I’ve never heard of user groups. What are they?
User groups are organizations, created by people interested in sharing information about their computers and what they can accomplish with the help of digital technology. User groups are about the technology, but also about the friendships that result. Over 700 user groups worldwide have registered with Apple — some with fewer than 30 members, others with over 1,000.

Campus groups are a little different. These groups are usually run by students on college campuses. They cater directly to students and faculty, and create events and activities that benefit the entire campus. Campus groups are doing incredible things; this website will highlight many campus group achievements.

What benefits do campus groups offer?
User groups help members with technical questions, give honest advice on software selection, and provide a friendly environment where people can learn more about what technology means to them in their lives. Many campus groups provide support to students and faculty and sometimes offer newsletters. Members also get access to exclusive user group benefits and discounts.

What happens at campus group meetings?
Campus group meetings vary by school and by evening. Some meetings feature a presenter from a technology company or the university. Attendees can learn more about their computers and what they can do with technology for classes or extracurriculars. Other meetings are mostly social, and feature a DVD screening or pizza party. Sometimes, a raffle will round out the meeting with some cool gear that’s been donated by the campus computer store or another vendor.

What else do campus groups do?
Campus groups often produce special events including training days, demonstration tables, and more. Campus groups can set up tables in the student union and let students create iMovies or iPhotos as they walk by. Some campus groups create digital media for their university — and they receive funding in exchange. Or, many campus groups initiate technology-related volunteering in their schools or communities.

How are user groups organized?
User groups are independent organizations run by local volunteer Macintosh enthusiasts. Apple promotes and supports user groups, but the company does not own, manage, or direct them. They are not organized into a formal hierarchy. Each operates independently. Campus group leaders have many opportunities and forums to discuss their groups with other groups around the world. Together, these leaders are starting amazing organizations.

Do groups exist at high schools?
While we do not focus on information for high school groups, many high school students are beginning to create groups within their districts. Feel free to take advantage of the resources that are available to campus groups. If you would like to start a high school user group, you may register your group the same way as a community or college campus group. While K-12 user groups receive the same benefits from Apple and other vendors, the groups will not appear on the public locator as they are considered private groups open only to students, faculty, and staff of that particular school or district.

Aren’t all campus group members Mac fanatics or geeks?
Most campus group members are normal students and faculty. They want to meet people, have fun, and learn how technology can enhance their lives. Campus groups are comprised of students who know everything about technology as well as students who have a lot left to learn. Many groups are more about creating cool content rather than focusing on the technology used to create it.

Why should I join a user group?
Joining gives you full access to all the benefits a group offers. Though membership offerings vary from group to group, you can look for some support, the latest news, and a lot of friends. You’ll feel connected to the many other Mac users on your campus. Check here for many more benefits.

What does it cost to join?
Membership prices vary from group to group, but most campus groups do not charge dues. Campus groups often have access to student fees allocated by student government.

Where can I get more information about user groups in my area?
Visit our online user group locator to find a group near you. See if your search pulls up any groups on or near your campus. If not, consider starting a new group.

How do I give campus groups a try?
Use the online locator to find a couple of groups near you. Look at their websites or newsletters to see what they offer. Email or call the group leaders to get more information. Find out when the group meets and visit one of their monthly meetings. This is an excellent way to get to know the group. Introduce yourself to one of the group leaders and explain what you’re looking for. Chances are, they’ll know just where to find it.

I’m having trouble finding a user group in my area. Can you help?
If you have difficulty finding a group using the locator, send email to usergroups@apple.com with the following information:

	Your name
	Your country
	Your city/state/province/zip code
	Names of other cities in your area

Please be patient. We’ll respond as soon as possible.

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Campus group leaders will undoubtedly find themselves faced with many questions. Fortunately, they can easily find the answers to many issues.

How do I start a user group?

Take advantage of our list of resources.

Browse all of the information available at The MUG Center.

Read Inprise’s excellent guide to starting a user group.

What does it take to start a group?
To start, all it takes is a couple people with a lot of passion. Get your friends involved, and start having fun as you discover the possibilities.

Why would I want to start a group?
Instant friends, discounts, and making a difference in your community are just a few of the reasons. Check out a list of many more benefits.

How do we create a name and logo?
When thinking about a name or logo, be creative. Talk with other leaders about the possibilities. Create a unique brand identity for your group. Make your logo your own, which means not including the Apple logo or Apple trademarked images. Apple does provide an approved logo that groups can use to identify themselves as recognized Apple user groups. Reference the User Groups Signature and Trademarks Agreement for the graphic file and the license agreement.

How do I get my group into Apple’s user group program?
You must apply to be in the program.

1.	Click on Register a New Group.
2.	Fill out the Group Profile and submit.
3.	Fill out the Contact Profile and submit.
4.	Wait patiently. New group approvals sometimes take a few weeks.

