USF Member Guide

Page 1

Rev. Jan 2015


2


Love

USF?

You’ll REALLY love your Alumni Association Membership

Welcome

to the USF Alumni Association, a community of alumni and friends who LOVE USF and a vital component of the University’s ongoing success. While membership gives you access to many benefits and services, it also has the far-reaching impact of helping to protect USF, preserving the value of your degree and supporting future generations of Bulls. Largely self-funded, the Alumni Association depends on members like you for support. Dues are 75 percent tax deductible and provide much-needed funding for the USF Alumni Association’s many programs, services and activities. Please take a moment to review this handbook which outlines both the benefits you receive and the impact of your Alumni Association membership. We hope as you read that you are filled with BULL PRIDE when you see the truly substantial impact of your support. Register at www.USFalumni.org/register to access up-to-date member benefits and discount codes at any time. Thank you!

“I love being a member of the USF Alumni Association. When I moved to Georgia [more than] seven years ago, the USF Atlanta Chapter became my first friends here in Atlanta!” — Marnie Williams, `97 3


POINT OF PRIDE

4

USF ranked in the top 15 world-wide among all universities granted U.S. patents for four years in a row since 2010 according to the Intellectual Property Owners Association.


5


IMPACT On Student Success

Members should feel PRIDE in how they have supported and enriched the student experience at USF. Your membership supports programs that offer students unique opportunities to develop leadership skills and build their social and professional networks.

6


USF Ambassadors – This hand-selected influential student

group exhibits a vast knowledge of USF and the Alumni Association and represents the student body by hosting dignitaries and officials throughout the USF System. The group also engages with alumni and educates fellow students about the importance of becoming active alumni, gaining experience and connections that will carry them throughout life.

Student Alumni Association (SAA) – As USF’s largest student

organization with more than 4,900 members, the SAA is the first step in a lifelong journey with the university. It affords opportunities for students to interact with peers and alumni, to grow their network and skills to help them succeed both as a student and beyond.

Order of the Golden Brahman (OGB) — Elite student leadership

organization whose members demonstrate the commitment to the Order of the Golden Brahman mission of leadership and public service, promoting and protecting USF throughout their life.

CampU – A three-day camp experience designed to immerse students in college life before classes begin. The association participates in the design and facilitation and provides scholarships for incoming freshmen to attend. Student Events – Aimed at connecting alumni with students to help them build the skills needed to succeed at USF and beyond. 2014 activities include 16 orientation sessions, 7 Week of Welcome events and 13 hometown roundups.

“The USF Ambassadors have always inspired me to take initiative, be creative and give life to my ideas. It is so rare to find an organization that encourages innovation and change, but the Ambassadors gave me the support I needed to become a more confident, ambitious leader.” — Jordan See, USF Ambassador ‘157 7


8


PROTECT USF Alumni are essential to safeguarding USF and ensuring both current students and the university remain successful. During the legislative season, it’s alumni and friends of USF who make sure the USF voice is heard. Your membership helps provide the tools that allow alumni and friends to quickly and easily: • Read about USF legislative priorities. • Access key bills, the media and legislators. • Register to vote. • Quickly and easily take action on key issues. Visit www.USFalumni.org/ advocate to get involved.

“In April 2012, facing being stripped of nearly 60 percent of state funding, we reached out to our network of USF alumni and friends. A record 40,000 messages were sent to legislators from our advocacy website. This huge outpouring helped secure more equitable treatment of USF in the state budgeting process. That makes me very proud.” – Bill McCausland, ‘96 USF Alumni Association Executive Director 99


Bulls Stay

TOGETHER Your membership helps support programs and activities where alumni, friends and the community engage with each other and USF — virtually, in print and in person. Whether you live in Tampa, New York, Los Angeles or even Paris, there is something for everyone.

