Become a UCAA Leader
Applications are now open for the UCAA Board of Directors, standing committees and the alumni representative on Senate.
About the UCalgary Alumni Association (UCAA)
All graduates automatically become members of the University of Calgary Alumni Association — the official global community of UCalgary alumni.
The Association is led by a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who work in partnership with the University through:
- Engagement: actively engage alumni through events, programs, and initiatives that strengthen their connection to the University and each other.
- Championing: promote the University’s teaching, learning, research and innovation through fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy.
- Recognition: celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of alumni, highlighting their successes and the value of their University of Calgary education.
- Communication: foster open and effective communication between the University, the Alumni Association board, and its members to ensure alignment and mutual benefit.
- Networking: provide opportunities for alumni to connect, network, and collaborate with each other and with current students, faculty, and staff.
- Leadership: cultivate and support alumni leaders who can contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to benefit the University and the broader community.
- Representation and advising: appointing or recommending members to serve as alumni representatives on university bodies and committees
Leadership Opportunities
UCAA is launching an application process for three leadership pathways.
1. UCAA Board of Directors
The UCAA Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the Alumni Association.
Board members:
- Advise the University on alumni matters and alumni strategy
- Ensure transparent alumni appointment processes
- Strengthen alumni recognition and engagement
- Act as ambassadors for the University and alumni community
Term: 3 years (renewable once)
Time Commitment: ~5–10 hours per month
2. UCAA Standing Committees
Committees are critical to delivering focused governance and engagement work. Committee members may serve with or without being full Board Directors.
Executive Governance Committee
Chaired by the Vice President/Vice Chair, this committee ensures UCAA adheres to governance best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and review governance policies
- Conduct annual governance document review
- Ensure Board structure and leadership effectiveness
Membership includes Board Committee Chairs, the President/Chair, Vice President/Vice Chair, and Past-President.
Nominations and Assessment Committee
This committee ensures strong leadership succession and alumni representation.
Responsibilities:
- Recommend appointments where alumni representation is required
- Identify future leadership needs aligned with strategy
Affinity Communities Committee
This committee strengthens alumni engagement through alumni-led micro-communities.
Responsibilities:
- Review and approve Affinity Community applications
- Review and approve funding proposals
- Support alumni-at-large engagement initiatives
Alumni Recognition Committee / Arch Awards Sub-Committee
This committee elevates alumni excellence and reputation.
Responsibilities:
- Champion alumni achievements
- Review nominations for the annual Arch Awards
- Select recipients of the highest honour bestowed by UCAA (since 1985)
- Encourage nominations through personal networks
3. Alumni Representative on Senate
The Alumni Representative serves on the UCalgary Senate as a bridge between alumni and the broader university community.
The Senate:
- Represents the public interest
- Promotes university excellence
- Strengthens community connection
- Supports student engagement
- Serves as an ambassadorial body
The Alumni Representative ensures alumni perspectives are represented in Senate discussions and committee work.
Term: 3 years (renewable once)
Time Commitment: ~5–10 hours per month
What it means to serve
Be a Connector
Strengthen relationships between alumni, students, leadership, and the Calgary community.
Shape Alumni Strategy
Contribute to the development and execution of the Alumni Strategy.
Influence & Advocate
Support thoughtful dialogue that advances the University’s mission.
Advance Inclusion
UCAA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from diverse sectors, lived experiences, and geographies.
Who should apply?
We welcome alumni leaders who:
- Bring governance, strategic, legal, risk, marketing, innovation, academic, or community expertise
- Demonstrate leadership in corporate, nonprofit, entrepreneurial, public sector, or community settings
- Are passionate about higher education and alumni impact
- Can commit meaningfully to governance work
- Value collaborative leadership and strategic thinking
Prior board experience is an asset but not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Board & Senate: 5–10 hours per month
UCAA Committee Members: 3–6 hours per month
Includes meetings, preparation, and event participation.
UCAA Board & Senate: 3 years, after which time, will be eligible for a second term.
UCAA Committee: 1 year, term may vary depending on the committee.
UCAA Board: You can expect to attend at least 5-7 board meetings each year, 6-8 committee meetings, the Annual General Meeting, Board orientation (for first-time directors), and the Board Retreat. Board meeting dates are published with ample notice, and you are expected to attend all meetings.
Senate: Senators can expect 1-3 meetings per month. It is expected that senators attend all senate meetings, assigned committee meetings, and working group meetings in order to stay involved. These schedules are provided each June.
UCAA Committee Members: Committee Members can expect to participate in approximately 6–8 committee meetings per year.
UCAA Board and Committees: convocation (platform party, volunteer, alumni pin distribution), kick off/homecoming, Arch Awards, AGM, and various Alumni Office and university events throughout the year.
Senate: Senate hosts 2-3 events per year. However, as a senator there are many different UCalgary campus events that you are invited to and encouraged to attend, which includes Convocation ceremonies where you will sit on the dais as a part of the platform party, Convocation Dinner, Lecture of a Lifetime, sporting events, lecture series, donor events and networking/mentorship events.
UCAA provides alumni governance and advisory leadership.
The Senate is an ambassadorial body and does not govern university operations.
No. Prior involvement with the UCalgary Alumni Association (UCAA) is not required. We welcome alumni from all backgrounds and levels of engagement who are passionate about contributing to the alumni community and advancing the University of Calgary.
No. UCAA Board and Committee Members can be based outside of Calgary. While some in-person engagement opportunities may be available, many meetings and activities are accessible virtually to support participation from alumni across different locations.
Yes. New graduates are encouraged to apply. If your degree has been conferred, you are considered an alum, even if you have not yet attended your convocation ceremony. The UCAA values diverse perspectives, including those of recent graduates.
There is no single required level of experience. The UCAA seeks a mix of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences. While governance, leadership, or volunteer experience can be beneficial, particularly for Board roles, Committee positions are a great opportunity for alumni looking to get involved and build experience. A commitment to the UCAA’s mission, values, and alumni community is most important.
Meeting schedules vary by role:
- Board & Senate: Meetings are typically held in the evening. There is generally a break during the summer months.
- Committees: Meeting frequency and timing vary depending on the committee, with flexibility to accommodate member availability. Some meetings may occur during the day or evening.
Members are expected to attend meetings regularly and contribute to discussions and initiatives outside of scheduled meetings as needed.
Yes. We encourage future applications.
Start Your Journey
Apply to become an alumni leader and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community. Applicants are encouraged to read the Senate FAQ, Senate Bylaws and the UCalgary Indigenous Strategy.
Help shape the future of alumni experience.
Champion alumni excellence.
Represent the voice of our community.
Apply by April 26, 2026.
For questions, please contact:
Please email alumni@ucalgary.ca with any questions.