Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for alumni who have been nominated, alumni who want to nominate someone, and prospective candidates who want to understand eligibility, expectations, and the application process.
What does it take to be an eligible candidate?
The following criteria summarize the qualifications and service requirements stated in the NPFAAA Bylaws, together with the current nomination-process guidance regarding dues.
Core Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Officers and Trustees must be natural persons who are at least 18 years old.
- Pine Forge connection: A Trustee must be, or have been, a matriculated student at Pine Forge Academy. Because Officers must also be Trustees, this requirement applies to candidates for Officer positions.
- Membership: Officers must be dues-paying NPFAAA members unless a dues exemption applies.
- Graduate requirement for certain offices: Candidates for President, Executive Vice President, General Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer must be graduates of Pine Forge Academy.
- Term: Officers and Trustees serve three-year terms.
- Term limit: Officers and Trustees may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
- Elect Status: Officers are elected one year before taking office and, as Elect-Status Officers, shadow the corresponding current Officer for six months.
- Meetings: The Board holds regular monthly meetings. Additional time may be required depending on the office and during high-activity periods such as preparation for Alumni Weekend.
- Service: Trustees volunteer their time and talents and serve without monetary compensation.
For this nomination process, an alumnus or alumna may be nominated before dues are current. If the nominee chooses to move forward, dues must be paid before the person can be treated as an eligible candidate. Dues may be paid when the candidate submits the application. A dues exemption may apply to qualifying graduate members during the four-year post-graduation exemption period.
Membership Categories in the Bylaws
Regular Members
Graduates or persons who attended Pine Forge Academy for one or more years, as well as certain current/former faculty, staff, and spouses, who are current in dues unless otherwise exempt.
Associate Members
Parents/guardians of alumni or attendees, and others with a committed interest in the Association, who are current in dues.
Graduate Members
Graduates are automatically added to the Membership Register and are exempt from dues for four years after graduation.
I Have Been Nominated
I received notice that I was nominated. What does that mean?
It means someone believes your leadership, experience, service, and connection to Pine Forge Academy make you someone who should be considered for leadership within the National Pine Forge Academy Alumni Association.
Being nominated is the beginning of the process. It does not mean that you have been selected or elected to a position.
Do I have to accept the nomination?
No. Being nominated does not obligate you to become a candidate or to serve. We encourage you to review the available positions, the eligibility criteria, and the application before deciding whether you would like to move forward.
Can I be nominated if my NPFAAA dues are not current?
Yes. You may be nominated even if your dues are not currently paid. If you decide to move forward as a candidate, your dues must be current before you can be treated as an eligible candidate. You may pay your dues when you submit your application.
If you qualify for a dues exemption—such as the four-year post-graduation exemption for Graduate Members—the exemption may satisfy the membership requirement.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must satisfy the Trustee qualification of being or having been a matriculated student at Pine Forge Academy.
- You must be a dues-paying NPFAAA member unless an exemption applies before becoming an eligible candidate.
- For President, Executive Vice President, General Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, you must be a Pine Forge Academy graduate.
- You should be prepared to serve a three-year term and participate in regular Board meetings and the responsibilities of the office.
What should I do after I am nominated?
Review the leadership opportunities and responsibilities, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, and decide whether you would like to continue. If you are interested, complete the fillable Officer Application Questionnaire.
What if I was nominated for one position but am interested in another?
That is okay. Prospective candidates should consider where their experience, interests, talents, and leadership abilities can best serve the Association. Review the position responsibilities and notify the Nominating Committee if another office appears to be a better fit.
Do I need previous NPFAAA leadership experience?
No. Previous Alumni Association leadership is not the only way to demonstrate readiness to serve. Relevant experience may come from your profession, business, church, nonprofit organizations, community service, volunteer activities, boards, committees, educational institutions, or other leadership settings.
What information will I be asked to provide in the application?
The application asks for your contact and membership information, the position you are applying for, leadership experience, examples of collaboration and decision-making, your priorities for the Association and Pine Forge Academy, your connection to the Pine Forge community, prior Alumni Board service, and your ability to commit to the term and regular meetings.
How much time does serving require?
The time commitment varies by office. The most recent Executive Committee generally met once a month, with meetings lasting approximately 90 minutes.
Certain offices require more time because of their responsibilities. During preparation for Alumni Weekend and other major Association activities, meetings may also be longer or more frequent.
The Bylaws provide for regular monthly Board meetings, so candidates should be prepared for ongoing participation throughout the year.
How long is the term?
The Bylaws provide for a three-year term for Officers and Trustees. The Bylaws also limit service to no more than two consecutive terms.
What happens after I submit my application?
The Nominating Committee will review the information submitted as part of its evaluation and vetting process. Candidates may be contacted for additional information or conversation. Submitting an application does not guarantee that an individual will ultimately be placed into nomination.
I Want to Nominate Someone
Who should I consider nominating?
Consider Pine Forge alumni who demonstrate leadership, integrity, service, sound judgment, collaboration, and a meaningful commitment to Pine Forge Academy and its alumni community.
Does the person need to be a dues-paying member before I nominate them?
No. You may nominate someone who is not currently a dues-paying member. If the nominee decides to continue as a candidate, dues must be brought current before the person can be considered eligible, unless an exemption applies. Dues may be paid when the nominee submits the application.
Does the nominee need previous NPFAAA leadership experience?
No. The search is intended to identify strong leaders throughout the Pine Forge alumni community, including alumni who may never have held formal NPFAAA leadership positions.
Should I speak with someone before nominating them?
You are encouraged to speak with the individual if possible, but you may still submit the person’s name for consideration. The Nominating Committee may contact the nominee to determine whether they are interested in learning more.
What information should I provide?
Provide as much accurate information as you reasonably have, including the nominee’s name, class year if known, contact information if known, Pine Forge connection, and the office for which you believe the person should be considered.
Can I nominate myself or more than one person?
Yes. Alumni may nominate themselves, and more than one qualified alumnus or alumna may be recommended for consideration.
Does a nomination automatically place someone on the ballot?
No. A nomination is a recommendation for consideration. Prospective candidates must proceed through the applicable eligibility, application, review, and vetting process before the Nominating Committee determines its final recommendations.
General Questions About the Process
What is the role of the Nominating Committee?
The Bylaws provide for a Nominations/Elections Committee, chaired by the Parliamentarian, that recommends a slate of Trustees and Officers to the membership for consideration and election.
Why is the Committee actively searching for prospective candidates?
Pine Forge Academy has alumni serving and leading in many professions, communities, churches, businesses, organizations, and institutions. The search is designed to reach broadly across that community and encourage qualified alumni—including people who might not otherwise seek office—to consider service.
Why did someone from the Nominating Committee contact me if I was not formally nominated?
As part of the search process, the Committee may proactively identify alumni whose professional, leadership, community, or service experience may benefit the Association. Being contacted is an invitation to learn more, not a selection or commitment.
Where can I review the governing documents?
Where can I complete the candidate application?
Ready to Move Forward?
Review the criteria, confirm your membership status, and complete the Officer Application Questionnaire.
Reviewing. Discerning. Recommending.
The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating prospective leaders and recommending a slate for consideration in accordance with the Association’s governing documents.
