Start an alumni network

Volunteer alumni coordinators (VACs) are graduates from the University of Auckland who have plenty of enthusiasm, enjoy meeting people and staying connected to their University.

With over 172,000 alumni on our database, our alumni volunteers play a vital role in helping to “connect and celebrate alumni” around the globe.

The primary role of a VAC is to be the main point of contact for all alumni living in the area and to support the activities of the Alumni Relations Office in the region.

Responsibilities include:

• Organising informal alumni events and other activities for alumni in your area, with the support of the Alumni Relations office in Auckland.
• Meeting up with visiting students
• Helping new alumni to the area with local information
• Assisting and giving advice to the University when it is planning events in your area

How much time will it take up?

Being a VAC doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. The Alumni Relations office will support you, and help promote any events/activities you are keen to arrange. Other members of the group could also volunteer to help out, and you could form a committee, so that tasks are shared.

You can have as many or as few events/activities as you like – feel free to discuss this with your members.

Some of the benefits of volunteering include:

• Meeting alumni from around the world and developing lasting relationships
• Enhancing your career opportunities through networking
• Improving your leadership, communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills - skills that can help your professional career
• Getting in touch with recent graduates and absorbing their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas

Step one: Check for nearby VACs

• Check to see if there is already a VAC in your local area and contact them to see if you can help.
• If not, you can register your interest by emailing the Alumni Relations Office.

Step two: Tell us about yourself

Provide the following information:

• A short biography and/or curriculum vitae.
• A recent high resolution portrait photograph.
• The contact details of two referees (professional or other) who would be willing to be contacted to offer a character reference in support of your application

Step three: We process your application

• Once this information has been received, your application will be carefully considered and staff may contact your referees should we wish to verify any details from your application
• We’ll then be in touch by email or phone to discuss your application further

Step four: Written approval and VAC agreement

• After processing the application, the Alumni Relations office will send you written approval alongside a VAC agreement
• The VAC agreement needs to be read, signed, then returned to the office

Step five: Welcome!

• Once your status as a VAC has been formalised, we will send you a VAC welcome pack with some handy hints for VAC activities
• We’ll also introduce you to alumni in your area by email, and add your profile to our international alumni networks listing