June Gudeman

Lisa, Certainly, this is probably the BEST thing we can offer our graduates. It seems to be the number one reason alumni come back to their institution - for career assistance. A number of institutions are setting up placement assistance that is designed specifically for graduates who have been out in their field for awhile but are coming back to make a change. June Gudeman

Lisa, It is certainly a challenge to find the time and resources to set up a well designed website for your grads. You might consider a phase 1 - beginning with a simplified version - even just a link to some static pages. Once you can provide actual numbers of grads visiting the site - it may be easier to gather the support and funds to design a more interactive site. June Gudeman

Lisa, You have some great ideas on including a variety of members for your team and I like the idea of inviting anyone who might be interested. Certainly, you want to involved people who are passionate about alumni. Just another thought - people like to be asked. So, you might think about a couple of key people you might approach and let them know you think they would be a great addition to your team. June Gudeman

Virginia, It sounds like you have thought through the areas of value to your graduates. Now the work will begin in deciding how to implement these things and work out the practical details. Good ideas. June Gudeman

Virginia, A mission statement which includes or agrees with the mission statement of your institution and includes the direction you plan to focus on for alumni is certainly the way to go. Great! June Gudeman

Virginia, It sounds like you've done a thorough job of thinking through your obstacles and ways to address those barriers. Using social networking and/or providing an alumni website will often provide places where your graduates actually 'find you'! The challenge is figuring out how to get their updated contact information from them when they find you. Many institutions require an updated profile in return for something their alumni want like a free Transcript Request. June Gudeman

Virginia, Great ideas! Wouldn't it surprise our graduates if our first event was all about 'appreciating' them rather than asking for something from them. June Gudeman

Virginia, You might also consider a way to connect your older employed graduates with those who are still looking for employment? Happy employed graduates from your institution may even also be able to provide job opportunities for your new grads. June Gudeman

Virginia, It's true that the main reason graduates come back is for placement assistance. How would you address that with your graduates? What career services would you offer that would be specific to alumni? June Gudeman

Virginia, It's good to include the focus of your institution's mission statement. What would you include that would be specific to your mission for alumni? June Gudeman