Alumni Relations Coffee Chat: Alumni Mentoring Programmes that Scale-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar featured award-winning alumni mentoring programmes at the University of St Andrews and University College Dublin (UCD).<br /><br />St Andrews presented Coffee Connects, a low-commitment programme launched during the pandemic that pairs students and recent graduates with alumni for at least one informal conversation. After registrations declined, the team reviewed the programme and improved communications, refreshed its branding, extended the sign-up period, expanded mentor eligibility to parents and friends, and moved from two annual rounds to one. Registrations subsequently rose by 81%, with more than 1,100 registrations reported for the latest round. The team emphasised that targeted changes using existing resources can make a programme more sustainable and effective.<br /><br />UCD described its African Mentoring Programme, created in response to feedback that African students needed stronger social and professional networks in Ireland. Its culturally informed approach connects students with mentors who can share relevant experiences and guidance. The programme grew from a pilot of 29 mentors and 34 students to around 65 participants in its latest year. UCD supports relationships with training, regular check-ins and clear expectations, while monitoring engagement and seeking evidence of longer-term impact.<br /><br />Both presentations highlighted the importance of accessible programme design, thoughtful matching, clear communication, mutual benefit and ongoing evaluation.

Keywords

University of St Andrews

University College Dublin

alumni mentoring programmes

Coffee Connects

African Mentoring Programme

student alumni mentoring

programme sustainability

mentor matching

webinar