To print this page properly - use Print icon located on the page.
Please note that JavaScript has to be enabled.
GALA_logo_hiquality.png GAY AND LESBIAN ALUMNI/AE OF
NOTRE DAME AND   SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE
&
OutreachND

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How do I log in to the GALA-ND/SMC site?
Answer:

If you are new to GALA-ND/SMC, please see information on becoming a member in the Membership section of this website.

If you have previously been in contact by email with GALA-ND/SMC, your login email is the same as the address at which you have been receiving correspondence from us.  Click on the "Forgot Password" link in the login box and you will be emailed a link to set up your password. 

If you have changed your email address and no longer have access to your old account, please send an email to webmaster@galandsmc.org with your identifying information (name, former email address) and we will update your record so you may log in using your new address.

If you have never had email correspondence with GALA-ND/SMC, you will need to provide an email address to us in order to access the members-only content of the website.  To get your site access, please send an email to webmaster@galandsmc.org with your identifying information (name, mailing address) and we will update your record so you can begin accessing members-only content.


Question:

Why does my profile not appear in the Member Directory?  Why is certain information missing?  How can I change what information is displayed or that you keep on record?
Answer:

After logging in to this website, click on View Profile.  Click on the Edit Profile button to update any content (pressing "Publish" at the bottom of the page upon completion of all changes).  To change what is visible to members using the online Member Directory, select the "Access by Others" link and click on the Edit Profile button (pressing "Publish" at the bottom of the page upon completion of changes); choosing "No Access" hides an individual piece of information from members, while choosing "Members" allows it to be viewed by all dues-paying members.


Question:

Why can't I see the Member Directory?  I logged in, but it's not given as an option for me.

Answer:
Only dues-paying members (Supporting and Sustaining Member levels) and new alumni have access to the directory.  The term of access for these members is 12 months from the most recent dues payment (or since graduation for new alumni). 


Question:

Are my dues and donations to GALA-ND/SMC tax-deductible?
Answer: Yes, GALA-ND/SMC is classified as a 501(c)3 organization, permitting individuals to itemize their contributions on their tax return.  Dues/donation acknowledgment letters are sent immediately upon receipt of funds.

To request copies of GALA-ND/SMC's application for tax-exemption, or its most recent IRS Form 990, please send an email to treasurer@galandsmc.org.


Question:

What is the difference between GALA-ND/SMC's "News and Announcements" and the "Discussion Forum"?
Answer:

"News and Announcements" are general updates about the group, provided for public viewing and accessible to any visitor to our site.

The "Discussion Forum" in the Member Resources tab (visible upon login) is a place for GALA-ND/SMC members to communicate with one another on a variety of topics.  This could be promoting a new business venture, announcing a commitment or marriage ceremony, seeking advice on a topic, or reminiscing about bygone days back on campus.  The Discussion Forum replaces the Yahoo Group previously used by GALA-ND/SMC members.

Question:

How do I get  updates about new articles in the "News and Announcements" section?
Answer: You can subscribe to receive GALA-ND/SMC News and Announcements by email or through an RSS feed reader (such as NetNewsWire, Google Reader or NewsGator).

Question:

How do I get email updates about Discussion Forum postings?  The old Yahoo Group for GALA-ND/SMC sent me individual/daily/weekly digests with updates about activity on the forum.
Answer:

After logging in to the GALA-ND/SMC website, click on the Discussion Forum link in the Members Resources tab.  Click on the Subscribe to forum link on the Discussion Forum main page.

By default, email updates about forum activity are sent out daily; if you wish to change the frequency to "Immediate" (post-by-post) or "Weekly", click on the Subscriptions tab of your member profile, update your forum subscription frequency, then click on "Publish".  To cease email updates about forum activity, click on the Unsubscribe link from the discussion forum main page.

Question:

Why did GALA-ND/SMC discontinue its Yahoo Group discussion board?
Answer:

When launching its new website in October 2008, GALA-ND/SMC's officers sought to consolidate a variety of disparate communications methods under a single portal.  Whereas group and member information was previously spread among a database application, a discussion board service, printed materials (member directory) and a website, the new setup allows simplified and semi-automated adminstration of our member roster and communications methods.

Also, by tying the Discussion Forum to our website, we hope you'll check out the main GALA-ND/SMC website more often and make it a richer place for sharing information and ideas.