Frequently asked questions

Got questions? We've got answers. 

Whether you're stepping into a Network Coordinator role or starting out as a Global Volunteer, this FAQ covers all the essentials — from what you can do, to how we’ll support you, and everything in between. It’s here to make your volunteering journey as smooth and rewarding as possible.

 

You can join your local by becoming a member through the Alumni Network webpage, emailing alumni@anu.edu.au or attending a local event. 

To become a Network Coordinator or a Global Volunteer, express your interest by completing the .

No, joining ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni Networks is always free. While some activities may have optional ticket costs, membership is still free.

No, Network Coordinators and Global Volunteers are voluntary roles and are not paid. Volunteers contribute their time and expertise to support the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃcommunity and helping to foster connections among alumni. While the roles are unpaid, they offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and staying engaged with ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃglobal community. 

In short: leadership, communication, and consistency. Network Coordinators are expected to: 

  • organise two or more events or activities each year 
  • maintain a small leadership group (Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs) 
  • stay in touch with the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team and follow key guidelines 
  • promote giving, alumni stories, and ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃvalues.   

In short: passion, drive and an interest to connect with our global ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃalumni community. Global Volunteers are expected to plan their priorities for their term with the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team. From in person or digital events to podcasts and blogs, the options are endless and flexible to fit your unique skills and interests.  

  • organise two or more events or activities each year 
  • maintain a small leadership group (Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs) 
  • stay in touch with the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team and follow key guidelines 
  • promote giving, alumni stories, and ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃvalues.   

The role is designed to be flexible and manageable. On average, Network Coordinators commit around 20 hours per year. This includes: 

  • attending a few planning meetings with the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team 
  • organising and delivering two events 
  • reflecting on outcomes and sharing feedback at year’s end. 

You don’t have to do it all alone — with a team of Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs, responsibilities can be shared to suit your availability and strengths.

The role is designed to be flexible and manageable. On average, Global Volunteers commit around 5 hours per year, but this can vary depending on your unique goals. You don’t have to do it all alone — with support from the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team and the flexibility to adjust your goals anytime to suit your availability and strengths.  

  • organise two or more events or activities each year 
  • maintain a small leadership group (Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs) 
  • stay in touch with the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team and follow key guidelines 
  • promote giving, alumni stories, and ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃvalues.   

Not at all. If you’re enthusiastic, organised, and want to make a difference, you’re perfect for the role. We’ll provide everything you need to get started and succeed.

Yes — and we’d love that! In fact, Global Volunteering can be a great way to test the waters. If interest and numbers grow in your region, the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team can work with you to transition into a formal Alumni Network with added support and structure.

Both are valued volunteer roles, but the structure and time commitment differ. 

Network Coordinators lead formal Alumni Networks with a core team and plan multiple events a year. 

Global Volunteers support engagement more informally — sharing updates, engaging digitally, helping out at local events, or connecting alumni in low-traffic regions where a full Network might not yet be viable.

Absolutely. We encourage shared leadership and collaborative approaches. Every Alumni Network must have at least two Co-Chairs and two Vice-Chairs — so it’s all about teamwork! Even as a Global Volunteer, you can team up with other local alumni for activities as you like.

We’ll check in as you near the end of your term. 

You can: 

  • continue in your role if you're happy and active 
  • step down and help onboard someone new 
  • switch to another volunteer role that better fits your time or interest. 

It’s all about what works for you.

While ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃalumni events are primarily designed to connect and celebrate our alumni community, you’re welcome to invite guests — such as partners, friends, or colleagues — especially if it helps create a warm and inclusive atmosphere. That said, we encourage hosts to focus their promotion on ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃalumni and those with a connection to the University, such as exchange students or former staff, to keep the spirit of the alumni community at the heart of each gathering.

If you’re passionate about bringing the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃalumni together whether it’s based on location, profession, or a shared interest you might be the perfect person to lead a new ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni Network or become a Global Volunteer. 

For more information, please see Your guide to activating your global alumni community.

While we love to celebrate alumni achievements, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni Networks aren’t intended for personal business promotion or commercial advertising. However, if your work aligns with a Network’s event theme (e.g. you're a guest speaker, providing a venue, or part of a panel), there may be opportunities for your business or expertise to be acknowledged as part of the program. Just reach out to the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team to discuss what’s appropriate — we’ll help find the right balance.

Yes — sometimes Networks naturally come to a close. If all Network Coordinators agree and notify the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team, a Network can be formally retired. If there’s no interest in continuing or no one steps forward to lead, the Network may be dissolved. A Network may also be retired automatically if it’s inactive for two consecutive years.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

A Network is considered inactive if: 

  • Network Coordinators don’t respond to communication 
  • the minimum leadership team (2 Co-Chairs and 2 Vice-Chairs) isn’t in place for over a year 
  • no events are delivered or approved for two years in a row 
  • events don’t align with ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃstrategic goals 
  • post-event reports aren’t submitted 
  • event participation consistently falls below expected levels over 12 months. 

If you’re unsure about your Network’s future or want help reactivating it, just reach out — we’re here to help explore options. 

Absolutely, should your schedule change, a Global Volunteer can retire at any time. Ideally, Global Volunteers will notify the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team but a Global Volunteer may also be retired automatically if they’ve been inactive and non-responsive for a year. You're also welcome back anytime!

Yes — while rare, the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃAlumni team reserves the right to disband a Network or dismiss a Network Coordinator or Global Volunteer if serious concerns arise. 

This may happen if a volunteer or Network: 

  • fails to uphold the (i.e. acting disrespectfully, unprofessionally, or engaging in illegal activities) 
  • breaches the  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
  • violates the ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃCopyright Policy or the Universal Copyright Convention &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
  • consistently ignore ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃBranding Guidelines despite warnings. 

Our priority is to ensure that all alumni activities reflect the values, professionalism, and integrity of the University community. Wherever possible, we’ll work with Networks and Global Volunteers to resolve issues before taking formal action.

 

 

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