The term “alumni” makes many students assume the UGA Alumni Association is exclusively for students who have graduated, but this assumption could prevent students from taking advantage of all that the organization has to offer.

Founded in tradition, the UGA Alumni Association formed in 1834, the fourth alumni society in the U.S. and the second among state universities.

The Association provides a variety of benefits, including a strong online community that makes it easy to get in touch with other students, alumni and professors in order to build and maintain a strong network of University peers that may prove invaluable for graduates entering the job market.

The Alumni Association as a whole also affects the value of a degree earned at the University.

Membership information often is used to determine national rankings for the University, and essentially affects the reputation of the University.

The Association also offers advantages that can be used immediately. The Association organizes and sponsors frequent parties, receptions and outings meant to entertain, educate and allow further opportunities for networking.

These events are quite frequent; there are often six or seven events a week, and they support a wide spectrum of academic, cultural and charitable goals.

Student members are able to receive career counseling through the association.

Members also can receive more than 150 price discounts from various companies and vendors partnered with the Alumni Association, the majority of which are located in or around Athens. These discounts quickly can pay for the price of membership.

Membership registration is available online at the Alumni Association’s Web site, requiring only basic personal information to join.