Frequently Asked Membership Questions
Q) What is the Student Alumni Association?
A) The Student Alumni Association (SAA) was launched on 09.09.10. SAA is supported by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, and led by a group of student leaders. SAA is an open organization, encouraging any student, at any year in their Georgia Tech experience to join. In order to join, students must donate $10 as a membership fee with $5 going to Roll Call through the Georgia Tech Student Foundation and the other $5 to an annual 'Gift to Tech,' which will be decided on by the student body and members of SAA.
Q) What is SAA’s mission?
A) The mission of SAA is to enhance the student experience by providing opportunities that broaden the college experience, strengthen the traditions, and build lifelong loyalty to Georgia Tech. We will achieve this by leveraging our greatest asset, Tech’s alumni, and facilitating continuous interaction between alumni and students. Underlying all that we do is a belief in the importance of fostering lifelong participation and philanthropic support - while maintaining Georgia Tech spirit and tradition.
Q) Who can join?
A) All current Georgia Tech students can join the Student Alumni Association! SAA specifically benefits students who are interested in connecting with alumni and preserving Georgia Tech. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, SAA has something for everyone.
Q) What are the benefits? What is in it for me?
A) For signing up you receive an SAA Swag Bag your first year that includes a reusable bag, SAA shirt, a koozie, a pennant, SAA sticker, Tech magnets, a free Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich coupon, and lots of other giveaways and discounts. Second year members get a padfolio and third year members recieve a "Georgia Institute of Technology" business card holder. All second and third year members get the year's discount coupons and the 2012-2013 Member Shirt. Other benefits are endless, such as a graduation gift, two Member Appreciation days per month, Spirit Day give-a-ways, ‘Get Ready for the Real World’ programs, alumni mentoring programs, reduced cost to some Alumni Association events, and… did we mention access to the Georgia Tech alumni network and their limitless knowledge and experience? If that’s not enough, we will prepare you for the real world through your engagement with SAA, helping you to become a successful alumnus/a! Learn about SAA benefits.
Q) How can I join?
A) Register online to become a member of SAA. We are also around campus for on-the-spot sign ups during SAA Fall and Spring Kickoffs as well as tabling (times vary). Member benefits start immediately.
Q) Where does the money go?
A) SAA strives to inspire students to continue the tradition of investing in the future of Tech. Your $10 membership donation is split between Georgia Tech’s Annual Fund (Roll Call) through the Georgia Tech Student Foundation and the SAA Gift to Tech, a gift to campus from SAA.
Q) How is SAA different from Student Foundation and Student Ambassadors?
A) While these three organizations are all supported by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, they are all very different. Learn more!
Q) How does SAA prepare me for the real world?
A) Through networking events and personal development series, the Student Alumni Association looks to give students the skills they need in a professional setting. Whether it is a speaker on campus or a wine tasting, the Student Alumni Association's unique events will prepare you for all different aspects of life after Tech.
Q) I don’t have a lot of time. How can I be involved?
A) SAA allows members to be as involved in the organization as they want to be. For members looking to develop leadership skills, there are opportunities to serve on the various SAA committees and to apply for the SAA Executive Committee. Other members may choose to participate in a wide variety of SAA events. It is up to you and your schedule to determine how much time and energy you would like to commit. Like most organizations worth joining, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it!
Q) Is there a way to meet Georgia Tech alumni?
A) Of course! The Student Alumni Association is all about connecting you to alumni! Alumni participate in the majority of our events allowing students the chance to meet and network with some of Tech's great former students. Whether it is Dinner Jackets, Mentor Jackets, or our Get Ready for the Real World Series there are lots of great ways to connected to alumni.
Q) How long is the membership?
A) Membership begins and ends on July 1st. For the 2012/2013 academic year, membership lasts from 7.1.12 – 7.1.13.
Q) What is my SAA Membership Key Chain?
A) You must show your SAA Key Chain at all “SAA Only” events to get in. You also need to show it to get Member Appreciation Day goodies.
Q) Isn’t your organization only for alumni? I haven’t graduated yet!
A) Actually, you are considered an official alumnus/alumna of Georgia Tech after successfully completing one semester of study at Tech and leaving Tech in “good academic standing.” Familiarizing students with life as future alumni also just makes good sense! SAA connects students with alumni to enhance the Georgia Tech community and provide valuable networking opportunities. We also recognize that as students of Georgia Tech, we have a lifelong interest in the Institute, wanting to promote its success and to stay connected as students and graduates.
Q) Do I have to go to meetings?
A) Absolutely not! Usually SAA has one meeting a semester you can choose to attend or not attend. If you are interested in getting involved, you can join a committee.
Q) Who else is an SAA member?
A) You can see all SAA members online!
Q) Who do I contact if I have a question?
A) Need to contact us or talk to someone in person? Fill out our question form or call us at 404-9535 – SAA (722).
