Wharton Global Clubs- regional, professional, and special interest affinity groups recognized by the School (“Wharton Clubs”) - are established to advance the mutual welfare of Wharton and its alumni through high quality programming and engagement opportunities. Wharton Clubs are representatives and stewards of the Wharton brand and must meet minimum standards to receive recognition from Wharton as an official alumni club.
Official recognition is required to use the Wharton name and logo and to receive resources and support from the School. Wharton affinity clubs must meet all standards for regional clubs as well as additional minimum standards that are outlined below.
Minimum Standards for Regional Clubs
Leadership
- Wharton Clubs must have a minimum of two officers or board members, including separate people fulfilling the roles of President and Treasurer. The President must be a degreed alumnus/alumna of Wharton and, for regional clubs, must reside primarily in the club’s jurisdiction.
- A majority of the other officers or board members must be alumni of Wharton or the University of Pennsylvania.
- Joint Penn and Wharton Clubs must have a Wharton representative in a leadership role.
- The leadership team must convene as a group at least twice a year, either in person or by phone.
Operations
- Wharton Clubs will operate using bylaws and share these bylaws with the School.
- Wharton Clubs will elect the President through direct election by members or through election by the respective club board. Terms for President and Treasurer will be limited to three years, and one person may not be re-elected to the same position for more than two terms, unless permission is granted in writing by the Wharton School.
- Wharton Clubs must keep monies in a separate bank account designated for the club. Dues, if charged, must commensurate with the cost and benefits received by club members. For U.S. Clubs: If the annual income of the club is more than $50,000, the club must file U.S. IRS Form 990.
- Club leaders may not receive compensation for their work on behalf of the club.
- All club leaders must be in good standing with Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania. All club leaders, including the club president, must work as a team to resolve club related issues. Club president can consult with their Wharton staff liaison if/when there is conflict between leadership members, however, this practice should be utilized as the last option.
Alumni Engagement
- Wharton Clubs must hold a minimum of two events per year.
- Any Wharton regional Club must have a potential membership minimum of 200 alumni for domestic clubs, and 75 alumni for international clubs. At least 75 percent of the membership base must be comprised of Wharton alumni.
School Relations and Policies
- Wharton Clubs must remain compliant with laws of local and national governments and not operate in a manner that is in conflict with one another or with Wharton.
- A Wharton Club representative, usually the president, must maintain contact with the Alumni Relations staff by participating in an annual call, completing the annual survey, notifying the School of club elections and responding to requests for information and updates in a timely manner. The club representative must alert its staff liaison promptly when the club’s contact information and officers change.
- Wharton Clubs must comply with the University’s guidelines on the acceptable use of the University name, Wharton® name, Wharton Club® name, seal, logos, etc.
- In all legal documents, advertisements, websites, marketing, and other materials, Wharton Clubs will use their full legal name and clearly identify that the responsible party is the club and not the School or the University of Pennsylvania.
- Wharton Clubs must neither sell to any party nor disclose membership lists or private information of members to anyone outside of the club. Wharton Clubs must not use these lists or information for any purpose other than the benefit of the club without first obtaining explicit written approval from the School. Club officers must comply with the University of Pennsylvania Privacy Policy on alumni data. The privacy policy must be signed by the Club President and any other officer that has access to alumni data.
Minimum Standards for Affinity Clubs
Wharton alumni affinity clubs are defined as groups of alumni who share a common interest, industry, or identity. Given the more complex nature of affinity clubs, additional minimum standards must be met to be officially recognized. Wharton Affinity Clubs must meet the Minimum Standards for Regional Clubs and these additional standards.
Minimum Standards for Affinity Clubs:
- In order to launch, Wharton Affinity Clubs must provide at least 200 signatures of Wharton alumni who are interested in joining the group using a template provided by Wharton Alumni Relations. This list must include alumni from at least five different regions.
- Wharton Affinity Clubs must have a potential membership minimum of 400 alumni. At least 75 percent of the membership base must be comprised of Wharton alumni.
- Wharton Affinity Clubs may not receive any direct financial support from any group at the Wharton School or the University of Pennsylvania.
- Wharton Affinity Clubs must have a minimum of five officers or board members, including separate people fulfilling the roles of President and Treasurer. The President must be a degreed alumnus/alumna of Wharton.
- Wharton Affinity Clubs must represent a population that has obtainable data and records through Wharton Alumni Relations.
- Wharton Affinity Clubs must hold a minimum of 3 events per year. At least two of these events must be held in different regions.