How to Rally a Student Alumni Association

Alumni associations serve an important campus function.

Student alumni organizations are an important part of any campus, and they contain both current students and alumni that are expected to work together to reach common goals. They plan social and networking events, homecoming activities, leadership programs and many other special events that connect students and alumni. It is important that a student alumni organization gather frequently to maintain a strong and visible campus presence that will project a positive image and attract more members.

Instructions

1. Establish contact with members via telephone, letter, newsletter or email. Alert members that they can retrieve information on the Internet and maintain an active, current website.

2. 

   Meetings ensure a motivated, active organization.

   Hold a meeting, social gathering or other event to get members active and motivated to join in. This meeting can take place during a very popular and crowded campus event, such as a homecoming or family weekend or popular sports team rival game on campus.

3. Plan activities for your association. A student alumni organization should be one of the most active groups on any campus, so it is essential that members are involved in the planned activities and make many efforts to attract more members.

4. Encourage organization members to recruit their friends and other alumni to join the association. The addition of new members is likely to keep the association organized, interested and inspired for years to come.

5. Gather together often. Get your association involved on campus and be a strong presence that others will observe and join.

Tips & Warnings

• Promote your organization to attract new members from past, present and future students. This will assure a strong network of association members.

• Make certain that your association has a Web presence, and keep it current and updated with upcoming events.

References

• Indiana University: Welcome to the Student Alumni Association!
• The University of Alabama: Student Alumni Association
• University of Cincinnati: Assessing the Value of Alumni Association Membership