FAQs
Below are the most common questions we are asked. If you have a query that is not featured here please contact us at the Development & Alumni Relations Office.
1. What does the word 'Alumni' mean?
'Alumni' are former students or graduates of a school, college or university. Students automatically become alumni upon graduation. Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary defines 'Alumni' as a former student or pupil. The term comes from the Latin alere, to nourish a foster-son or pupil.
2. How do I find the Development & Alumni Relations Office?
The Development & Alumni Relations Office is situated in the historic Lanyon Building at Queen's. It is directly above the Welcome Centre and can be accessed via the lift in the visitors' centre.
3. As a graduate, can I join the McClay Library?
All Queen's graduates can obtain membership of the Library for an annual subscription of £40. For further details contact http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/InformationServices/TheLibrary/LibraryMembership/
4. As a graduate, can I join the PEC?
All Queen's graduates may join the PEC for a reduced annual membership fee of £340. For further details contact the information desk on +44 28 9068 1126 or at http://www.queenssport.com/membership/
5. How can I trace an ancestor who I think was at Queen's?
Send us whatever details you have of your ancestor (degree, subject, year of graduation, date and place of birth, parents' names) and we willl check the University's archives.
6. How do I obtain a copy of my degree certificate?
Requests for copies of degree certificates must be made in writing to Student Records. Details to be included are your full name, subject and year of graduation. There is a £25 charge for this service and cheques should be made payable to Queen's University Belfast. For further information you can contact Student Records directly.
Student Records and Examinations Office
Student Guidance Centre
Queen's University Belfast
University Road
Belfast BT71NN
Tel: 028 9097 2727
Fax: 028 9097 7895
www.qub.ac.uk/sr
Email: s.records@qub.ac.uk
7. Can I update my details online?
Yes - if your postal address or other details change you can let us know by completing our online update form.
8. How can I contact my old classmates?
If we hold a current address for your former classmate we can forward email to them on your behalf. Alternatively, we can ask them to contact you directly.
9. I'd like to organise a reunion: can you help?
We can advise you on booking a campus venue, and give you help with mailing lists and other arrangements. If you'd like help with organising a reunion you can find out more here or get in touch with Adele McMahon to request a leaflet giving details how to arrange a reunion.
10. How do I join a graduate association?
The University has a number of graduate associations around the world. You can find out more about them and the events they organise - here. If you have a specific question, contact Alumni Officer, Gerry Power.
11. Is there an alumni group/association in my area?
Details of existing Queen's associations can be found here. If you'd like to know if there are plans for a group in your area please give us a call +44 (0) 28 9097 5321 and we'll let you know.
12. What are the benefits of association membership?
Apart from keeping in touch with other Queen’s alumni and the University, members are entitled to a range of discounts and benefits through Perks.
13. How do I set up an association?
If there isn't an existing association in your area give us a call and we will check how many graduates there are in your catchment area. If there are sufficient numbers we can give you advice on the prospects of getting one off the ground.
14. How do I replace a lost Perks card?
If you misplace your Perks card and want to continue availing of the latest member benefits contact Gerry Power.
15. How can I get more involved in the University?
Our associations are always looking for graduates who might be interested in joining committees or helping to organise events. Your first point of contact is the Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen's or, alternatively, you can use the email link to the particular group on the Associations page.
16. How can I make a gift to the University?
There are several aways of making your gift to the University – you can make a regular gift by direct debit or banker’s draft, or you can make a single gift by CAF, credit card or cheque. If you complete a Gift Aid form we are able to reclaim 28p on every pound you donate at no cost to you. See here for more details or contact Shauna Hughes directly.
17. Can I make an anonymous donation?
Yes you can request that your donation remain anonymous by notifying us at the Development and Alumni Relations Office. We will ensure that you gift remains anonymous and that your name does not appear on the Donor Roll of Honour.
18. What will my money be spent on?
You can direct your gift to an area of the University which you would like to benefit or you may want to direct it towards one of the Capital Projects of the Campaign for Queen's. If you have no preference then your donation will be allocated to the area of most urgent need within the University.
19. These telethon / direct mail appeals - why are you asking me to support Queen's?
We operate in a climate of increasing financial uncertainty. Despite continued lobbying all universities in the UK have suffered from recurrent cutbacks in core public funding over the last decade. The effort required to maintain the excellence of the University's teaching environment and facilities becomes greater each year - spare cash to fund further improvements is at a premium. Furthermore, current funding restrictions prevent the University from meeting its full research potential.
We need to attract new income sources to ensure that we do maintain our standing in the delivery of high quality teaching and learning and can continue to enhance the student experience.
We seek support from our alumni for two main reasons:
- By supporting the work of the University, alumni have the opportunity to give something back as a 'thank you' for the positive impact Queen's has had on their careers and their lives.
- By supporting the work of Queen's, alumni are investing in the future of the University and the quality and reputation of the qualification they gained here.
The Development and Alumni Relations Office raises money from all sources including the private sector, trusts and foundations. The Alumni Fund helps these efforts by building a long list of donors. This is crucial when we make approaches, for example, to a trust for a large amount of money. It is vital that Queen's can demonstrate that it has the support of our alumni.
20. I have changed my name/address. Whom should I tell?
Please complete and return the on-line update form here and we will take care of the rest. Alternatively, give us a call on +44 (0) 28 9097 3100 and we'll change your details, there and then, over the phone.
21. How can I remove my name from the alumni mailing list?
If you would prefer not to hear from Queen’s on a regular basis let us know and we will flag your details accordingly.
22. How can I get a Queen's Affinity Card?
Click here to contact us directly and we'll post one out to you.
23. What is email for life?
Email for life allows the most recent graduates (the Class of 2010) to keep their email address after they graduate. Find out how you need never lose touch with your former classmates here.
24. Why haven’t I received my copy of The Graduate magazine or the eGraduate?
If we have your correct postal address we will mail you a complimentary copy of the annual alumni magazine in the autumn of each year. You can provide us with your current contact details via the online update form. The eGraduate is issued quarterly and all we need is your email address. To join the mailing list, simply send your preferred email address to alumni@qub.ac.uk.
25. Is The Graduate available online?
If you would prefer not to receive a hard copy of the alumni magazine, you can view current and recent issues online.
26. Where can I buy University merchandise?
You can view some of Queen’s exclusive branded merchandise here or you can pop in to the Welcome Centre in person.
27. Where can I find details of graduate and University events?
Keep up-to-date with what’s on at Queen’s here.
28. Can I get married on campus?
The University is licensed by Belfast City Council to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies. Find out more about holding your special day at Queen’s by visiting our Eventus web page.
29. How do I submit an item for Class Notes?
If you have an item of news (a promotion, a marriage, a birth) that you would like to share with your fellow alumni, simply let us know and we will include your details in the next issue of The Graduate or publicise it online in Class Notes Extra.
30. Is it possible to join a Queen’s social network after I graduate?
Yes – you can keep up with the latest news from Queen’s and keep in touch with your fellow graduates online, via Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. And if you prefer real life social networks you could join an association!
31. I am returning to Belfast soon – would it be possible to visit the University?
Yes, of course – we’d love to welcome you back! If you are planning to visit Queen’s in the near future we would be delighted to meet you for coffee and to catch up! Contact Ian Moore, Deputy Head of Alumni Relations to make arrangements. Or if you’d like to take a guided tour of the campus contact the Welcome Centre.
32. Can you send me the latest University prospectus?
You can download a copy of the prospectus or request that one be sent to you here.
