Election Hub 2026

About CUMAA

The Columbia University Muslim Alumni Association (CUMAA) connects Muslim alumni and allies from across Columbia University. Through networking, advocacy, and shared resources, CUMAA strengthens fellowship among Muslim alumni, cultivates new connections, sustains meaningful ties with the University, and channels our collective knowledge toward one another and toward Muslim life at Columbia.

Where We've Been

Since July 2024, CUMAA has been guided by a steering committee focused on re-engaging the community, building programming, and establishing a governance foundation. During this time, the Steering Committee has:

  • Reconnected with alumni across different schools, cohorts, and geographies
  • Initiated and supported community programming and engagement efforts
  • Drafted and refined the Association's bylaws to establish a clear governance framework
  • Begun structuring the organization's long-term vision, priorities, and operating approach

This work has prepared us for our next phase: transitioning to a formally elected board for the 2026–2028 term. Apply Today

Election Timeline

  • Application Phase (April 20 – June 1)
    • Board Application Form Opens: April 20th
    • Information Session 1: Tuesday, May 5th @ 8:30pm ET
    • Information Session 2: Tuesday, May 19th @ 8:00pm ET
    • Board Application Form Closes: June 1st
  • Confirmation and Voting Phase (June 7 – July 1)
    • Eligibility Confirmation Email: June 7th
    • Voting Period Begins: June 14th
    • Voting Period Ends: June 21st
    • Voting Results Announced: July 1st
  • Onboarding and Planning Period (July - October)

Board Positions

All positions carry a tenure of up to two consecutive 2-year terms. These are working roles that require consistent commitment, collaboration, and accountability.

  • President Oversees all CUMAA affairs, including internal and external relationships with SIG leaders, CAA, University partners, and senior advisors. Works with the Vice President on long-term vision, strategy, and organizational development. Note: After two consecutive terms, the President must take a mandatory 2-year break before holding any board position.
  • Vice President Develops the 5-year strategic plan, manages prospective board members, sets conflict management protocols, and handles internal affairs. Assumes the presidency if the President resigns or is removed.
  • Secretary Primary archivist. Manages meeting agendas, takes minutes, distributes action items, and ensures all actions comply with bylaws.
  • Treasurer Oversees financial affairs, maintains accurate books, manages funds, and prepares annual and interim budgets.
  • Membership Chair Leads membership engagement, recruitment, and community-building initiatives.
  • Communications Chair Oversees communications strategy, email updates, social media outreach, brand messaging, and publicity.
  • Programming Chair Plans and executes events across educational, social, cultural, and professional programming.

You may apply for up to two board positions. Before selecting a second position, consider the following:

  • Each position is evaluated independently by the Steering Committee and membership
  • You should only select a second position if you are equally prepared and willing to serve in that role
  • If you are selected for one position but not the other, you will serve in the role where you were chosen. 
  • If you are selected for both, the Steering Committee will work with you to determine placement based on organizational need

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to run, you must:

  • Be an alumnus/alumna of Columbia University, Barnard College, Teachers College, or Union Theological Seminary
  • Self-identify as Muslim and/or are interested in the Muslim Faith and support the purpose of CUMAA
  • Have a valid UNI: https://www.cuit.columbia.edu/cuit/manage-my-uni
  • Be a confirmed member of CUMAA. To join: https://cu-maa.alumni.columbia.edu/join

Eligibility will be reviewed and confirmed by the Steering Committee before any nomination is finalized.

Preview the application questions here and apply today! We look forward to building this next chapter of CUMAA with you.