Summer Institute for Advancement Services Pre-Institute Sessions-Because We-ve Always Done It This Way...Does that Make it Right

Because We-ve Always Done It This Way...Does that Make it Right

Pdf Summary

In this session on alumni engagement fundamentals, the presenters discuss the reasons why programs or processes can become stagnant and how to bring about change. They highlight the importance of strategic thinking, leadership, relationship building, and emotional intelligence in driving engagement. They also explore the concept of the Mutual Value Proposition (MVP) as the basis for lifelong relationships between institutions and alumni.<br /><br />The session delves into the MVP, explaining that it describes the specific benefits and outcomes derived from engagement and why both alumni and the institution should engage with each other. They emphasize that the MVP should be adaptable and scalable to individual events, initiatives, and programs.<br /><br />The presenters emphasize the delivery of mutually-valuable experiences to alumni, which includes connecting them to the institution and each other, delivering unique content and connections, and ensuring follow-up for assessment and success. They also discuss the objectives and outcomes of engagement programs, such as revenue, participation, satisfaction, and awareness.<br /><br />The session moves on to the assessment cycle, which involves analyzing and evaluating existing data, identifying gaps in meeting constituents' needs and defining impact, making decisions, and defining, redefining, or eliminating programs. They provide tools like matrix maps to aid in this process.<br /><br />The presenters also discuss refreshing long-standing processes, keeping key stakeholders updated, and eliminating or sunsetting programs, suggesting the importance of internal and external data, polling constituents, having a replacement plan, gaining buy-in from stakeholders, and identifying key influencers.<br /><br />Finally, they provide strategies for selecting the best ideas, implementing steps, gathering data, and making an impact from anywhere. The key takeaways from the session include the critical role of data, close collaboration with key stakeholders, effective communication, sticking to the plan, and remembering the WHY behind engagement efforts.

Keywords

alumni engagement

stagnant programs

strategic thinking

leadership

relationship building

emotional intelligence

Mutual Value Proposition

engagement outcomes

assessment cycle

refreshing processes