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Frequently Asked Questions...

Frequently Asked Questions / Help

We have included below some frequently asked questions around sign in, profiles, membership, events, volunteering, and club management.   Contact us at admin@hbsasc.org or at 310-546-5252 for anything we have not covered here. 

PLEASE NOTE, USERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING AUTHENTICATION AND OTHER PROBLEMS ON CHROME -- IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WEBSITE CONSIDER USING MS EDGE OR SAFARI.

HBS Username / LEFA:

  1. When logging in the system will ask you to sign in either under an HBS username or as a Non-Alumni.
  2. HBS Username is the same as your Lifelong Email Forwarding Address (LEFA)
  3. LEFA or HBS Username is usually [firstintial][lastname]@[programyear].hbs.edu
  4. if you do not know your LEFA / HBS Username or have problems logging in please check here for information on HBS Account and Login or call 6i7-495-6438
  5. All alumni should login under the HBS username to gain access to HBS Alumni-only content, events and pricing
  6. Password retrieval for your HBS Username is available under the HBS Alumni Button when you click login or call 617-495-6438

Sign In:

  1. When I try to sign in I get a blank page or failure to authenticate?  If you are using Chrome as your web browser, consider using another browser such as MS Edge or Safari.
  2. When I try to sign in for an event using my HBS username it fails to authenticate?  Are you new to the area and/or a member of another club?  If so see below:
    1. Members of other clubs trying to sign up for one our events should call 310-546-5252 and speak to our administrator to get you signed up for the event by phone.
    2. If you are new to the area there are several ways to get into our system so you can authenticate.  Go the HBS alumni page and change your address, go to your current club profile and click on groups and communities, then communities and you will see a list of clubs you can add to your profile and add us, or underneath the red "Sign in with HBS Username" button you can follow the link "Are You New to this Club" and hit groups and communities, communities, and you see option to add club.
  3. If I am an Alumni and I don't know my LEFA what do I do?  LEFAs are generally your first initial and last name@programyear.hbs.edu.  For example, Jane Smith who graduated from MBA program in 1983 is jsmith@mba1983.hbs.edu.  While John Jones who attended the 67th OPM program would be jjones@opm67.hbs.edu.
  4. I still can't figure out my LEFA?  Call HBS at 617-495-6438 and they can help you.
  5. I can't remember my password for LEFA?  Use the password reset link below the red "Sign in with HBS Username" button, call HBS at 617-495-6438 or click here to go to the LEFA administration site on the web. 
  6. Can I sign in as a non-alumni if I can't remember my LEFA?  You could.  But you shouldn't.  You would then end up with duplicate records and we would not be able to properly track your membership and alumni status when you sign up for events that are alumni only or member pricing.
  7. But I need to sign up for an event today and HBS is closed?  Call our offices and sign up by phone -- we will be happy to get you set up.  You can reach us at 310-546-5252.
  8. Why should I sign in if I am not an alumni?  It just helps us keep your profile so that you can sign up for events faster and easier.  And if you want to keep informed about what we are doing you can let us know.

Profile:

  1. How do I create a profile?  Login and follow the links in the upper left corner to create and update your profile.
  2. How do I update my profile?  Login and follow the links in the upper left corner to update your profile.
  3. What do you use my profile for?  We use your profile to create special programs and user groups to better meet the needs of our alumni.  The more complete information you give the better we will be able to serve you.
  4. Do I update new contact information, etc. with HBSASC or with HBS?  HBS should be where you keep your profile up to date.  If we come across information that causes data in the HBS profile obsolete we will, of course, forward information, but cannot guarantee your profile is updated.
  5. Can I keep all or parts of my profile private?  Yes.  Follow the instructions or call our offices at 310-546-5252 and we can assist you in this matter.
  6. Why should I sign up if I am not an alumni?  It enables you to sign up for an affiliate membership (HBS student, Harvard-affiliated other, other) to receive membership benefits and Angel membership. It also helps us better serve your needs the next time you sign up for an event.

Membership:

  1. How many members are in HBSASC?  We have had up to 500-600 members.
  2. How many alumni are served by the club?  Approximately 3000.
  3. Can I join if I went to one of the Exec Education Programs?  Absolutely! All graduates of any program are welcome.
  4. How do I join?  Follow the Join link on the navigation bar, pick a membership level that suits you and follow the instructions.  You may also join by calling our offices at 310-546-5252.
  5. What are the member benefits?  Access to our directory, special member only events, discounts to events, ability to join HBS Angels, and special offers for members offered by sponsors and HBS are a few of the benefits of membership.
  6. Why should I join?  Aside from the benefits mentioned above -- we need your support.  We receive no funding from the school and rely on membership dollars to support our club and the infrastructure that is necessary to keep us an active and vibrant part of our alumni's lives.
  7. I live in Los Angeles but work in Orange County, which club do I join?  You join the club where you live generally.  Which in this case would be HBSASC.  The three organizations in Southern California (Southern California, Orange County, and San Diego) may agree to give members of the other Southern California clubs member rates at events hosted by one of the other Southern California Clubs – if the member meets an appropriate membership category.  You should reach out to the club holding the event to see if they will honor your membership in HBSASC for their event.
  8. I am a member of HBSAOC or HBS San Diego and cannot sign up to event as a member.  Call our offices at 310-546-5252 and we will set you up with a member ID once we verify that you are an active member of one of the other clubs.

