The top challenges to alumni relations and how technology can help
Institutions like yourself are seeking ways to engage meaningfully with alumni. However, the challenges of lower budgets, staff changeover, and lack of time makes it hard to consistently feel connected with alumni.
With alumni relations headcount declining by 18% since 2017, technology can offer a cost effective, long term solution to resource strain that helps you reach your goals. For example, emails and online directory tools.
For emails, start by communicating outside of fundraising efforts. We suggest an easy 3-section e-newsletter involving:
- The past (nostalgic stories and class updates),
- The present (current events happening at your school),
- The future (important upcoming initiatives).
Keep it simple and choose a cadence you can handle like quarterly or bi-annually.
Communications solely targeted at alumni are valuable but if you over communicate, specifically around raising money, you lose the risk of permanent do not solicit requests. 
For online directory tools, there are several options available ranging in expense and complexity. At Wavelength, we choose to prioritize a directory tool that saves you time and money while providing your alumni a user friendly, private community.
When thinking about adopting new technologies, ask yourself the following questions:
All data points provided by VAESE 2020 Alumni Survey: https://www.alumniaccess.com/vaese-2020
