A: As Penn State’s alumni network spread throughout the world over the past 170 years, alumni established more than 120 local groups affiliated with the Penn State Alumni Association to serve Penn Staters in their regions. Memberships in the Alumni Association and in local chapters were independent, each with separate dues and registrations.

Starting in July, engagement in the alumni community at both the local and the University level is integrated in a single membership. Access to your local chapter is now included automatically with your membership in the Penn State Alumni Association. You no longer pay separate dues or submit additional applications to enjoy participating in a local chapter.

A: This change makes it easier for alumni and friends of Penn State to connect with the University community when and where they want to. A single membership in the Penn State Alumni Association now includes full access to engagement options at all levels.

A: Most chapter members already belong to the Alumni Association, but not all. When chapter-only memberships are phased out July 1, those affected will receive a complimentary six-month membership in the Alumni Association. 

A: If a chapter-only member chooses not to renew their complimentary six-month membership in the Alumni Association when it expires, they can still participate in chapter events but would not be eligible for any member-only benefits, activities, or discounts.

A: Chapter dues typically have been less than Alumni Association dues. However, joining the Alumni Association gives you access to an expanded array of personal benefits above and beyond those offered by chapters—including discounts, exclusive events and opportunities, and much more. In addition, now more than ever, joining the Association supports the local chapter, our students, and the University.

A: Not at all. Just like the Alumni Association serves all alumni and friends, local chapters are encouraged to do the same. Unless a chapter hosts an event that is specifically for members only, events are open to anyone who wants to attend. The Alumni Association uses this same approach of inviting members and non-members to most events. Engaging non-members in this way acquaints them with our community and ultimately helps them make the decision to become a member.

A: Your primary local chapter is determined by the zip code on file with the Alumni Association. Unlike the layered dues structure, a single membership approach allows alumni and friends to have the option to participate in multiple chapters. The first step is to make sure your current address and other contact information is correct, and you can update that by clicking here.

A: The Alumni Association does not plan to increase dues. The current cost of all membership types can be found here.

A: Of course! These friends of Penn State are a crucial part of the fabric that make up our community. Chapters currently have many serving as local board members. Anyone can join the Penn State Alumni Association and we welcome them, regardless of their relationship with Penn State, to be a part of our community.

A: No. Penn State Alumni Association members did have to pay additional dues to belong to a local chapter, but starting July 1, local chapter access is automatically included in your annual Alumni Association dues at no additional expense.

A: No, because life members are already members of the Penn State Alumni Association. Current and new life members will automatically gain access to their local chapters in July, with no additional expense.

A: We made this change because it puts Penn State’s alumni and friends first. We are making it simple for every graduate and friend of Penn State to engage with the University’s incomparable alumni network where and when they wish, by providing numerous paths for involvement with a single point of entry. In addition, eliminating the layered dues structure in place today frees local chapters to do what they do best–engage local alumni. Volunteers will no longer need to devote resources to collecting dues and other administrative tasks that also are performed by the Alumni Association.

A: Definitely not. The Alumni Association is committed to maintaining the unique aspects of our local chapters, including continuing to support their efforts to provide assistance to Penn Staters in the form of scholarships and gifts. Far from taking over everything local groups do, this change creates a more efficient system that frees groups to concentrate on their core purpose – engaging local alumni as volunteers and participants, and delivering what local alumni want to see in their own back yards.