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Bascom Chapters 101

Bascom Chapter status is conferred upon chapters whose extraordinary efforts have distinguished them. Bascom Chapters receive additional Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) support and resources that are consistent with their commitment to serving the diverse needs and interests of all alumni. In order to be considered for Bascom Chapter status, the following qualifications must be met:

Fulfill Annual Administrative Requirements

  • Establish board leadership consisting of UW–Madison alumni.
  • Submit an annual report and board roster.
  • Complete all necessary WAA paperwork, including:
    • Data Agreement
    • Code of Ethics
    • Volunteer Expectations
  • Hold at least two board meetings annually.
  • Create chapter bylaws or a chapter charter, including a leadership succession plan.
  • Direct chapter communications through the WFAA email system.
  • Use WAA-branded logos and materials for all communications and promotional materials at events.
  • Maintain an active local scholarship program.
  • Abstain from charging dues.
  • Maintain a WFAA-hosted chapter website (domestic chapters only).

Fulfill Annual Event Requirements

  • Host a Founders’ Day celebration, if applicable.
  • Host a Badger Student Send-Off Celebration, if applicable.
  • Host two additional events per year, not including game watches.

Complete One of the Following Administrative Initiatives

  • Submit the description of an event, program, or activity that demonstrates best practices, to be shared as a resource for other chapters.
  • Have chapter leaders become “peer mentors” to train others, or host a local leadership-training event.

Conduct One Event That Supports Alumni Engagement

  • Host a career networking opportunity.
  • Host an enrichment event.
  • Host an advocacy event.
  • Submit a nomination for a Badger of the Year Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, and/or Forward under 40 Award.
  • Assist with a student initiative, such as supporting a targeted scholarship program or working directly with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Conduct Two of the Following Membership Initiatives

  • Have a diverse board (age, gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, ability).
  • Collaborate with WAA affinity groups and/or include the position of diversity and inclusion chair on your chapter board.
  • Have a young alumni committee that orchestrates events specifically for young alumni and recent grads.
  • Develop a plan to increase WAA membership, and set targets for the chapter area.

Conduct Two of the Following Outreach Initiatives

  • Hold one educational event (beyond Founders’ Day) annually.
  • Partner with a WAA affinity group to host an event that engages diverse alumni in your community.
  • Participate in educational outreach programs with local schools or community organizations, such as tutoring or service-learning programs.
  • Coordinate an event in partnership with another local organization or another college’s or university’s local alumni chapter.
  • Hold an event that engages alumni families (beyond a Badger Student Send-Off Celebration) in your community.

WAA Support for Bascom Chapters

Bascom chapters receive all of the support offered to WAA-recognized chapters and Varsity chapters, plus:

  • WFAA staff representation at an event of your choosing (based on staff availability).
  • An autographed football or basketball.
  • One additional paid registration to attend the annual Badger Leaders Conference (two total). (Domestic chapters only. International chapters, please contact your chapter representative regarding Badger Leaders Conference support.)
  • Choice of one additional custom chapter-identity item (two total).
  • Two of the current edition of WAA’s The Red Shirt™.
  • Recognition in WAA’s member publication, Badger Insider.