Communication methods

ASURA communicates with its members to keep them informed and to accomplish administrative tasks. Communication is via the US Postal Service, website and emails and phone. Members have control over what type of communications they receive.

Change your address or what you receive from ASURA

If you want to change the types of communications that you receive from ASURA or if you want to update your contact information, you can do so by updating your membership profile.

Prime Times

Prime Times is ASURA's newsletter, published three times a year. The content is focused on what has happened since the last issue and a calendar of upcoming events. Typically, the editor solicits material from the other committee chairs and compiles them into an 8- to 12-page newsletter. Paper versions of the newsletter are mailed to members who want a paper copy; others receive a link to an online color copy. Past copies of Prime Times are available online.

E-News

E-News is the ASURA electronic newsletter. It is used to keep members abreast of current items of interest. Typically, the editor, in consultation with the ASURA President, decides after each ASURA Board Meeting what should be in the next E-News publication. Occasionally E-News is published at non-standard times when important time-dependent events warrant it.

Event announcements

The events committees plan events for the members, who are informed by postings on the ASURA website and emails and in Prime Times. Members who have questions about an event can either contact the event chair or call the ASURA Office. For more detail see the policy on Advertising ASURA events.

Email requests and information

ASURA receives requests to send information out to it members. Examples are requests for participation in an ASU research project, information about the bills in the legislature, a letter from the ASURA President, seminar surveys, etc. Such requests are vetted to ensure they are relevant to the membership and not self-serving (see Board Policies for Email Notifications). Members who have indicated a willingness to receive email notices get these emails.

Member directory

Members have access to the member directory which allows them to find the email and phone number for other members.

Obituaries

As a service to its members ASURA publishes, by email, obituaries for people who were at some time ASU employees or who had another significant (non-student) connection to ASU. Members can choose to receive or not receive the obituaries. The published obituaries are also available online (see Pubs menu)

Membership renewal

In May each year, members and former members are asked to renew their membership. Current members who have active email accounts receive the renewal request by email. The remainder receive a paper copy by US Postal Service. In mid-July the same process is repeated for those who have still not renewed. In August/September a paper renewal notice is mailed to those who were members the previous year but have not yet renewed

Board ballots and bylaw changes

Each February the new Board Member election is held. Paper ballots are mailed to those members who do not want email notices; email ballots are sent to the rest. The election notice is posted to the ASURA website and members can use email to cast their ballots.

Occasionally the Board proposes changes to the Bylaws. Approval ballots are handled using the same process used for the Board ballots.