Inside Alumni Attitudes:Alumni Attitude Study Updates, Issues, and Benchmarks | |
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What’s ahead for the AAS: Summer 2010 highlights2010 is off to a great start for the Alumni Attitude Study. As the summer months approach, there are several highlights expected to make the rest of the year as good as or better than the year-to-date. In addition to the many areas that the AAS will cover, (including introducing 2 new webinar topics that are of much interest to the Higher Ed industry and a presentation at the CASE Summit in NYC) we will be unveiling a new, exciting, and innovative facet of alumni research into the donor market. This summer should prove to be very exciting as we will continue to assist institutions in the development of more precise and effective engagement initiatives for their donors. Some things to keep in mind if you are planning an alumni survey:A survey process is generally viewed as a one-way communications device. Clearly a survey is asking for input/feedback – one direction. But, a survey is really a dialog – two-way communication. The dialog begins with questions. The very act of asking specific questions sets context and establishes expectations; expectations which must be addressed through the complete communication cycle. With most survey initiatives the dialog abruptly – and regrettably – stops when the questions get answered. This is a serious mistake. These principles need to be the foundation of your survey projectThese principles need to be the foundation of the survey project, from designing the questions to taking action on the findings. Many people start by thinking about the questions they want to ask rather than thinking about what they hope to achieve by conducting the survey. Good survey processes and questionnaires start with a clear understanding of the following five operational guideposts: |
In this issue:What’s ahead for the AAS: Summer 2010 highlights Some things to keep in mind if you are planning an alumni survey: These principles need to be the foundation of your survey project Upcoming WebinarSurveying Alumni: Best practices for effective alumni feedbackTuesday, May 25th, 1pm CSTThe need for data and benchmarking in alumni relations has become more critical now than ever, and surveying alumni can be an intimidating process for alumni professionals. Whether it is part of a large strategic initiative or follow up to an event, a survey is an effective method of gaining alumni opinions and/or favorability to the institution’s efforts to keep them engaged. Schools cannot rely on attendance at events or other anecdotal assessments to deem an initiative successful, rather there should be clear, precise feedback and data to measure the effectiveness of their efforts. In this webinar we will focus on what are some of the best practices for surveying alumni. What types of methodology, questioning, analysis and reporting constitutes an effective survey project with your alumni. Most importantly, what actions can you take by utilizing the data to drive future alumni engagement efforts. Limited space is available, so register early at alumniattitudestudy.org. |
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For more information about the Alumni Attitude Study, contact Aaron Osborn, Director of Sales and Marketing, or Rob Shoss, Managing Consultant, at 866-471-8600. | |