Membership FAQs

Q:  Why is the Colorado State University Alumni Association adding a dues-based program?

A: There are a couple of reasons for this new program: As we sought to enhance existing programs for students and alumni, we needed to identify an additional source of revenue. The Association relies on private funding for alumni and student programming. With the exception of salaries, our entire operating budget results from endowment earnings, donations and affinity partner programs such as the US Bank Visa card. After much research and consideration, a recommendation was adopted by the CSU Alumni Association Board of Directors to move forward with this new model, one that many universities use.

Secondly, the new funding will allow us to continue current programs, offer new services, and develop new ways in which the alumni population can stay active as we create a stronger Colorado State.

Bottom line, we know that we must continually reinvent our services and programs to meet the changing needs of our constituents. Dues-based associations are an excellent tool to help target those alumni who are most interested in playing a more active role with their association.

Q: Do I have to join the CSU Alumni Association to maintain my alumni status and benefits?

A: No. Membership in the CSU Alumni Association is optional. It’s targeted to those individuals who wish to develop a greater level of engagement with and support of the University, its students, fellow alumni, and friends. The Alumni Association will continue to serve all alumni as it has in the past. Those services that currently are available to all alumni will not diminish. They include:

• The Colorado State Magazine (formerly Alumni Magazine) and E-Update

• Colorado State affinity credit card program with US Bank

• North American Van Lines moving discounts

• Medical Insurance options: GradMed^®, short-term health insurance AlumniAbroad^®, travel health insurance AlumniMed+^®, renewable major medical insurance ProtectorMed+^®, supplemental, comprehensive medical plan

• Ramblin Rams Alumni Travel

• CSU License Plates

• Contact a classmate service

•  Campus parking passes (3 per year)

Q:  If I’m a donor, am I automatically a member of the CSU Alumni Association?

A: No. Membership dues paid to the Association and making a gift to the University are separate items. Your Alumni Association dues support specific programs of the CSU Alumni Association, for which you receive direct benefit, whereas your gift/contribution to the University for the Annual Fund or some other fund of your choosing may be designated to any area of the University and will support these areas specifically, as well as the University in general. All or a portion of your membership dues are tax deductible. We hope you’ll both join the Association and make an annual gift to the University. Your support as always is greatly appreciated.

Q:  I joined the CSU Alumni Association as a Life Member years ago.  Do I have to join the new program too?

A: No. If you paid a Life Membership to the CSU Alumni Association in the past, that membership is still in force and includes all current and future benefits. As Life Members, you do have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Alumni Association’s Sustaining Life Membership program. This program provides yet another opportunity to support alumni and student programming.

Q:  Can I join the CSU Alumni Association if I’m not a graduate of Colorado State University?

A: Yes! The CSU Alumni Association is for all “alumni and friends” of Colorado State University. “Friends” refers to parents, relatives, fans, advocates, donors, and community members - anyone with an interest in supporting the University.

Q:  How does my membership assist current CSU students?

A: The Alumni Association has a student membership program called Student Alumni Connection  (SAC). The mission of SAC is to cultivate pride and traditions of the Green and Gold by encouraging relationships among past, present, and future Rams through social events, leadership development, and connections with alumni, while opening the doors for opportunities and involvement within the University. SAC’s general membership has grown to more than 3,000 students with a leadership council of 35 students. SAC programming includes SACapalooza, Etiquette Dinner, Distinguished Alumni Brunch, outreach to local elementary schools, Homecoming Pancake Breakfast, SAC Packs, I Love CSU Day, University Ring program and ceremony, annual painting of the “A,” Student Ram Fan Section, and many others.

The Alumni Association also sponsors the Ram Handlers. These dedicated students are responsible for the care and training of CAM the Ram. These students escort CAM to CSU sporting events and his numerous community appearances.