit an Annual Chapter Report by January 31st. The report should summarize the chapter's events, finances, and leadership updates from the past year.
  • Attend chapter training provided by BYU Alumni.
  • Strive for True Blue Chapter recognition by meeting event, service, and reporting standards. See details here.

Ongoing Support


  • Use the Alumni Office staff for guidance, resources, and troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate with other chapters for shared ideas or regional collaboration.
  • Continue to mentor future chapter leaders for continuity.
  • Try to find additional committee members from other stakes.
  • Look for liaisons in various wards.

Tips and Guidelines


  • Use the Alumni Tools system to request emails. (Please give us 4-5 business days to create, review, and send out an email. Please plan these email requests ahead of time.)
  • Review Social Media Guidelines.
  • Important contacts at the BYU Alumni Relations office: