Alumni Chapters

Forming an Alumni Chapter

• Getting Started

  Before you apply, here are some of the terms we use:

  • Alumni Chapter: A self-organized community of Ontario Tech alumni, students, and/or friends, created around a shared identity, interest, profession, academic background, or location. Affinity Groups are endorsed by the Alumni Association Council (AAC).
  • Alumni: Individuals who have earned a degree approved by the University’s Academic Council.
  • Alumni Association Member: Any individual graduate of Ontario Tech University.
  • Alumni Association Council (AAC): The governing body of the Ontario Tech University Alumni Association.
  • General Member: An alumni who joins the Alumni Chapter and participates in its regular activities without holding a leadership or specialized role.
  • Group Lead(s): At least two alumni who step forward to start and lead a proposed Alumni Chapter.
  • Ontario Tech Alumni Office (AO): sets the strategic vision for how the university engages, supports, and activates its alumni community. They create meaningful opportunities for graduates to stay connected, grow personally and professionally, and contribute to initiatives that reflect their values and advance Ontario Tech’s mission.
• Why start an Alumni Chapter?

  Alumni Chapters create opportunities for alumni and friends of Ontario Tech to:

  • Network socially and professionally
  • Facilitate mentorship and career development 
  • Engage in continuing education
  • Organize volunteer and fundraising initiatives
  • Strengthen alumni pride and connections across regions, identities, and professions

  Chapters are self-organized, volunteer-led, and designed to complement Ontario Tech alumni programs and faculty initiatives. They are a flexible way to bring like-minded alumni together, whether by graduation year, identity, shared interests, faculty, or region.

• How to Start an Alumni Chapter

  Step 1: Gather a Core Team

  • You’ll need at least two (2) committed alumni to form the foundation of your group. One should be identified as the lead contact.
    

  Step 2: Prepare Your Application

  Your application will ask for:

  • The proposed name of the group (must begin with “Ontario Tech University Alumni” and cannot use the word “Association”)
  • A clear purpose statement showing how the group aligns with the Alumni Engagement Strategy
  • A summary of proposed activities, such as networking, professional development, or alumni pride initiatives
  • A description of the interest, identity, or experience your group represents
  • Names and contact details for 2 to 3 alumni willing to lead
  • Any relevant history of the group or related initiatives
    

  Step 3: Submit Your Application

  Applications are submitted through a digital form to the Alumni Office.

  Step 4: Review & Approval

  • Your application is reviewed in stages by the Alumni Engagement Committee, Alumni Governance Committee, and Alumni Office.
  • All Alumni Chapters must be endorsed by the Alumni Association Council and approved by the Alumni Office
  • Applicants are notified of the outcome and may be invited to attend a Council meeting to answer questions.
    

  Step 5: Pilot Year

  If approved, your group begins with a one-year pilot period. This allows you to demonstrate engagement, deliver at least one initiative, and establish sustainable leadership. Successful pilots may be granted full recognition as an Alumni Chapter.

   

   Alumni Chapter Application Form