So, once approved, are we an official Apple User Group?
No, you are a recognized Apple user group. There is no such thing as an official Apple user group. Apple user groups are independent organizations not authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple. We recognize your value, encourage your efforts, and look forward to working with you.

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What’s the best way to stay informed about Apple user group happenings?
Subscribe to the Apple User Group Bulletin, a monthly email publication.

How can I improve an existing group?
Look at the many resources listed on our How to Run a Campus Group page. Explore the MUG Center for ideas and join Apple’s user group email discussion list for help from your peers.

I hear there’s a resource DVD sent to user groups. How can I get one?
The Apple Ambassador for each registered user group receives this resource. We send one per group — no exceptions — and back issues cannot be sent. Most of the materials included in the mailings are available online via Apple Sales Web. Contact your group leaders if you would like to become your group’s Apple Ambassador so you receive the mailings and can access Apple Sales Web.

What’s an Apple Ambassador?
It’s a role assigned to one individual from each user group in the Apple database. This person receives the resource mailing and is considered Apple’s primary contact for that group.

How do I become my group’s Apple Ambassador?
You must be assigned this role in the Apple user group database by the leaders of your user group. Contact them if you are interested.

I’m a group leader and have no idea whom our ambassador is. How do I find out?
You need to access your database record and look at your group’s contact list to see who has been assigned the Apple Ambassador role. If you don’t know how to access your database record, you need to request your group’s name and password by emailing us at ugwebmaster@webassociates.com..

I’m a user group leader. How do I get promotional stuff from Apple?
Just send a request three or four weeks before you need the materials. Please don’t send it any earlier or you may get lost in the queue. Avoid last-minute requests — they cost a lot more to ship, and we can’t always get them out in time.

Where can I buy Apple merchandise for my group?
Each Apple Ambassador has access to Apple Sales Web, a private website that offers presentation materials as well as a limited supply of Apple logo merchandise. If your Apple Ambassador does not have access to ASW, please email usergroups@apple.com.

Can user group members use Apple Sales Web?
No, access to Apple Sales Web is for only registered groups’ Apple Ambassadors.

I’m having technical trouble with Apple Sales Web. Who can help?
Please email a detailed description of the problem to asw@apple.com.

Can I get special deals on Apple products as a user group?
Yes, user group members can purchase Apple products and other third-party software and hardware through the Apple MUG Store. Points are accumulated by the groups that can be redeemed for Apple merchandise or equipment. Check with group leaders for login information that is sent in the Apple User Group Bulletin. Contact the MUG Store with questions about ordering as a user group member. The Apple MUG Store is run by PowerMax, a division of The Computer Store.

How do I get an Apple speaker to present at my user group?
Please check our Leader Resources page for more information about presenters.

To keep up with what Apple is doing with user groups, subscribe to the Apple User Group Bulletin, a monthly email publication.

Do you support user groups outside the United States?
Yes, some user group programs are available worldwide:

	Apple User Group Bulletin
	Apple User Group Discussion List
	Apple Sales Web
	Macworld User Group Events
	Apple Regional Liaisons

Others are available only in the US and Canada. Some things we can’t do worldwide for red-tape, legal reasons, and sometimes we just don’t have the bandwidth. Often, we can put you in touch with the local Apple representatives in your country

User groups outside the US are advised to contact their local Apple office, introduce themselves, and build a relationship there. If you need some help getting started, please write to usergroups@apple.com and we'll put you in touch with someone in your area.

How do I network with other user group leaders?
Join the Apple User Group Discussion list, introduce yourself, and network with leaders from around the world.

I have some input on Apple’s user group program but don’t feel comfortable discussing it directly with Apple. What can I do?
Send your thoughts to the Apple User Group Advisory Board. The advisory board is responsible for gathering feedback from the user group community and providing counsel to Apple on issues related to its user group program. Contact them at ugab@mac.com.

Why should I bother updating my group’s record in the database?
If you don’t, customers won’t be able to find your group, you risk not getting the resource DVD, and you may miss out on exclusive opportunities for user groups. Here’s how we use data in the user group database:

	Online locator: Apple points customers to the online locator at the user group website to find local groups. We refer them using email autoresponders, links on the Apple website, via customer support, and on collateral found in product boxes, stores, and trade shows. Customers access data direct from the database when searching for user groups, so please keep your records accurate. Apple customers are only referred to public groups.
	Resource DVD: Your group’s registered Apple Ambassador will receive a quarterly resource DVD that includes presentation materials, product photography, and many other beneficial materials and resources.
	Random opportunities: Occasionally we get requests from internal Apple folks or other vendors who want help contacting the user groups. They typically offer the groups special discounts, partnership opportunities, vendor presentations, free merchandise, feedback on programs, etc. If your group information isn’t accurate, you may miss out on a great opportunity.
	Internal advocacy: It’s far easier to justify resources for Apple user groups when we have accurate information about who they are, how many customers they touch, and the services they provide in their local communities.

Any other questions?
Check out other question and answers or contact us.

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