FAQ

Who are UAB alumni?

As the population of graduates increases, the UAB National Alumni Society has made a strategic decision to target delivery of services to all alumni. We define alumni as those individuals who have attended UAB and who have been awarded a degree or left school in good standing.

Just to be clear, we LOVE our friends. The NAS has always encouraged and included friends in our activities and events. We have worked hard to treat friends just like alumni. We don’t want to lose those friends and encourage those individuals to stay connected to the University through the NAS. As always, friends are welcome to attend events!

How can I support the NAS?

There are many ways you can support the NAS. Get involved. Attend events. Volunteer your time. Become a mentor for a student or recent graduate. Give to one of the many funds on campus. Keep us posted on your successes. Be an ambassador of UAB. Stay up to date with campus points of pride. Tell others about research and development that our faculty, staff and students are doing. Promote the excellence in education UAB boasts. Support our diverse student body.

How can I join the NAS?

The membership program is changing. Starting October 1, 2020, the moment you graduate, you are a full member of the NAS. Signups and memberships are out, From Here On IN.

Why did the NAS eliminate membership dues? 

The NAS Board of Directors created a task force to evaluate the effectiveness of our membership program. The resounding research led the task force to make the decision that no matter what you studied, or when, you deserve an alumni network that is as inclusive and diverse as the institution we love.

Will the NAS continue to exist at UAB?

Yes! The NAS will now be an alumni network over 150,000 strong and will be a much larger voice than ever before.

I am a Lifetime Member, what does this mean for me?

Lifetime Members have been integral to the foundation of the NAS since the beginning, and you will continue to be. The NAS if fully prepared to continue delivering consistent, high-quality alumni services, events, and benefits to you, and we will recognize our Lifetime Members as the foundation of our success.

Am I losing any of my membership benefits? 

No. Starting October 1, 2020, benefits will be available to all alumni. Please see our benefit page for more details.

How do I access my membership benefits?

In order to receive your benefits, some of our partners may require verification of your alumni standing. Please fill out this form to receive an electronic alumni card. 

What is the timeline for this transition?

The NAS is proud to have publicly announced this transition on July 15, 2020. All changes will take effect on October 1, 2020.

Without a membership, will the alumni of UAB have a voice? 

Yes. We believe that by earning your degree, you earned your voice as an alumnus. The NAS will now represent over 150,000 alumni, making your voice stronger than ever.

What does this mean for my chapter?

Our chapter program has been realigned to better enhance your ability to stay connected with UAB no matter what school, college or program you graduated from or where you landed after graduation. 

Our chapter program has been rebranded as our Alumni Network Program. Your current chapter will not be part of your school or college’s more inclusive and stronger alumni network. There are a few Alumni Networks that will remain independent but will operate under the appropriate school or college-based network.

For those that are part of the realigned Regional Alumni Networks, you will see increased activity in your areas as we work to build strong leadership teams that will drive future activities.

Please visit the Regional Engagement link on the website to see a full detail of the realignment with both program and regionally based networks. The NAS is fully prepared to continue delivering consistent, high-quality alumni services, events, and benefits to all our graduates.

How can I join an Alumni Network?

Our alumni network membership is free. Graduates of all academic entities will automatically be added to the network membership roster for their school or college.

How do I financially support UAB as an alumnus? 

We are all philanthropists at heart. When each one of us gives to the areas that are most meaningful to us, we make a big difference on our campus and throughout the Birmingham community. Whether supplementing a student who needs financial aid, supporting a faculty member with research funding, making an arts or athletics event possible, supporting outreach initiative, or providing expert patient care, your gift personally expands UAB’s reach into the world.  You can find out more on how to give back to the University here. 

I have more questions, who can I chat with?

The NAS staff and Board of Directors would be happy to share more. Please contact Jennifer Breland, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Affairs and Executive Director of the UAB National Alumni Society to learn more. You can reach her at jbreland@uab.edu or 205-934-2555.