USF Alumni Groups – Fellow Bulls are worldwide. Join an alumni group to stay connected to USF after graduation. Get involved with student recruitment, advocacy, fundraising, mentoring, community service and events that are just for fun! Visit www.USFalumni.org/groups or call 800-299-BULL (2855) to connect with Bulls in your area or from your college.

Alumni Events — Activities throughout the year

welcome alumni back on campus. Visit www.USFalumni.org/calendar for a calendar of upcoming events. Past events have included: • Homecoming - a weeklong celebration including a Parade, Welcome Home Party and Pre-Game Spirit Tent. • Alumni Awards Banquet – honoring distinguished USF Alumni. • Brahman Bash Annual Fundraiser. • Fast 56 Awards Presentation – celebrating the fastestgrowing Bull-owned or led businesses. • Away athletics game tailgate parties. • The Golden Guard Society celebrating 50-year class reunions. • Student engagement opportunities through networking and mentoring events.

“ 10

“Signing up for CampU was one of the smartest decisions I made. I met some fantastic people who I think will be lifelong friends, learned some of the oldest USF traditions and I got a job interview.” — Hunter Stanley, CampU participant, current USF student


11


USF Bull Explorers Alumni Travel Program — Each year,

alumni and friends travel with the USF Alumni Association, making new friends and renewing their connections to USF. Past destinations have included Russia, France, Italy, the Virgin Islands, Alaska, Peru and Tahiti. To learn more about the Travel Program, visit www.USFalumni.org/travel.

AlumNews ­— Monthly e-newsletter communicates the most recent USF news, upcoming events and Class Notes, a section where you can share your news about new jobs, promotions, marriages, births and more. Member Magazine — Member-exclusive, quarterly

magazine features interesting, amazing things happening at USF and updates on what your fellow USF alumni are doing, both personally and professionally. You’ll find recaps of campus news, information on upcoming events and benefits of your USF Alumni Association membership.

12


“I’ve been afforded countless opportunities because of my affiliation with USF. …Joining the U Club is my chance to express my gratitude and ensure others receive those same opportunities.” — Mary Harper Ph.D., ’97, ’01, ‘07 13


Online Networking — Reconnect with old friends and classmates or network with fellow USF alums through a variety of online social networking sites: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/USFalumni LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2939206 Twitter: http://twitter.com/USFalumniAssn

USF Alumni Association Mobile App — Mobile access

to USF news and events from many academic, athletic or alumni groups through: • News Feeds from all over USF. • News & Events from Alumni Groups. • Sports News Feeds and Scores. • Life 101 Tips. Download the mobile app automatically by typing http://bit.ly/alumapp on your smart phone or scan the QR code

MoBULLme — Sign up for text messages and Action Alerts by texting USFALUMNI to 77811. Standard message and data rates apply. Classmate Search — To reconnect with an old friend or classmate, search for fellow alumni at www.USFalumni.org (click on SEARCH for Alumni in QuickLinks) or call us at 813-974-2100. You can email your request to alumni@usf.edu. Use “Alumni Search” as your subject, list the name and class year of the person you want to locate, along with your name, class year, address, e-mail and telephone number. We will forward your contact information to the alumnus you’re trying to reach.

14


USF Alumni Association Website

The most up-to-date information on your Alumni Association membership programs, events and more. While there, don’t forget to: • View your member benefits (for full member access and discount codes, create an account and view website while logged in). • Check the calendar of USF events. • Advocate for USF. • Join or renew your membership. • Update your address, phone number, email or employment information. • And much, much more.

www.USFalumni.org

“I had heard very good things from fellow alumni about traveling with USF. It was all true. The travel company they used was outstanding and very organized.” — Jose Valiente ‘73, Kentucky Derby traveler 15


Your

BULL PRIDE

An important part of building a university’s reputation is support from passionate alumni who create a positive perception of their university everywhere they go. The Alumni Association offers numerous opportunities for alumni to be proud and vocal advocates for USF in their workplaces, communities and homes.

