“It’s about starting engagement from ‘Day minus 365.’ The student journey starts long before they arrive on campus, and we must foster that early connection.”
Jonathan Jones
Change Director, Student Experience at the University of Glasgow
Curious about how to engage students from the moment they arrive on campus? Watch our session with Jonathan Jones (Change Director, Student Experience at the University of Glasgow) and Shah Yaseen Ali (President, Newcastle University Students’ Union) as they share valuable insights on building early alumni connections.
This webinar is perfect for alumni professionals looking to refine their engagement strategies.
Learn practical ways to make students feel like part of your alumni community right from day one, fostering a lifelong connection that benefits both your institution and its graduates.
Engagement Starts Before Day One:
Alumni engagement should begin well before students arrive on campus. JJ emphasises that it can start as early as a year before, during inquiry stages and pre-application activities, like open days and outreach programs.
Collaboration with Student Societies:
Student societies play a crucial role in shaping students’ experiences. By forming alumni societies that mirror student groups, alumni teams can create opportunities for mentorship and post-graduation networking, as Yassin suggested.
Targeted Engagement:
Yassin noted that targeting specific alumni to mentor current students, especially international students or those facing challenges like time poverty, can build stronger connections and improve students’ sense of belonging at the university.
Connecting Alumni with Specific University Programs:
Alumni teams can collaborate with widening participation and outreach programs to create opportunities for early engagement. Programs like Newcastle’s partners scheme can benefit from alumni involvement, offering students relatable role models.
Earning vs. Enjoying:
Modern students are more likely to work while studying, and this “earning” aspect can dominate their university experience, reducing time for extracurriculars. Universities and alumni teams need to find ways to engage with students who may have less free time but still need support.
Fear of Joining In (FOJI):
JJ highlighted a new trend where students, especially post-pandemic, experience a “fear of joining in.” Alumni engagement should address this lack of confidence by offering welcoming opportunities that cater to diverse student needs and challenges.
Addressing Negative Experiences:
For alumni who had a less-than-ideal experience, both JJ and Yassin agreed that involving them in improving the student experience for future generations is a powerful way to re-engage them. Listening to their concerns and providing opportunities for positive change can turn disgruntled alumni into advocates.
“Students who feel supported during their time at university are more likely to have a positive experience and, in turn, be more inclined to give back as alumni.”
Yassin Ali
President, Newcastle University Students’ Union
In summary, alumni engagement can start even before students set foot on campus – think pre-application activities like open days and outreach events.
Building these connections early sets the foundation for a lifelong relationship. Working closely with student societies and creating alumni groups that reflect those societies can open up great opportunities for mentorship and post-graduation networking.
It’s also key to match alumni with current students who could use a little extra support – like international students or those balancing work and study – making them feel truly part of the university community.
Getting alumni involved in specific programs, like Newcastle’s partners scheme, helps give students relatable role models right from the start. And let’s not forget, today’s students often have packed schedules, so finding ways to reach those with less free time is a must. Plus, addressing challenges like the “fear of joining in” post-pandemic, and listening to alumni who might not have had the best experience, can turn them into advocates for future generations.
It’s all about creating a welcoming space for everyone!
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