Chapter Leader Handbook
WAA-recognized chapters represent WAA and, by extension, UW-Madison in their communities. Alumni chapters provide opportunities for alumni to:
- Engage with other local alumni
- Identify and nurture volunteer leaders
- Celebrate alumni who make a difference in their communities
- Showcase Badger spirit to current and future alumni
Welcome Alumni
Being Accessible, Hospitable and Responsive
The first job of every WAA chapter is to be welcoming to all UW-Madison alumni. For the Badger alumni in your area, your chapter is the face of the university. Through special events such as Welcome to the City, chapters introduce alumni to a group that they can call their own local Badger “home.”
- Be accessible: Update your website with event and local “hangout” information
- Be responsive: Actively answer inquiries (calls, emails, social media, at events)
- Be hospitable
Create Connections
Serving as a Social and Professional Hub
Alumni-to-alumni connections are the lifeblood of WAA chapters. Chapter volunteers provide crucial mentoring and career guidance for new UW-Madison graduates as well as future alumni. Chapters bring alumni together through a variety of events.
- Be a conduit for volunteering on behalf of UW-Madison
- Be a social and professional hub, host events, facilitate Badger-to-Badger alumni connections
Support the UW
Encouraging Alumni to Support the UW
Chapters increasingly play a significant role in supporting UW-Madison priorities and initiatives. In-state chapters provide a vital network for grassroots legislative advocacy. Chapters nationwide assist WAA and UW Athletics with special events.
- Encourage alumni to support the UW with time, talent and treasure
- Spread the message of the UW to everyone in your community
- Participate in the annual campaign
- Capture and translate the alumni voice back to the UW and WAA