:: POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

FAQ

Q. What records are kept by the Office of Alumni Relations?

A. The Office of Alumni Relations has records on all graduates of Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Polytechnic Institute of New York, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and New York University School of Engineering and Science. Our database currently has accurate records on more than 27,000 living alumni. Non-graduates of the schools listed above who completed more than 24 credits may apply for membership in the Alumni Association. We generally do not keep records of non-graduates of Polytechnic unless requested.

Q. What information will the Office of Alumni Relations release regarding my attendance at Polytechnic?

A. The Office of Alumni Relations does not release contact information without the permission of the alumnus except for the following: year of graduation, major, degree(s) awarded.

Q. How can I get the address/contact information for a classmate?

A. The Office of Alumni Relations does not release contact information without the permission of the alumnus. If we have contact information for the classmate, we will forward your message (e-mail or letter) to them. If their contact information is in the latest edition of the Alumni Directory we will share that information with other alumni whose contact information is also in the directory.

Q. How do I update my information?

Please go to the “Update My Info” page, call the Office of Alumni Relations (718-260-3885), or e-mail the information to alumni@poly.edu.

Q. Does Polytechnic release my information to other organizations?

A. The Polytechnic Alumni association currently has marketing arrangements with two marketing partners; MBNA credit cards and Liberty Mutual insurance. We work with these partners to make sure that they are offering a quality product and are not doing so in an excessive way. Additionally, the mailing list is shared with Harris Publishing for the purpose of compiling the alumni directory, which is published every 5 years.

Q. What is an “ Alumni Card” and how do I get one?

A. An “ Alumni Card” is the Polytechnic Alumni Association membership card and is issued free on request. It is REQUIRED that holders of the card have their current contact information on file with the Office of Alumni Relations. Holders of the “ Alumni Card” may receive special consideration from Security for entry to Polytechnic facilities and may use the Dibner Library.

Q. As an alumnus, can I use the library?

A. Alumni are welcome to use the Dibner Library upon presentation of an “ Alumni Card” (available from the Office of Alumni Relations). Alumni may use all of the on-line resources of the library while physically in the library and may take out a limited number of books.

Q. As an alumnus, can I use the library’s collection of on-line journals and databases?

A. Alumni can only use the on-line journals and databases while physically in the Dibner Library. These resources are not currently available off-site to non-students.

Q. As an alumnus, can I use the athletic facilities and gym?

A. The Office of Physical Education and Athletics has alumni memberships available at a very reasonable price. Contact them for details.

Q. Are there any discounts for alumni to take classes at Poly?

A. Alumni may audit a class for no credit and no grade for $600 if space is available in the class. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations for more details. There are currently no discounts for taking for-credit classes but limited financial aid is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Q. How do I make a donation to Polytechnic?

A. Donations to the Polytechnic Fund can be made via the web (click here) using a major credit card. Checks may be sent to The Polytechnic Fund, Office of Alumni Relations, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For information on making a gift of stock, bonds, real estate, or to make Polytechnic a beneficiary of a bequest, please contact the Office of Development (718-260-3364). The Office of Development can also supply information regarding charitable gift annuities and other planned giving options.

Q. Why did I get a call from a telephone solicitor?

A. Each fall, we call alumni to share information about Polytechnic, answer questions, and solicit donations for the Polytechnic Fund. Polytechnic is exempt from "do not call" registries because of our "pre-existing" relationship with alumni. In the spring, we call alumni from the anniversary classes to tell them of plans for their reunions (if any) and to solicit contributions for a special anniversary scholarship.

Q. How do I get a subscription to Cable Magazine?

A. Cable Magazine is sent, free of charge, to all alumni with valid addresses in our database. If you are not getting the Cable please check that we have your correct address by calling 718-260-3885. You may need to update your address. The Cable is published 4 times per year. If your copy of Cable was lost or damaged, we can provide additional copies.

Q. Can I get involved with the alumni association as a volunteer?

A. Please check our “Volunteer Opportunities” page for details.

Q. Will there be a reunion for my class?

A. A major reunion is held for the 50th anniversary. This is called the “Golden Jubilee” and is always held in conjunction with commencement in the spring. Frequently, there are smaller celebrations for the 40th, 30th, 25th and 10th anniversary classes, held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Polytechnic Alumni. The quality and frequency of reunions is dependent on the involvement of volunteers.

Q. How do I get a copy of my transcript?

A. Please contact the Office of the Registrar. There is a $5 fee for all transcripts. The Office of Alumni Relations can confirm your graduation, your major, and your degree for potential employers and others, free of charge.

Q. Can I get an alumni e-mail account or have e-mail forwarding?

A. We are currently redesigning our e-mail system, which has not been upgraded in 5 years. We are not issuing new e-mail accounts at this time.

Q. How do I get a class ring and other Polytechnic items?

A. Class rings, sweatshirts and t-shirts are sold through the university bookstore. The Office of Alumni Relations makes arrangements for university chairs.