Creating a Student Advancement Program: Cultivating Prosperous Relationships

Creating a Student Advancement Program: Cultivating Prosperous Relationships Jane M. Eadie Associate Executive Director of Programs University of California, Davis Jasmine R. Stewart Assistant Director for Constituent Programs Georgia State University February 12, 2015 Presentation Overview Why Student Advancement Programs? How We Implemented our Program Building the Infrastructure Engaging Students Integrating into Existing Programs Creating Partnerships Across Campus Challenges & Lessons Learned Next Steps/Reach Goals 1

Tell Us About Your Program Do you currently have a Student Advancement Program? Yes No Tell Us About Your Program What type of Program do you have? Student Alumni Association Student Ambassador Student Foundation Student Philanthropy Council 2

Tell Us About Your Program OR, if no current program What type of program would you like to create? Student Alumni Association Student Ambassador Student Foundation Student Philanthropy Council Why Student Advancement Programs? 3

Why Student Advancement Programs? UC Davis Model: Philanthropic Students Tradition of Community Service Active Greek Community Established Class Giving Programs Senior Class Challenge Graduate and Professional School Programs Campaign for UC Davis - Launch of the Public Phase - Involve Students in a Meaningful Way Why Student Advancement Programs? Georgia State Model: Engage Students During GSU Experience Incept Freshman Orientation Senior Celebration Membership Programs Dues Based Student Membership Program Alumni and Student Interaction Facilitate Student and Alumni Engagement Support Student and Alumni Networking 4

Program Implementation: Framework Building the Framework: Background Identify Need for Organization Meet with Invested Parties Develop Mission and Purpose Student Outreach Focus Groups Freshman Learning Communities, Greek Life, Student Organizations Organization Fair Thanksgiving Mixer Marketing Collateral Foundation Structured to Mirror Alumni Association Board of Directors Open Membership vs. Closed Membership Program Implementation: Framework Building the Framework: Recruitment Application Process Group Interviews vs. One on One Selection Criteria GPA, Campus Activities, Leadership Qualities, Recommendations Interview Rubric Attire, Enthusiasm, Collaboration, Clarity, Content Resources Adviser Commitment Level Departmental Buy-In Funding CASE ASAP Membership 5

Program Implementation: Framework Program Launch Fall 2011 Constitution Creation & Documentation Suggestions, Input, and Revamping By-Laws Addition Planning Components BOD Member Bonding Leadership Building Teamwork Activities Itinerary Constitution and Final Business Reflection & Thoughts Executive Board Panel Committee Breakouts Student Alumni Association Founding Members 2011 6

Program Implementation: Marketing Creating the Brand Created Unique Logo Website Banners Flyers T-shirts Social Networking Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr Library Plaza Recruiting Program Implementation: Framework Student Philanthropy Model: Current Best Practices Tuition Runs Out Day Freshman Piggy Banks CASE ASAP Conference - Kansas State Model K State Proud - Students Helping Students - Raised over $800,000 7

Program Implementation: Framework Initial Challenges: Build the Infrastructure Administration Approvals Establish a Giving Model Create Branding and Marketing Tools Student Engagement Create a Broad Base of Support No Dedicated Staffing or Resources Staffing and Resources Available What kind of resources do you have allocated for a Student Advancement Program? Full-time Staff Person Part-time Staff No Staff Designated Program Budget No Resources 8

Program Implementation: Framework Building the Infrastructure: CASE Jupiter Fellowship Dedicated Student Volunteer Staff Liaisons Marketing and Communications Student Affairs Financial Aid Development Corporate Sponsorship Funding to Underwrite Program Costs Program Implementation: Framework Building the Infrastructure: Campus-wide Outreach Engaged Key Stakeholders Focus Groups Student Driven Program Defined Program Parameters Developed Board Structure 9

Inaugural Board of Directors Program Implementation: Framework Implementing the Program: Student Engagement Campus-wide Outreach Engaged the Key Stakeholders Focus Groups Student Driven Program Defined Program Parameters Developed Board Structure Created T-Perks Program 10

