The Survey Process
The Power of Segmentation
Through carefully defined segmentation, the AAS enables you to uncover the different perceptions of alumni from key age groups, eras and lifestyles. We rarely present Study results for “alumni overall.” Rather, after ongoing extensive analysis of the over 100,000 survey responses in our database, we’ve created stratified alumni profiles using factor modeling, correlation, and regression analysis. We call these “Era of Graduation” and “Alumni Life Cycle” groups.
AAS participants broaden their traditional understanding of alumni opinion by examining specific alumni segments. Generational segmentation, while important, is not enough. The AAS surveys examine era of graduation, stage of life, and lifestyle market-segmentation to create a more complete and vivid picture.
- Get inside the numbers – differences in perception are common among alumni from different eras of graduation.
- Learn what motivates alumni from different eras to engage, participate and respond.
- Learn what drives loyalty and giving for specific alumni segments – use this information to customize communications and create programs that have the greatest impact.
Our Unique Method
AAS offers a unique, extensive factor-analytic method. With increasing volume over time, the responses exhibit similar characteristics or patterns. Distinct alumni profiles, perceptions and attitudes reflect evolving campus environments and experiences.
For example, among alumni of the same university, a liberal arts major who graduated in the early 1970s at the height of the Vietnam War has vastly different experiences and expectations than an alumna who earned her MBA during the economic boom period of the Reagan administration.