Events:

  1. Must I be a member to sign up?  No.  Most events offer member pricing and non-member pricing.
  2. Can I receive a refund?  We can potentially accommodate refunds when an event is cancelled 72 hours in advance.  But we do not generally offer refunds.  When HBSASC hosts an event (including webinars) there are generally costs that we must commit to before the day of the event.  If you are cancelling more than 72 hours prior to an event and wish to admin@hbsasc.org (which may be approved by HBSASC depending on outlays), we will look into your case.  We CANNOT commit all refunds will be honored based on our outlays.
  3. How do I request a refund?  Call our offices at 310-546-5252.
  4. Can I pay at the door?  Most events can accommodate this for a slight premium.  However, events do sell out and sometimes circumstances do not allow for this.  We will note our specific policy on an event by event basis.
  5. When you list other events -- do we get member rates?  Many times other alumni clubs and organizations will accommodate our alumni at member rates.  We will note on each event what the rate is for our members.
  6. What is the dress code?  Usually business or business casual for networking events.  However, this is LA, so unless we specify a dress code -- we would just hope you are tastefully dressed and with shoes.
  7. I have an idea for an event?  Fantastic!  Fill out or quick form, call us at 310-546-5252 or email us about your event idea.
  8. What kind of events do you do?  All kinds.  Networking.  Topical business trends and business-oriented topics.  Cultural Events.  Sporting events.  Family events.  If you have an idea -- we will listen to it.
  9. Do events include food and drink?  Most of our events are after work so we like to have at least some light appetizers for our guests.  Usually we offer free coffee, ice tea, tea, and water and have a no-host bar for other beverages.  We will normally specify what you can expect in the invitation.
  10. REFUND POLICY: We do not provide refunds for any of our events.

Volunteering:

  1. How do I volunteer for the club?  Fill out this quick form, call us at 310-546-5252, or email us at admin@hbsasc.org.  We will be back to you shortly.  We always need volunteers!
  2. Do we need volunteers?  Absolutely!  Event planning, emails, marketing, membership, website, financials... you name it, we can use you.  Just let us know what you want to do and how flexible your time and schedule is and we will accommodate you.
  3. Do I get paid to volunteer?  As a volunteer myself -- I must, sadly, say no.  We are not in a financial position to pay volunteers.
  4. Then why volunteer?  Volunteering has many benefits including networking with other volunteers and club officers and the Board.  It may position you for future roles as an Officer or Board Member.  You are more connected with the school and what is going on there.  And many times when you are setting up events or volunteering in other ways you make many good connections that will help in all facets of your life.

Club Management:

  1. What is the calendar year for HBSASC?  July 1 - June 30.
  2. Are you a non-profit?  We are currently a 501(c)(4) non profit, a social welfare program devoted to developing programs and services for the benefits of our members and alumni in the Southern California region.
  3. How long do Officers serve?  Officers terms are for 1 year.  Many positions can be renewed at the option of the Officer and the Board.
  4. How long are Board terms?  Board terms are 3 years and may be renewed at the Option of the Club President and Nominating Committee.
  5. What is the Nominating Committee?  The Current President and two most Recent Past Presidents.  When Past Presidents leave the area or cannot serve, the Board will appoint alternative members.
  6. How do I get on the Board?  We generally request that you get involved with the club as a volunteer and then an Officer first.  As positions become available we look to our pool of volunteers and Officers for open board seats.
  7. What do I have to do if I am on the Board?  We ask Board Members to be active by helping to set to up events, making contacts with speakers and sponsors, helping us find exclusive venues, or taking on a committee role.
  8. How much time does it take to be an Officer or Board Member?  Officer roles vary based on time of year and what role you have.  Generally, you can expect 4-6 hours per week.  Remember you can volunteer for much less time commitment.  Board Members should expect to spend 5 hours per month on average on their Board duties.
  9. How many Board meetings are there a year?  3-4
  10. How do you work with the HBS?  Through a variety of vehicles.  There is an association liaison appointed by the school to assist our organization.  There is a resource directory published online as well.  HBSASC Officers have regular contact with the Harvard Business School Alumni Board as well as HAA and HBS Event Coordinators. Generally, Officers and volunteers will contact Professors directly about visits.  Finally, the School holds an annual Club Officers Roundtable in Boston each spring.