Volunteer — Volunteer opportunities through the USF Alumni Association are limitless. Whether you help recruit students, serve as an advocate, speak at workshops, participate on a committee or help out at a special event, your time and talent are much needed and appreciated. For more information call 813-974-5390. Gifting — Because the USF Alumni Association is

primarily self-funded, gifts are vital to our existence. Your generosity is a powerful way to show support, strengthen our mission and make a lasting difference. All gifts are 100% tax deductible. Visit www.usfalumni.org/mygift.

USF License Plate — Showing your Bull pride and

supporting student scholarships has never been easier! Visit www.bullsplate.org to find out how. Florida drivers, switch to the USF Bulls specialty license plate and the Alumni Association will cover the initial $25 specialty license plate fee.

“Your donation means more than financial assistance. ... It means someone is there supporting me, believing I have the ability to accomplish my goals. ... I will forever be grateful for your contribution. You have truly made an enormous impact on my life.”

Andrea Escobar, USF License Plate scholarship recipient 16

www.USFalumni.org


POINT OF PRIDE USF is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities RU/VH, a distinction attained by only 2.3 percent of all universities. 17


CAREER Resources CareerBeam ­— Exclusively for USF Alumni Association

members, you can use CareerBeam to find a job, get a better one or plan a career change through: • Resume and cover letter builders and samples. • Company and industry research tools. • International databases. • Job postings. • Interview prep and practice tools. • Professional assessments and much more.

Going Global Career Service — The ultimate jobseeker’s

tool for finding employment abroad, this service is exclusively for USF Alumni Association members and is packed with country-specific career information, updated annually and features topics such as:

• Information on job sites, job fairs, executive search firms, etc. • Country employment outlook. • Corporate profiles with NAICS info., contacts, etc. • Trade and professional organizations. • Business resources and networking groups. • Work permits and visa regulations. • Finance and compensation information • Resume/CV advice and samples. • Interview and cultural advice.

Alumni Agent — Connects USF alumni with companies

specifically interested in hiring USF graduates: Bulls hiring Bulls. Sign up for your Alumni Agent online account at http://goo.gl/C4Qar. It’s your alumni job search community focused on connecting alumni employers to alumni job seekers and lets you:

• Find or post jobs exclusive for USF alumni. • Specify your job requirements. • Get email or text message of jobs that match your skills.

“USF has transformed my life personally & professionally! I met my beautiful wife, best friends, mentors, and business partner all at USF. Our Alma Mater’s Unstoppable Vision and entrepreneurial spirit fit my Bullish personality and I LOVE being a Life Member for our USF Alumni Association-290,000+ Worldwide Alumni & Growing!” Richard Heruska, `99

18



“ 20

“Every great university has an organization or society of student leaders to act as custodians of this greatness and to continue as an advocate even after graduation. USF’s organization, The Order of the Golden Brahman, builds and protects our legacy and future.” — Raymond O. Gross, ’69


Member

SAVINGS and SERVICES See Frequently Asked Questions (page 31) for details on how to access your member benefits.

FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES USF Federal Credit Union Financial Services — USF

www.USFfcu.org 813-569-2000 or 800-763-2005, option 0

Alumni Association members can access the USF Federal Credit Union’s low banking fees, exclusive USF-branded credit cards, competitive loan rates and all the benefits of belonging to a credit union.

The Official USF Visa® Signature Rewards Credit Card, www.bullscard.com — Earn rewards, get cash back

and support USF with every purchase! The card offers a competitive rate and purchases made with your USF credit card help support Alumni Association programs.

USF Bulls Checking Account and Debit Card, www.bullsbanking.com — Show your Bull pride with

each check you write and every swipe of your USF-branded debit card. Purchases made with your USF Debit Card support Alumni Association programs – at no additional cost to you.

USF Federal Credit Union Auto Buying Service — Buying a vehicle is hassle-free for USF Alumni Association members. A free Auto Advisor will guide you through the buying process and help you get a great purchase price. Loans financed with USF Federal Credit Union will both save you money and benefit the Alumni Association.

