Frequently Ask Questions
General
Who is an alumnus/alumna of the University of York?
An alumnus/alumna of the University is someone who has both graduated from and studied within the University on an approved course.
Who/what is York Alumni Association?
York Alumni Association (YAA) is the official alumni group of the University of York and you are considered to be an alumni if you successfuly graduated from the University, attended as a visiting scholar or are a past member of staff.
YAA is part of the Development and Alumni Relations Office and we are here to develop and maintain relations between alumni, supporters and friends.
What communication is there between YAA and alumni?
Grapevine is a annual magazine for alumni and friends of the University of York. A copy of the magazine is sent free to every contactable alumni member either by post or by email each October. To get your copy or to tell us about a change of address, please update your details.
We also send out a quarterly YAA e-bulletin to all alumni for whom we have email addresses, but there are also a range of other e-newsletters and mailing options which you can choice from. You can register for, and opt out of e-newsletters and mailngs through this section of the site.
You can also keep in touch with YAA and the University through Facebook, follow us on Twitter and on LinkedIn, details can be found in the 'Stay up to date' section.
How do I update my contact details?
Please fill in the update form or send us an email. We will then update your record within two working days.
How do I opt out of emails?
In the first instance send us a email or if you wish to opt out of ALL emails (including event confirmations) please visit this page.
Grapevine
How do I contribute to Grapevine?
We are always delighted to receive your letters and encourage comments and feedback. Letters will be posted in the Grapevine section of YorkSpace.
What is the purpose of the Grapevine editorial committee?
The Grapevine editorial team aim to communicate key information of interest and relevance to its alumni, key stakeholders and other external parties. The development of this team has been a natural step to ensure that not only are main strands of the University’s corporate strategy, which focus on internationalisation, inclusivity, sustainability and excellence communicated through the magazine but that the achievements of our alumni recognised and acknowledged in a public forum.
How do a submit a book to include in Grapevine?
All newly submitted alumni books and novels will be listed in Grapevine but we have introduced a far more extensive 'alumni author' section in YorkSpace. If you are a alumnus/a of York and have a publication which you would like us to include, please send us:
- A short summary of the publication
- A image of the book cover
- A website link to an online shop that stocks your book.
Dedicated features will also be considered if Editorial Commitee feel that a book or subject matter has a wide enough appeal. Please send your submission via email to the editor.
How do I advertise in Grapevine?
We prefer not to except external advertisements in Grapevine so that we can keep the content relevant to our alumni.
Alumni Benefits
What benefits do alumni receive?
Members of the University of York Alumni Association can take advantage of a range of discounts and offers, including email for life but to view the full details you must be an alumni of the University of York and a regsitered user of YorkSpace. Joining YAA and YorkSpace is free, full details can be found here.
Where can I purchase alumni merchandise?
There is a select range of University merchandise available through our online shop.
Alumni Groups
How do I find my nearest local Alumni Group?
Local Groups are listed in the Groups Directory which members of YorkSpace can access upon registration. Joining YAA and YorkSpace is free, full details can be found here.
How do I start an alumni group or network?
If your area or country is not listed, we would like to support you in setting up a new group. We can let you know how many other alumni are in your area, so you can scale your activities accordingly, and also put you in touch with them. Please read our guidelines for establishing a new YAA group.
How can I improve my group?
Read our alumni volunteer handbook which is packed full of helpful hints, tips and ideas.
How can YAA help me publicise my event?
Contact Nik Miller, our Alumni Engagement Manager in the first instance. Nik will help you co-ordinate the planning and provide support.
Alumni Events
What regular events does the YAA arrange?
The Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend is held each May and is a wonderful opportunity to revisit the University and meet up with friends. Bookings open in January each year. We also run a comprehensive programme of alumni events throughout the year for our YAA groups and professional networks.
How do I find out about alumni events?
Our website is regularly updated with events that are taking place for alumni, including University events, and events that are organised by individual groups. We also post information in the e-newsletters and within Grapevine.
Past students
How do I make contact with some old friends from York with whom I've lost touch?
Please search the alumni directory to the first instance which allows you to send a message via YorkSpace if we hold an email address for that person. If no message service is available then unfortunately we do not have any contact details for that person. If we do have their details on our database, we won't be able to release them to you due to the Data Protection Act. We are always looking to reconnect with our alumni, please search the lost alumni directory for full details of everyone we are activitly searching for.
How do I organise a reunion?
Please email us saying who you wish to invite to your reunion so we can check our records. As above, we won't be able to release any contact details to you but may be able to send out a mailing or an email shot on your behalf, as well as advertising your reunion in Grapevine and YorkSpace. We can also set up online registration for your events.
How do I get a copy of my transcript or degree certificate?
An academic transcript is a full record of your academic study at the University of York and includes marks from all years of study. If you are a graduate of the University, the transcript will also include your award date and award result.
Please note that summary details of credits transferred into and/or gained as part of an exchange programme will be shown, however details of non-University of York courses/modules will not be shown. These should be obtained from the relevant institution.
It may take up to 15 working days to produce your transcript. At certain times of the year (i.e. December to February and May to August) the volume of requests can mean that the processing time is slightly longer.
To request official academic transcripts, please visit the 'Request a document' website. The University of York does not accept transcript requests submitted by a third party on behalf of a student/graduate.
I'm coming back to York; where can I stay?
The University offers bed and breakfast accommodation throughout the year at Wentworth College, Franklin House and James College. You could also check out the various local hotels with which you can get a discount.
Can you organise a tour of the campus?
Contact York Alumni Association to arrange a tour of the University campus with a student tour guide. Please allow approximately a hour and half for a tour of campus including Heslington East.
What facilities can I access if I come onto campus and wish to wonder around?
Visitors and alumni can access all the public spaces on campus. For access to all areas it is best to arrange a official tour with a student tour guide.
Car parking provision on campus
Pay and display during day time in the week and free in the evenings after 6pm and on weekends. Details and locations can be found here.
There is also a free ‘hopper’ service available to transport students, staff and visitors between Heslington West and Heslington East.
An alumnus/alumna I know has died, who do I need to tell?
Please email us and we will update our records and notify the University. Due to space restrictions we cannot print full obituaries in Grapevine but we can include a short mention in the On the Grapevine submissions section.
Other
How do I obtain an official verification that a graduate went to York?
Please contact the Examinations and Graduation Office.
How could I give back to the University?
Full details on how you can support the University financially are found here and you can also get involved with supporting the work of current students by visiting the volunteer section of YorkSpace.
How do I find out about the progress of the University's 50th anniversary fundraising campaign?
The University of York will be 50 years old in 2013 but has yet to finalise its plans but this is your opportunity to nominate someone who helped to make York great as York searches for 50 people who made a difference. Visit the main University 50@50 website for details.