New era for alumni

The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor James McWha, has announced the Alumni Relations Strategic Plan for 2007-2011, promising a "new and exciting era" of alumni relations.

Underpinning the strategy is a recognition of the growing importance of alumni and community engagement programs to the University's primary goals.

A 2006 review recommended a more focused approach to alumni relations and the development of a university-wide program integrating alumni into the life and fabric of the University.

A broad cross-section of stakeholders were consulted in the review which has resulted in the dissolution of the Alumni Association in preference for a more integrated and supported alumni relations model.

The major elements in the Strategic Plan that will contribute most significantly to the advancement of alumni relations at the University of Adelaide are:

Substantive support to the faculties
and schools in developing their own alumni program;
Broadening the alumni program
through an online community and membership program;
Establishment of alumni forums to
build stronger and more effective
alumni networks;
Creation of a funding program to support specific alumni network
and volunteer initiatives;
Greater focus on the students' experience and their role in the University's alumni program;
Establishment of an alumni advisory committee to provide strategic feedback and advice to the University.

The University has a long tradition of alumni and community engagement, with the Adelaide University Graduates Union, and later, the Alumni Association, playing a pivotal role in this relationship. The Alumni Chapters of the Alumni Association have also been integral to connecting with alumni, both locally and internationally and will continue to play a significant role in the implementation of this Plan. The new Strategic Plan builds upon this strong tradition of engagement, strengthening and broadening the existing program to meet the needs of alumni, the University and the wider community, now and into the future.

"We are now moving towards an exciting and inspiring new era of alumni engagement," Professor McWha said. ■

STORY KIM HARVEY

ALUMNI ADVISORY COMMITTEE - INAUGURAL MEETING, 24 OCTOBER 2007
Front row from left: Mrs Robina Weir, Ms Amanda Ventura, Mrs Robyn Brown (Director, Development and Alumni), Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, Professor Bob Hill (Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences)
Back row from left: Mr Andrew Bain (representing Professor John Taplin), Mr Jamie McPhee, Mr Chris Chong, Professor James McWha (Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the AAC), Mr Alexander Brown, Mr Morteza Mohammadzaheri
Members of the Alumni Advisory Committee not in the photo are: Professor John Taplin (Pro Vice-Chancellor International), Mr Didier Elzinga and Mr Wilf Bowen
Full Image (48.91K)

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