21


Auto, Rental and Property Insurance — Liberty Mutual

has partnered with USF to offer alumni exclusive savings on auto insurance. That means you get quality coverage, expert advice, and personalized service at a special discounted rate. You could also enjoy our many money-saving opportunities catered to your lifestyle, including our New to Liberty, Newly Married, New Move, and Hybrid Vehicle Discounts.* Call 855-254-2147 or visit Liberty Mutual to learn more or get a free quote.

*Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.

Life and Health Insurance — The USF Alumni Insurance Program helps meet the life, health and financial needs of graduating students, alumni and their families. Call our plan administrator at 800-922-1245 for a personalized information kit with rates. For a complete list of products, visit www.AlumniInsuranceProgram.com/usf. The Alumni Health Insurance Program®. • GradMed®—Short-term major medical insurance. • AlumniMed+®— PPACA compliant renewable major medical insurance. • AlumniDent®—Dental insurance – one with an optional vision benefit. • AlumniLTC®—Long-term care insurance. • SupliMed65+®—Medicare supplement insurance. • AlumniHIPSM—Hospital Indemnity Insurance. The Alumni Financial Services Program®. • AlumniAnnuity®—Fixed annuity for retirement planning. • Alumni Disability Income PlanSM—Group long-term disability income plan. The Alumni Life Insurance Program® • AlumniTerm®—5-year renewable simplified and fully underwritten group term life insurance • AlumniTerm 10/20®—Group 10- and 20- year level term life insurance. • AlumniTerm50+®—Group term life insurance from ages 50-74, renewable to age 95. • Alumni AD&D—Group accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

22


USF RELATED Athletic Priority Points —

Life-Member Exclusive

Life Members of the Alumni Association receive 25 priority points. Priority point totals determine access to, and seating locations for NCAA championships, bowl games, conference tournaments and NCAA events hosted by USF, tickets for road games, priority parking at home contests (when available) and any home event where demand exceeds ticket availability.

Gibbons Alumni Center Room Rental— Alumni Association members can rent rooms in the newly renovated Gibbons Alumni Center, from small meeting rooms seating eight to a large multi-purpose room seating up to 285. For more information, visit www.USFalumni.org/ USFalumnicenter. Life Members receive a 15% discount on Gibbons Alumni Center space rental. USF Library — Enjoy library privileges at the Tampa

and regional institutions. Check out books, get research assistance and help from specialized subject librarians. Reference services are available via the reference desk, telephone, email and online chat.

USF Recreation Center — Alumni Association members

are eligible to join the USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg Recreational Centers. The nationally ranked and newly renovated USF Tampa Campus Recreation Center features a heated indoor pool, two gymnasiums, state of the art equipment and machines, and more for less than local gyms. Additional monthly fees apply. Visit www.usf.edu/campusrec for more information.

“Campus Rec is the best gym in the Tampa area. The group fitness and modern equipment make this a phenomenal place for members. Go Bulls!” — Melissa Leuzzi, ‘14 23


USF Riverfront Park — Association members can experience the outdoors in USF’s very own private park on the breathtaking Hillsborough River that features canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, disc golf, softball fields, pavilions, high ropes course, and more! USF Tampa Campus Parking — Alumni Association members have the exclusive privilege to purchase a USF alumni parking decal. Parking restrictions and additional fees apply. USF Claw — Members get $6 off greens fees and 10% discount on USF apparel at the USF Claw Golf Course.

USF Address Labels — Personalized address labels available at the click of a button. Visit www.USFalumni.org/USFAAlabels to place your order. USF Diploma Frames — The USF Bookstore has a variety of official USF Diploma Frames to commemorate your accomplishment. The bookstore is located on the Tampa campus and online at www.shopusf.com.

USF College of The Arts — Discounts on tickets to events and performances at the USF College of The Arts. For a schedule of performances and more information, go to www.arts.usf.edu or call 813-974-2323.

