Campus guide to joining the registry

No pressure. Just the facts.

If you met us at a campus donor recruitment event, you're probably curious but not ready to join yet. That's completely okay.

Joining the NMDP RegistrySM as a potential blood stem cell donor is a big decision. This guide answers the most common questions so you can understand what’s involved before deciding.

What is NMDP and why are we on campus?

NMDPSM connects thousands of patients with blood cancers and disorders to donors for a life-saving blood stem cell transplant.

Mark's donor journey started on a college campus. His story shows why connecting with students matters so much.

College campuses matter because:

  • Younger donors (18–35) are most often selected because research shows younger donors lead to more successful transplants.
  • Student groups, fraternities and sororities help spread awareness by organizing donor recruitment events.
  • Campus events make it easy to learn in a familiar, low-pressure environment.

Joining doesn’t mean donating right now

Here’s what joining the registry means.
  • Complete a free cheek swab
    Answer a few questions to confirm you can join and then swab your cheeks by ordering a kit online or at an in-person campus event.
  • Confirm your commitment and be added to the registry
    After you mail in or hand in your swab kit, you’ll get a text to confirm your commitment. Respond “Yes” to officially join the registry. Your information will then be added to a secure database doctors search when patients need transplants.
  • NMDP reaches out if you’re a match
    Because matching is complex, some members are needed quickly, and some people wait months, years or are never contacted.
  • You decide if you want to move forward
    Life happens, you’re not locked in if your situations changes. You can pause your status or remove yourself from the registry at any time.
  • If yes, you do more testing
    We’ll coordinate with you and you’ll complete a physical exam, more blood samples and a health questionnaire to confirm donation is safe for you and the patient. NMDP covers all costs associated with these.
Discover how donation works

What happens if you're contacted as a match during college?

You're assigned a coordinator whose job is to help you, not pressure you. They work around your life: classes, work, sports and everything else.

School schedules
Your coordinator helps you avoid finals, major exams and lab conflicts. If you need to miss class, NMDP provides documentation for professors.

Student athletes
Donation is planned around training, games and recovery. Timing is based on what makes sense for your season.

Jobs and internships
If you’re working or in an internship or clinical placement, your coordinator helps you communicate with employers and provides the documentation if needed.

Ready to join? With all this support behind you, donation fits into your life—not the other way around.

Join the donor registry (Opens in a new tab)
A smiling young woman in a medical facility, holding up a collection bag containing blood stem cells during her donation process.
Mariel, blood stem cell donor

FAQs from college students

Commitment and timing

Flexibility and control

Communication and trust

Still thinking?

That’s okay too. We’re here if you have more questions. Call or text us at 1 (800) MARROW-2 or email us at questions@nmdp.org.

What’s next

Ready to join?

If you're ready after your campus event, you can register online by requesting a free mail-in swab kit.
Join the donor registry (Opens in a new tab)

Get involved

There are many ways to support patients beyond joining the registry—including volunteering or participating in an NMDP Chapter on campus.
Explore opportunities