Alumni
Some institutions don't recognize their alumni after graduation. is that normal?
Elmer,
They can speak to prospective students but are not employed by the school.
Patty Aronoff
At what point do alumni need to be part of the Florida certification process if they talk to acquaintances about the program?
Melissa,
Try inviting alumni to different activities on campus for their particular programs, both fun and business.
Patty Aronoff
Yes, what a great idea! We are just about ready to graduate our first class of nurse candidates, so it good to see how we might include them with our future classes of nursing students. Buth then again, you know nurses. Once they are out there and working, it is hard to pull them back in. I know...just took a call today from my graduate school and told them I didn't have the time to give them that they were wanting.
Thomas,
It truly is. We are more receptive to hearing fom someone who has gone through the experience.
Patty Aronoff
I think this is a great idea. Like you mention people will be more likely to promote or recommend your program if they are recognized as alumni. You may also be able to get effective feedback to improve the school through these alumni.
Bruce,
Having a student come back and speak to current students is so rewarding for both the students and faculty.
Patty Aronoff
Bryan,
Alumni associations are a great way to keep the name of your school alive. They can produce personally developed leads and promote your school in the community assisting with enrollments and placements.
Patty Aronoff
I agree Bryan! Alumni are one of the biggest and most credentialed sources of lead generation for an institution. I was even referred by an alumni of my current institution that was looking to fill an admissions representative position!
Florence,
Not all schools have alumni associations or get-togethers after graduation. Often recognition is at the school level by posting graduation lists or photos.
Patty Aronoff
We are a small institution also. We not only recognize our alumni we encourage them to come and speak to our students whenever possible.
Bryan,
Does your school have an Alumni Association to recognize students or are you relatively small and do you have a program to recognize them on a website as you mention? I ask because we are small and I would like to start recognizing our alumni.
I don't feel that is a very smart practice. Recognizing your Alumni is a great way to generate leads for prospective students via word of mouth. If your Alumni are recoginized by the institution they will be me more inclined to speak highly of the program. Our college has even created an Alumni website which is also a great networking tool for current students.