Botanical Gardens

20% discount on USF Botanical Gardens individual and family annual memberships. The USF Botanical Gardens consists of nearly 16 acres of gardens greenbelt at USF Tampa. For more information visit gardens.usf.edu

“I received a great education from caring instructors and made life long friendships that I cherish to this day. My USF degree helped me earn a great job - and an even better job after I returned for my MBA. The Alumni Association is a wonderful place to hang out with fellow Bulls, network and give back to the University that has benefited me in so many ways. GO BULLS!” — Andy Coe, `95

24


EDUCATION USF Continuing Education Classes — USF Alumni

Association members receive a minimum of 10 percent off all USF Continuing Education courses. Choose from noncredit courses, certificates, and certification preparation in high-demand fields including Six Sigma, project management, human resource management, cybersecurity and more. Continuing Education also offers test preparation courses for undergraduate and graduate college entrance exams including the SAT, GRE, GMAT and LSAT. For more information on CE programs and upcoming course schedules, visit http://www.usf.edu/ continuing-education or call 813-974-2403

Kaplan Education Courses — Receive a 10% discount off retail price ($100 minimum) on Kaplan courses and free practice testing for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, DAT, OAT and PCAT exams.

25


ENTERTAINMENT AND APPAREL Access Development — Enjoy your member-

exclusive discounts at popular restaurants and neighborhood retailers. With over 150,000 places to save nationwide, a handy member-exclusive web site and mobile coupon app make saving easy and convenient!

Theme Parks — Receive discounted admission to Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Adventure Island, Sea World Orlando, Sea World San Antonio, Sea World San Diego, Water Country USA and Sesame Place. Florida Aquarium — UUSF Alumni Members

receive a discount to the Florida Aquarium. Just visit www.usfalumni.org/benefits and log in to get your discount code. Then come get face-toface with all your favorite sea creatures. There’s even a Wild Dolphin Cruise* where you can view bottlenose dolphins up close.

*The Wild Dolphin Cruise is an additional fee. Cruises leave the Aquarium daily – weather permitting.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) —

Save 20% on membership at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. MOSI membership benefits include discounts on MOSI summer camps, birthday parties and special engagement exhibitions, plus free or discounted admission to 250 science museums worldwide and over 20 local attractions during select months. Visit MOSI.org and click on the membership tab.

“I love USF because of all the traditions I got to participate in while being a student. I also love USF because my entire family is alumni and we always go to homecoming and other fun USF events like the football games together.” — Lauren Tice, `11

26


Biltmore Estates — Discount to Biltmore Estates, George Vanderbilt’s extraordinary home, beautiful gardens and winery, on 8,000 acres in the mountains of Asheville, NC. www.biltmore.com/usfaa Apparel — Visit the USF Bookstore on the

Tampa campus or at www.shopusf.com for a huge selection of official merchandise. Alumni Association members receive a 15% discount on most USF apparel while shopping at the Tampa campus USF Bookstore. The discount does not apply to online, Bulls Team Store or USF St. Petersburg sales. Need a new suit to wear to an important business meeting? Alumni members can save 15% at Brooks Brothers and 20% at Jos. A. Bank.

TRAVEL Car Rental — Whether travelling domestically or abroad, save up to 35% from more than 550 car rental suppliers at more than 28,000 worldwide locations.

Hotels — Access to a worldwide inventory of

hotels at exclusive discounted rates. Savings can exceed 50% and average 10-20% below best available rates.

Travel Insurance — You deserve to travel knowing the trip of your dreams is insured. As a member of the association you have access to three different levels of coverage so you can choose the right plan for your unique needs and budget. Options include trip cancellation, trip interruption and 24hour access to emergency assistance services.

27


28


Membership Options For

EVERYONE

The USF Alumni Association has a variety of memberships and giving options designed to fit the needs of our alumni and friends. Visit us on the web at www.USFalumni.org or call 813-974-2100. Seventy-five percent of dues are tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.