Program Implementation: Framework T-Perks Program Textile Coupon Discounts Encourage Donations Increase Visibility Provide Trade Program Implementation: Framework Implementing the Program: Student Engagement Campus-wide Outreach Engaged Key Stakeholders Focus Groups Student Driven Defined Program Parameters Developed Board Structure Created T-Perks Program Began Branding Process 11

Program Implementation: Framework T-shirts Giving Device Stickers Banners Table Cloth Tent Program Implementation: Framework Implementing the Program: Student Engagement Campus-wide Outreach Engaged Key Stakeholders Focus Groups Student Driven Program Established Program Parameters Developed Board Structure Created T-Perks Program Began Branding Process Built Giving Site/Website/Application Process 12

Program Implementation: Framework UC Davis Foundation Giving Page Program Implementation: Framework weareaggiepride.ucdavis.edu 13

Program Implementation: Framework Students Helping Students Award Application Questions? 14

Integrate Into Existing Programs The Executive Hierarchy President VP Membership VP Student Affairs VP Special Events VP Finance VP Public Relations VP Administration SAA Campus & Community Alumni Fundraising Communications Internal Affairs SAA BOD Career & Leadership Development Campus Traditions Sponsorship & Benefits Marketing Awards & Recognitions New Programs President who presides over 6 Vice Presidents. Each Vice President presides over two or more committees. Integrate Into Existing Programs: CASE ASAP District 3 & Network Major Support Tool for Organization Ideas for Programs Design and Marketing ideas Great Networking Opportunity Leadership Building 15

Existing Model Integration: CASE ASAP CASE Jupiter Fellowship: Gain Student Worker for University Department Alumni Association, Communications & Marketing, Development, Advancement Special Projects Student Alumni Appreciation GSU Cares GSUAA Inaugural Community Service Project (GSU Cares) Develop Future Alumni Faculty Attend CASE Conference, includes CASE Publications Integrate into Existing Programs: GSU Campus SAA Programs Community Service Safe House Outreach Center Relay for Life @ GSU Kaiser Permanente Run/Walk Leadership Development CASE ASAP District 3 Conference CASE ASAP Network Conference SAA Executive Board Look Like A Student, Act Like A Boss Series GSU Student Leader Series Leadership Conclave Panther Leadership Academy Membership Development Monthly Birthday Celebrations Icebreakers SAA End of Year Awards Banquet Kudos- Member Recognition BOD Retreats Special Recognition GSU Website Feature President s State of the University Address Recognition GSU Magazine Ad Panther News e-newsletter 16

Integrate into Existing Programs: GSU Campus SAA Events Social Events New Member Dinners GSU Spring Game SAA Movie Night Socials Holiday Socials SAA Basketball Game Socials Campus Events Day at the Rec Welcome Week Block Party Homecoming Founders Day Networking GSU Capitol Day Dinner with 12 Panthers Accepted Students Reception Alumni Events Alumni Board Meetings Senior Celebration Lunch & Learns Third Thursday Special Events: Senior Brunch & Learn Football Tailgates Distinguished Alumni Awards Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Giving Models: Senior Class Challenge College Giving Campaigns 17

Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Giving Models: Senior Class Challenge College Giving Campaigns Targeted Campaigns 18

Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Giving Models: Senior Class Challenge College Giving Campaigns Targeted Campaigns Annual Giving Campaign 19

Integrate into Existing Programs: Giving Models Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Expanding the Culture of Student Philanthropy: Part of New Traditions Program 21

Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Expanding the Culture of Student Philanthropy: Part of New Traditions Program Outreach to Incoming Students Presence in Residence Halls Tabling at Welcome Week and Fairs WAAPtober 22

Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Expanding the Culture of Student Philanthropy Part of New Traditions Program Outreach to Incoming Students Presence in Residence Halls Tabling at Welcome Week and Fairs WAAPtober Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month 23

Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Promotion of We Are Aggie Pride Events Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Expanding the Culture of Student Philanthropy Part of New Traditions Program Outreach to Incoming Students Presence in Residence Halls Tabling at Welcome Week and Fairs WAAPtober Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month Marketing Collaboration with Student Affairs UC Davis Stores Promotions 25

Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture WAAP Launch Week Marketing in 5 Locations Videos in Stores Swipes for Students Special Promotions UC Davis Stores Award Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Expanding the Culture of Student Philanthropy Part of New Traditions Program Outreach to Incoming Students Presence in Residence Halls Tabling at Welcome Week and Fairs WAAPtober Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month Marketing Collaboration with Student Affairs UC Davis Stores Promotions Campus Philanthropic Support 26

Integrate into Existing Programs: Campus Culture Challenges & Lessons Learned Successes Committee Structure Delegating Duties to Committees CASE ASAP District 3 Conference Group Interview Process Involvement in 20+ Programs and Events Drawbacks & Improvements Being a Completely New Organization Big Group of Brand New People First Time Committee Chairs Establish Committee Purpose Having to Create Fresh Traditions More Leadership Development More Traditions with Alumni 27

Next Steps/Reach Goals 2 Levels of Membership Next Steps/Reach Goals General Membership Target Market-Incoming Freshmen at Incept (Orientations) Largest Group of Incoming Freshmen 4 Year Membership Possibility VP of Membership & Director of SAA Membership Hired Incept Speech During Campus Connection (Lunch) Georgia s Own Sponsorship (50) Best Buy Gift Card $50 28

Next Steps/Reach Goals: General Membership Launched Summer 2011 INCEPT- New Student Orientations Free memberships sponsored by Georgia s Own CU $50 Best Buy Gift Card Giveaways Multiple payment options Student Account Overnight Sessions: New Student Pep Rallies 1,000 members recruited from Incept alone! Next Steps/Reach Goals: General Membership Membership Packets T-shirt Pen Mood Cup Bag Pennant Membership Loyalty Card Bookstore Coupon Membership benefits T-Shirt Days & Giveaways Discounts to Restaurants and Vendors Around Campus 10% Discount at GSU Bookstore Exclusive Access to SAA Socials Dinner with 12 Panthers Network with Alumni Scholarship Opportunities Build Lifelong Friendships Leadership Development Begin Building a GSU Legacy BEAT Shirts & Football Tailgates 29

Next Steps/Reach Goals: General Membership Outstanding Leader Scholarship General Student Scholarship Active members of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) Next Steps/Reach Goals: General Membership 30

Challenges and Lessons Learned What we learned Resources, Resources, Resources Dedicated Staff Resources to Expand Outreach Dollars to Meet Emergency Needs Buy-in from Senior Administration Find a Way to Tell Your Story Excellent Press Coverage Need More Recipient Voices Empower Your Students Board Structure It Takes a Campus to Build a Culture Critical to Engage Strategic Campus Partners Next Steps Reach Goals Program Results to Date: Raised over $100,000 from Donors and Corporate Support 1,000+ Donors 90 Percent are Students Given out over $75,000 in Students Helping Students and Book Awards Helped 59 Students Stay in School 31

Next Steps Reach Goals Where we re headed next Further Develop Donor Stewardship Program Increase Repeat Donors Donor Newsletter Increase Number of Freshman Donors Part of Summer Orientation Resident Assistant Training Expand Welcome Week Activities Transition to Student Foundation Staff and Resources Secure an Endowment for We Are Aggie Pride Concept Paper Building Your Program: Keys to Success Top 10 Keys to Success: Clearly Defined Mission Dedicated Group of Volunteers Fit Campus Culture Campus-Wide Engagement Buy-In from Senior Administration RESOURCES Student Driven Complement Existing Programs Self-Assessment Process Membership in CASE ASAP 32

Questions? THANK YOU We appreciate you joining us. Jane M. Eadie Associate Executive Director of Programs University of California, Davis jmbeadie@ucdavis.edu Jasmine R. Stewart Assistant Director for Constituent Programs Georgia State University jstewart@gsu.edu 33

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