A New Approach to Alumni Engagement Traci Via University of Central Missouri Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations via@ucmo.edu Jenne Vanderbout University of Central Missouri Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Development vanderbout@ucmo.edu Alumni Track Sponsored By:
University of Central Missouri Founded in 1871 as a Teacher s College Mid-sized state institution Approximately 14,000 students from 42 states and 61 countries. 88% are Missouri residents Centralized Alumni and Development Operation Alumni and Development report to the same Vice President Integrated with the University
3
Good to Great Good is the Enemy of Great Confront the Brutal Facts The Flywheel Hedgehog concept for strategic engagement BHAGS (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals) Getting right people on the bus
Brutal Facts Nearly 90,000 alumni around the world but, less than 5% of them are engaged Lack of Alumni Engagement opportunities Two separate governing boards Low graduation rate High student debut Limited coordination between and support of campus partners and our office Lack of strategy for engaging alumni
The Question What is the transformational change needed to engage more alumni to foster student success?
The Fly Wheel Answer three pivotal questions: 1. What are we deeply passionate about? 2. What can we be the best in the world at? 3. What best drives our economic or resource engine?
Hedgehog Concept Internship Scholarship Mentorship
BHAGS by 2030 Have 35% of alumni engaged in advancing the University Have alumni giving rate at 12% Generate 20% of perspective student applications through alumni recommendation Provide scholarship support to 35% of the student population Have 10% of student population be legacy students
The Right People on the Bus Filled vacant positions Create new positions
The Plan 1. Governance, Operations and Accountability 2. Constituent Based Engagement 3. Data Enrichment 4. University Events 5. Integrated Communications 6. Revenue Generating Opportunities 7. Volunteer Experience 8. Major Gift Fundraising 9. Personnel Structure
Consolidate Boards What: Consolidate the Alumni Association Board and the Foundation Board into one governing body with one charge; to drive constituent engagement supporting student success Why: Duplicate Efforts Staff resources Increased collaboration Same goals and mission different approaches Challenges: Turf Fear of change Concern of losing alumni focus Opportunities: Increased focus on alumni engagement and student success More efficient use of resources Committees
Consolidate Boards Approach: Staff discussion Research Face to face meetings with all board members Vote from each board All terms were honored New strategic plan Hiccups: Name Concerns one group would dominate the other Where we are at: No challenges related to the merge Members are more engaged
Constituent Based Engagement What: Establish a team of engagement principals to work specifically with colleges and programs Approach: Alumni Engagement Team Alumni Engagement Dean Teams
Constituent Based Engagement What: Assist in fully developing and maximizing college departments and program advisory boards Why: Single greatest opportunity to engage alumni at the top of their game in advancing their alma mater. Most advisory boards are checking a box for accreditation Alumni on the current advisory boards are under utilized, and under qualified. Those that are qualified feel it s a waste of time Opportunities: Proven model Recruit key alumni to impact student success Support for academic programs Challenges: Loss of control Misperceptions between academics and industry Change
Questions What do you think are some advantages to what we are doing? What are some challenges that we have not considered? What are opportunities we might consider? As advancement professionals, why do you think this will or will not work? Questions for us?
THANK YOU!!!! University of Central Missouri Mrs. Traci Via Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations via@ucmo.edu Dr. Jenne Vanderbout Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations and Development vanderbout@ucmo.edu
Today s session evaluations will be emailed to you. Session presentations will be available after the conference. Conference registrants will receive an email with links to these presentations. Alumni Track Sponsored By: 18