Many college students and alumni have a T-shirt or sweatshirt with the name of their alma mater written across the front of it.

But the University of Massachusetts is seeking to add something different to the assortment of UMass gear that people can buy: a license plate.

“It’s certainly fitting for an institution of our size and for our stature here in Massachusetts to be represented by a plate on the road,” said Elena Lamontagne, interim director of alumni communications and marketing. “It’s a really easy way for people to show their pride for their university and to represent their alma mater wherever they go.”

Dressed with a Minuteman, a catalog number and the slogan, “You were. You are. UMASS,” the special plate costs $40 and is available for purchase on the Alumni Association’s website, www.umassalumni.com.

As of Sept 12, there has been 951 license plate preorders. There must be 1,500 orders, though, for the plates to be produced.

When the Alumni Association receives 1,500 paid applications, the plates will be produced, registered and then distributed to students and alumni, Lamontagne said.

The idea for a UMass license plate has been around for a number of years, Lamontagne said. The plan was originally proposed in 2006, but it could not generate enough interest at the time.

The plate was then redesigned. In spring of 2011, three different designs were proposed for the plate.

Students who purchase the plate are eligible for a 10 percent discount on UMass parking passes, according to Diane Barstow, alumni business development manager. The pass will also give people three free parking passes to the campus garage.

Both Lamontagne and Barstow emphasized that purchasing a plate is a way to make a contribution to the University.

Lamontagne said the $40 cost supports student scholarships and alumni programs.

“It definitely benefits the entire UMass community,” Lamontagne said.

Kaitlin Boyer can be reached at [email protected].