Young Alumni Council Application
Thank you for your interest in joining the Young Alumni Council (YAC)! The Young Alumni Council exists to develop and strengthen connections between young alumni, Grand Valley State University, and the greater alumni community. The Council also advises Alumni Relations on ways to support the needs and advance the interests of recent graduates.
Please review the information on this page about the role and expectations of YAC members and the application and selection process. Applications may be submitted using the link below and are due by May 17, 2023 to be considered for the coming year (July 2023 - June 2024). Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the following term year.
Application and Selection Process
- Applications must be submitted by May 17, 2023 to be considered for the following year (July 2023 - June 2024).
- After the application deadline passes, the YAC interview committee will review all applications and select candidates for interviews.
- Interviews will take place via Zoom between June 5 and June 16. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified via email and will receive a link to schedule their interview time.
- Applicants will be notified of their selection the week of June 26 via email and will be asked to complete a form accepting their seat on the YAC.
- The new YAC term begins July 1 and the first meeting will be held in August.
Candidate Selection and Eligibility
- Applicants must be graduates of Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
- Each applicant shall have graduated within the past 10 years or be 35 years of age or younger.
- Selection criteria is based upon past leadership roles, involvement while as a GVSU student, involvement as an alum, and enthusiasm for the work of the YAC.
- All YAC members will be required to follow the Membership Guidelines laid out in the Bylaws of the YAC.
- YAC membership shall not exceed 30 members.
YAC Membership
Membership Terms
- New YAC members are given a three (3) year term limit.
- After one year on the council, members are eligible to serve in leadership positions. Nominations and elections for leadership positions are held annually in the spring. Committee chairs, president-elect, and president roles each serve one (1) year terms.
- Following their first term, members are eligible for a second three (3) year term, subject to approval by the whole council. Total years on the YAC shall not exceed six (6) years.
Participation
YAC members hold an important leadership role in the GVSU community. Members are expected to maintain active participation, including:
- Attendance at general council and committee meetings.
- Actively engage in meetings and committee work to advance the goals of the YAC and Alumni Relations office.
- Be a visible and connected member of the alumni community by attending YAC, Alumni Relations, and GVSU events and actively sharing alumni information and opportunities within your networks.
- Regularly utilize the YAC Slack channel for communication and collaboration.
- Support, as you are able, GVSU financially and through volunteer activities.
Meeting Attendance
- The YAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. EST. (Meeting days and times are subject to change with notice.)
- In August, September, November, January, March, and May these are general council meetings. In October, December, February, and April these are committee meetings.
- YAC members are asked to attend the annual GVSU Alumni Leadership Summit held in August.
- Additional committee and/or subcommittee meetings can be expected and are scheduled by committees based on need and member availability.
- All general council meetings are held in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual attendance options. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged for local members.
Committees
The Council is made up of four (4) committees: Activities, Engagement, and Governance. Each YAC member serves on one of these committees:
Local Engagement Committee will advise Alumni Relations on and, where appropriate, help operationalize strategies to engage young alumni in the West Michigan region.
Non-local Engagement Committee will advise Alumni Relations on and, where appropriate, help operationalize strategies to engage young alumni outside the West Michigan region.
Student Engagement Committee will advise Alumni Relations on and, where appropriate, help operationalize strategies to engage current students and build awareness of the alumni community.
Governance Committee will oversee the compliance of the YAC Bylaws, requirements of all Members, research and recommend best practices, and other activities as deem appropriate to ensure the Council functions effectively.