An alumni education
Are you educating yourself on all things alumni?
Dear Friends:
Confession time. I enrolled in a digital badge course earlier this month. Despite my ongoing hectic schedule I was curious and wanted to learn more (in this case UDL - Universal Design for Learning. One principle I like in UDL is designing curriculum that offers learners different ways to learn and to express themselves.
One critique (or strength?) of alumni relations is that there is a formula - apply the formula at your institution and - voila!- former students engage and support your institution in their droves.
Like UDL argues, education is not a one-size-fits-all prospect. Neither is alumni relations. We need to educate ourselves - and question our normative beliefs - to create change. This is why attending conferences, reading and listening/watching inspiring content helps to hone our ability to build alumni connection.
But sometimes things are hectic: digital badges and professional development is on the back burner. There is an alumni reunion to plan! Alumni awards to promote!
To make these things better we need to make them relevant to our alumni. Professional development gives us the time and space to reflect. To think. To make changes. To start an alumni revolution! Don't get caught in the do-do-do trap of alumni relations.
Your challenge this week:
For alumni-facing professionals: Read something new (Energizing Alumni from last week is an option. Sign up to an alumni workshop (My workshop in Estonia in December is FREE for European university participants!) or a conference. Book a study tour (kudos to Brittany and Karen from last week for taking this leap!) Shake up your practice!
For students and alumni: Consider alumnizing - yes!- a verb to actively begin the process of connecting with and networking with fellow alumni. Inform yourself on alumni events or initiatives that enhance your career and/or your life. Alumni connections can take you anywhere!
Can I help to bring from universal design for alumni to your institution? Workshops, inspiring keynotes, online advisory and research can help to improve the work of your team and your alumni! Setup a Discovery call.
Yours in alumnizing education,
Maria
Photo: Click here for your copy of Energizing Alumni which promises to boost ideas and your practice. Check out if your university has an online Chronicle of Higher Education subscription via the library - then your access if free!
