June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Challenges to Setting Up an Alumni Association Website

Lauren, Agreed! The exit interview is where we give out a "Graduation Packet" which includes a letter from our Alumni Coordinator encouraging them to stay connected and explaining the benefits of visiting the alumni site regularly. We also include a wallet size card - Alumni Card with info on the alumni site and a window decal for their car with our institution's name and "Alumni" for them to proudly display. June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Challenges to Setting Up an Alumni Association Website

Lauren, You are fortunate to have the support of a good marketing department. It sounds like you have some good ideas for your site. You will be amazed how many of your grads 'find you', once you get your site up and running! June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Advisory Board Membership

Lauren, Certainly, you have a good 'feel' for who might be passionate about alumni and be able to provide the leadership contribution you're looking for. And truthfully, people like to be asked. If you approach some of these people you're considering and let them know that you believe they have what you're looking for, they will probably be willing to participate. You can open it up to staff/faculty to see who may have an interest that you didn't even consider. I would certainly invite some of your alumni to participate. Only THEY can really give you the graduate perspective. It… >>>

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Challenges to Setting Up an Alumni Association Website

Jeane, Certainly, there are difficulties one faces in setting up an Alumni Website and probably the most difficult is the financial piece. You may want to consider starting small by using a Facebook format or, possibly, a simple content management system that someone on staff at your institution can handle. As you begin to 'connect' with your grads and gather alumni success stories and graduate involvement, it may be easier for the administration to see the incredible benefit of these connections and budget accordingly. June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Public Relations Opportunities

Coryne, You are exactly right. I agree. Involvement in the community (ie: charity fundraisers) will certainly put a spotlight on your institution in a way typical marketing advertising can't touch. Involving our students while they're in school and then inviting alumni to return to participate sets up a pattern of service. June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Barriers to setting up an Alumni Association

Coryne, I can hear you have clearly defined your obstacles and that is the first step in overcoming these barriers. Remember, that once you set up that alumni site, they will find you. Especially if you provide some services they need, they will come to you and you won't need to spend a lot of time trying to find them. June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Your First Event

Coryne, An anniversary event might be a big one to start with, on the other hand, it may be a great place to start. Certainly, if you have the support of your staff and the other departments at your institution, it may provide a powerful start. I don't think you need to wait till you have everything in place with your site. June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Benefits to Offer Your Grads

Coryne, It sounds like you've thought through these ideas and have the graduate's interests in mind. Good thoughts! June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Measuring Alumni Association Results

Coryne, I totally agree. There is such power in those stories of success. It enables the student to identify and visualize themselves succeeding. We use those success stories everywhere - newsletters, books, posters, staff emails, booklets, pamphlets, etc. They are SO powerful! June Gudeman

June Gudeman

Discussion Comment

Challenges to Setting Up an Alumni Association Website

Coryne, You have nailed the biggest issue setting up a site -- keeping it fresh and up to date. I takes lots of 'someones' time. I think you are on the right track thinking about what kind of services will draw your grads to the site (transcripts, tax forms). If they have to come to the site for these services it will force them to keep updating their information and, if your site is set up well, they'll want to keep returning. Your site will be the 'connection' you are looking for to provide them with information you want them… >>>