Chartered Alumni Organization Naming Recommendations

Groups are encouraged to select a name that most closely reflects their mission, goals, and alumni constituency. Groups that have a clear connection to a school, student organization, or area of campus could choose to include that entity in their name. While it is not required to have the permission of that school or entity, we certainly encourage all groups to build as close a relationship as possible with the school or entity to which their alumni constituency is connected. This will ensure the best possible experience for both the entity and the alumni members of your group.

Please also keep in mind the following Rutgers terminology when naming your group. The term “Association” is usually reserved for an official, legally recognized independent organization and tends to elicit a feeling of formality. (For example “Alumni Association of Queens College.”) That does not mean that there cannot be exceptions to this rule, but generally groups that do not fall into either of these categories should consider using titles such as “network,” “league,” “chapter,” “organization,” “group,” or “society.”

The term “club” usually refers to our Regional Clubs, which have consistently been named “Rutgers Club of [Regional Area].” The consistent naming of our Regional Clubs will serve to connect the Regional Clubs to each other and help promote opportunities to engage alumni where they live, work, and/or vacation.

Sample Mission Statements

  • According to the submission of the Rutgers Club of Lehigh Valley, the group’s goals and mission are to conduct volunteer and social events for Rutgers alumni living in the Lehigh Valley area; encourage networking and relationship building among club members; and foster and promote the interest of Rutgers University in Lehigh Valley by becoming involved in our local communities.
  • According to the submission of the Graduate School of Education Alumni Association, the group’s goals and mission are to promote education in general and teaching as a profession, support the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, and promote the welfare of alumni of the Graduate School of Education.
  • According to the submission of the Alumni and Friends of Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR), the group’s goals and mission are to perpetuate and broaden the excellent reputation of Rutgers and the School of Management and Labor Relations, and to provide opportunities for networking, socializing, and providing information/education in the School of Management and Labor Relations’ areas of study.
  • According to the submission of Rutgers Alumni Crew at Camden, the group’s goals and mission are to effectuate, engage, and encourage all Rutgers University alumni through activities that are mutually beneficial for Rutgers University, Rutgers Athletics, and Rutgers alumni through an alumni rowing program.

Sample Constituency Statements

  • According to the submission of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority Phi Tau Chapter, the group’s constituency is members of the Phi Tau Chapter of the sorority from the Camden Campus.
  • According to the submission of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice Alumni Association, the group’s constituency is alumni and friends of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice.
  • According to the submission of the Rutgers Club of Houston, the group’s constituency is alumni of Rutgers University, spouses and children of Rutgers alumni, and retired staff, faculty, and loyal friends of Rutgers University residing in the Greater Houston area.
  • According to the submission of the Veteran Alumni of Rutgers University, the group’s constituency is any Rutgers University alumnus/alumna with proof of honorable, active military service in any capacity as well as the direct family members or friends of any Rutgers University alumnus/alumna (veteran or non-veteran) dedicated to assisting veteran Rutgers students and veteran Rutgers alumni. (Military service shall not be limited to durations of armed conflicts nor United States Armed Forces duty, but shall include reservist, National Guard, or other military support entities.)