New Graduate Membership

Complimentary one-year membership for graduates awarded at the time of graduation.

New Graduate Life Membership

Limited Time Only - $150 discount Single Life – $550 Joint Life – $850

Associate Life Membership payment plan (credit card only)

Single – $50/month for 11 consecutive months

Joint – $100 down, $50/month for 15 consecutive months

Life Membership special offer valid through month of graduation only.

Annual Membership

Single – $50

Go Green with our annual automatic renewal option.

Life Membership

Fully-paid Life Membership Single – $800 Joint – $1,100

Associate Life Membership 12-month plan (credit card only) Single – $67/month Joint – $92/month for 12 consecutive months

Joint – $65

Associate Life Membership 25-month plan (credit card only) Single – $32/month Joint – $44/month for 25 consecutive months continued >

Life Membership makes an impact on USF FOREVER! A full 90% of Life-Member Exclusive Life Member dues are invested in a board directed endowment that supports everything the USF Alumni Association does now and for years to come — and you will never be asked to pay dues again! Life Members enjoy special recognition. Past Life Member exclusive recognition has included: • Life Member Homecoming Reception • Inclusion in the Life Member Honor Roll • Life Member Appreciation Bulls baseball game 29 29


Life Member Circle Of Excellence

Circle of Excellence is an honorary society to recognize Life Members who generously support the USF Alumni Association through additional annual gifts. Circle of Excellence gifts are placed into the Executive Director’s Fund for Excellence and are used to help the Alumni Association continue to serve alumni, students and the University of South Florida. Every gift is important and helps support our mission. Members who participate at the following levels will be given special recognition as part of our Life Member Circle of Excellence: Silver Level – Annual Gift of $1-$249 Gold Level – Annual Gift of $250-$499 Emerald Level – Annual Gift of $500-$999 Diamond Level – Annual Gift of $1,000 or more

University Club

The U Club is a unique and prestigious giving society of the USF Alumni Association. Alumni and friends can make a significant impact on the university through a generous endowment of $25,000 or more. Contact Kemel Thompson at 813-974-1891 or Kemel@usf.edu

“Your support of my goals means so much to me and my family. Attending medical school is something I have dreamt about since I was 10 years old, and thanks to your generosity this goal is now obtainable for me.” Kelsey Hundley, Harrison and Ruth Kosove Scholarship Recipient 30


Alumni Association

CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions How do I view my member exclusive discounts? Visit www.USFalumni.org/benefits and then login using the “Login” link in the top right-hand corner of the webpage — First time users must first create an account on the Alumni Association’s website at www.USFalumni.org/register How do I update my phone number, email and/or mailing address? There are three easy ways to update your address: • Online - visit www.myUSFbio.org • Email – alumni@usf.edu • Call – 813-974-2100 How do I request a replacement membership card? • Email – alumni@usf.edu (include your name, address and member ID, if known.) • Call – 813-974-2100. Member benefits are subject to change. Please visit www.usfalumni.org/benefits for the most up-to-date information.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ww.USFalumni.org Membership 813-974-2100 800-299-BULL (2855) Chapters and Societies 813-974-5390 Events 813-974-9127 Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center 813-974-9110 ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY CONTACTS USF TAMPA Admissions (under grad) 813-974-3350 or 877-USF-BULL Admissions (graduate) 813-974-8800 or 866-974-8800 Athletic Ticket Office 800-GO-BULLS Bookstore 813-974-2631 Continuing Education 813-974-2403 Parking Services 813-974-3990 Registrar’s Office 813-974-2000 Library 813-974-2729 USF Card Center 813-974-2357 Campus Recreation Center 813-974-7084 USF ST. PETERSBURG 727-USF-4USF USF SARASOTA-MANATEE 941-359-4200 Gibbons Alumni Center 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC 100 Tampa, FL 33620-5455

31



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.