In 2007 the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Association moved under the university's umbrella after the alumni members had spent 11 years under the CU Foundation. But there were two major catches. First, the chancellor wanted them to eliminate their membership dues, as he felt they competed with the annual fund. Second, he could only make up…

The authors examined factors associated with membership of university graduates in the dues-based alumni association of their alma mater. Logistic regression was used to analyze variables that came from survey responses and from an existing database. All participants had attended a public doctoral-granting research university in the South.…

The author examined the relationship between alumni giving and membership in a dues-based alumni association. The researcher used the chi-square test of association to analyze population data derived from the database of a public doctoral-granting research university in the South. The study unveiled a relationship between membership and giving,…

Public higher education institutions are presently faced with a perfect storm of financial crises. State appropriations are on the decline, endowments have been substantially reduced as a result of the declining stock market, generally poor economic conditions across the board, and recent, historically high tuition increases make additional…

University of Illinois President B. Joseph White describes it in glowing terms like "visionary" and "watershed." More cautious alumni professional peers call it "bold" or even "risky." The "it" here is the decision by the University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA) to end the 136-year-old dues…

The purpose of this study was to gain a stronger understanding of the characteristics that influence membership levels at dues-based alumni associations serving public universities. Prior studies have demonstrated that alumni association members are more likely to give to their institutions; and their gifts, on average, are larger than those of…

This research explores the role of "advancement-enabling" technologies in helping institutions meet the challenges of engaging constituents and attracting private support. It includes data on the use of technology, the barriers to effective use of technology, and strategies for effective deployment of technology. First conducted in 2010,…

Advice is offered on promoting diversity within the college alumni association, based on the University of Kansas Alumni Association's experience. Suggestions include providing offerings that appeal to everyone; challenging alumni to participate in reaching out to others; and inviting alumni involvement when dissatisfied. (MSE)

It is important for alumni associations to project a consistent image. This can be accomplished in part by adopting a logo, either similar to or different from the institution's, or by instituting a visual identity program that conveys the association's personality and suits its marketing purposes. (MSE)

Suggestions for improving alumni association membership recruitment and retention, for raising non-dues income, and for keeping records are made based on Kansas State University's experiences. (MSE)

The experiences of several colleges and universities in expanding, streamlining, and enhancing alumni association regional programs are presented. Issues discussed include event attendance, offering services efficiently, conducting focus groups, designing events and selecting speakers, and communicating with leaders and members. (MSE)

Hamilton College has developed an imaginative program for young alumni that organizes activities geared to young adults' tastes and interests. Since its establishment, the college has had large increases in giving by this group. Nationwide, other colleges are raising substantial funds by targeting young graduates. (MSE)

It is proposed that retaining and promoting membership in alumni associations should have equal attention. An attractive membership benefits package can help retain members. Direct-mail promotion can take a number of forms, capitalizing on alumni's varied perceptions and motivations. A calendar is given for targeting promotions. (MSE)

An alumni association dues program has these benefits: operating funds, program expansion, identification of committed alumni, and association independence from the institution. Its problems can be: possible competition with the annual fund, possible competition with constituent associations dues programs, and negative reaction to direct mailings.…

Ingredients for a successful alumni association membership campaign are outlined, including clear objectives for the campaign; support of staff, board, and administration; careful timing; focus on college events; strategically targeted mailing audience; appropriate type of mailing; unique message; attention-getting format; follow-up; and use of…