Maximizing Your Connection: A Guide to Cal Alumni Association Benefits

The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) offers a wide array of benefits designed to keep alumni connected to the university, support its mission, and provide valuable services and discounts. As a member, you not only gain access to these perks but also contribute to the vital programming that supports both students and fellow alumni. This guide explores the various facets of CAA membership, ensuring you understand and utilize the full potential of your affiliation.

The Core Value: Supporting Cal

Beyond the tangible benefits, the most significant aspect of CAA membership is the opportunity to support the University of California, Berkeley. Your membership dues directly contribute to programs such as scholarships, student initiatives, alumni events, and the publication of the award-winning California magazine. By joining the CAA, you actively participate in fostering the university's continued success and impact.

Staying Connected and Informed

CAA membership keeps you informed about the latest happenings, innovations, achievements, and events on the UC Berkeley campus. This connection allows you to remain engaged with the university's vibrant intellectual community and celebrate its ongoing accomplishments.

Exclusive Discounts and Services

One of the most appealing aspects of CAA membership is access to a wide range of discounts and services. These benefits cover various aspects of life, including:

Arts and Entertainment: Enjoy reduced prices on tickets to performances, museums, and other cultural events.
Food and Dining: Take advantage of discounts at participating restaurants and cafes.
Health and Fitness: Access special rates on gym memberships, wellness programs, and healthcare services.
Shopping: Save money on everyday purchases from select retailers.
Travel: Benefit from discounts on hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.
Recreation: Access reduced rates for recreational activities and facilities.
Finance and Insurance: Explore exclusive offers on financial products and insurance plans.

Library Privileges

CAA members enjoy borrowing privileges at all UC campus libraries (excluding the Berkeley Law Library). This allows you to access a vast collection of books and resources for personal or professional enrichment. Members can check out up to 20 books at a time and utilize UC Library Search to navigate the library catalogs. To obtain a library card, you will need your membership card and a valid California ID (or proof of residence). For UC Berkeley libraries, the library card can be issued at the privileges desk in the Doe Library. Note that remote access to the library’s electronic resources is limited to current UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. However, the library does have public computers dedicated to research if you would like to access the electronic resources.

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California Magazine Subscription

A subscription to California magazine is included with CAA membership. This award-winning publication keeps you informed about campus news, alumni profiles, and thought-provoking articles on a variety of topics.

Membership Options: Life vs. Annual

The CAA offers both annual and Life memberships. Annual memberships provide benefits for a year, while Life memberships offer lifetime access to benefits and demonstrate a long-term commitment to the university. The Golden Bears Life Membership is a way for those who are already Life Members to show their continued support of CAA and the university. Those who are already Life members will continue to receive every benefit CAA has to offer. The Golden Bears Life Membership is a one-time, tax-deductible donation of $400 that is also counted toward your university giving total. Golden Bears Life Members receive a special membership card, a Golden Bears lapel pin, and their name is published in California magazine.

Addressing Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about CAA membership:

Who can join? Everyone is welcome to join the Cal Alumni Association.
How to join: You can join in person by visiting Alumni House during regular business hours to have your membership card and kit issued on the spot.
How to update contact information: Ensure the CAA has your correct address to continue receiving your California magazine and other important updates.
How to replace a membership card: If you have misplaced your membership card, or you did not receive a card after joining or renewing your membership, the CAA will replace your card free of charge. You may also come by their office at Alumni House during regular business hours, and they will issue you a new card on the spot.
Are membership dues tax-deductible? Annual membership and Life membership are not tax-deductible, as there is a cash value associated with the member benefits.
Joint Membership: CAA memberships are only issued on an individual basis. While there are a select few benefits that can also be used by the member’s immediate family, the majority of benefits are only available to the individual with the CAA membership.
Donations vs. Membership: CAA membership is a separate program, independent of donations made to the university.

Emergency Medical Transportation with MASA

Through its partners, CAA offers valuable and relevant discounts and services to all Cal alumni, including benefits exclusive to CAA members. One such benefit is access to Medical Access & Service Advantage (MASA®). MASA helps ensure a medical emergency does not become a financial emergency. It protects you from expenses Medicare and insurance plans often leave behind. The average cost of a ground ambulance ride is about $2,068, while the average air ambulance bill is about $72,469. In a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911 for help. Your MASA membership includes more than just ambulance and air ambulance protection. Within 180 days of the emergency, submit your ambulance bills to MASA, who will confirm your primary health insurance has processed your claim. MASA has been trusted for over 50 years and supports 2 million members globally. MASA offers the only comprehensive nationwide protection for emergency transportation costs, to safeguard you against catastrophic financial loss.

MASA Membership Plans: Platinum vs. Emergency Shield Plus

While the core benefits are included in all MASA membership plans, additional services can vary depending on the plan you select. The Platinum plan is best suited for association members who travel the world, enjoy cruises, and reside in rural and urban communities. In the event of an emergency, call 911 and get yourself or your loved one the care you need. Your core membership benefits for emergency ground or air transportation are applicable in the United States and Canada. Additional support can be arranged if you experience an emergency that requires hospitalization more than 100 miles from home. This may include transporting a visitor to be with you in the hospital, or transporting you, your pets, minor children or grandchildren, and RVs or vehicles back home. If you plan to visit worldwide locations, you must provide MASA with your itinerary 10 days before your trip to adjust your global emergency medical transportation coverage area. Your attending physician and MASA’s medical director determine when and where you will be transferred to a hospital closer to home. MASA will coordinate and pay for the return of your remains home.

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Some protections are available only in the United States, while most extend to Mexico and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba) or worldwide travel advisories. If you plan to visit worldwide locations, you must provide MASA with your itinerary 10 days before your trip to adjust your global emergency medical transportation coverage area.

Career Services

CAA members do not gain access to services provided by the Career Center. However, alumni who are within five years of graduation can continue to utilize most Career Center services at no cost.

Connecting with Fellow Alumni

The CAA can assist you in getting in touch with other alumni. Please contact their office beforehand to ensure that they do have a current address for the alum you wish to contact. To facilitate the process, write your name and address in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope.

Insurance Plans

For questions about health, life, and dental insurance plans for Cal alumni, contact Association Member Benefits Advisors by phone at 1.888.560.ALUM (2586) and state that you are a Cal alum.

Maximizing Your Membership

To fully leverage your CAA membership:

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Explore the CAA website: Familiarize yourself with all available benefits, discounts, and resources.
Attend alumni events: Connect with fellow alumni and expand your network.
Stay informed: Read California magazine and other CAA communications to stay up-to-date on university news.
Support the university: Participate in CAA programs and initiatives that benefit students and alumni.
Keep your contact information current: Ensure you receive all CAA communications and benefits.

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