Adopting a Classmate

Most class constitutions allow for adopted members to hold these positions. In fact, it is best practice for only classmates—matriculated or adopted—to hold these roles.

Classes often recognize that partners and surviving partners play an integral role in the activities of a class community. Many classes have committees chaired by surviving partners; others may have spouses or partners serving in officer roles such as newsletter editor or mini-reunion co-chair. In most cases, these classes refer to these individuals as honorary members of the class; in many cases, class constitutions permit voting by these honorary members.

While Dartmouth recognizes the important contributions these individuals make to the class community, the College does not recognize honorary members of a class community as alumni. Further, class adoption is reserved for recognition of individual contributions to a class and to honor the importance of an individual to a class community. With the exception of the invitation to the pre-coeducation exchange students, the College does not recommend nor permit “blanket” adoptions to a group of individuals.

Volunteer Engagement recommends that class constitutions containing the term honorary members be amended to include a definition of the term (and any corresponding rights and privileges) and to distinguish between the status, rights, and privileges of adopted members.

Yes, adopted members are members of your iModules community and, unless they have opted out, receive emails you send using the iModules email tool. Additionally, if you request class lists (for newsletter, class mailings, Reunion outreach, etc.), adopted members will be included. Adopted classmates receive the alumni magazine upon completion of the adoption process.

Adoptees will have a lower class ‘a’ after the class year (e.g., ’05a). You can also request a list of adopted classmates.