Bulletin
Turning the Supertanker
How Alumni Voices Impact the University
In the past few years there have been many constructive changes at University of the Sciences that are a reflection of alumni comments and concerns as expressed through the alumni survey over the last several years,” said KEN LEIBOWITZ, assistant professor of communications and director of special assessment projects for the University. Leibowitz creates, compiles, and analyzes the surveys that are sent each spring to three-, five-, and ten-year graduates.
The 2008 survey was the first in which information was collected
exclusively online, an important reason for alumni to ensure the
alumni relations office has a current e-mail address. The survey
received 185 responses, about 16 percent of the total alumni for
the three years. Each year, survey results and analysis
are posted online so that the entire University community can take advantage
of them. Links to previous years’ surveys allow interested
parties to make comparisons and note trends.
who complete the surveys may wonder if their participation
even matters. It does, according to Leibowitz. “What we all
need to remember is that universities (and any large organization)
are like supertankers; it takes awhile for them to change course.” The
University’s strategic planning, which incorporates alumni
input, has led to enhancements in everything from the food in the
dining hall to the design of coursework in existing programs and
the implementation of new majors.
Daily meals are an important part of any college experience, and while complaining about institutional food is a universal pastime, the University still listened to its alumni. In June of 2007, Parkhurst Dining Services took over the University’s dining facilities, offering fresh ingredients and more choice to student and faculty alike. (See the article in the spring/summer 2008 Bulletin for full information.)
As alumni get out into the workplace they recognize how their coursework did or did not prepare them for the day-to-day activities of their chosen careers. Their feedback helps the University refine its programs for future students. For instance, DR. LISA LAWSON, interim dean of pharmacy, said that the real-world experience of alumni impacted the revamping of the PharmD curriculum begun in the fall of 2006. In fall 2009, pharmacotherapeutics will be spread over two years—an alumni suggestion that came up again in this year’s survey—and coordinated with the delivery of the pharmacology course, so that students will learn about diseases and the drugs used to treat each disease at the same time.
DR. ROBERT BOUGHNER, professor of classics, points to several initiatives—such as the new humanities and science major and the increase in study-abroad opportunities—that have benefited from alumni comments. “We listen to what alumni say,” said Dr. Boughner, “and would like to hear more. Students who are 5, 10, or 15 years out can provide better feedback than those sitting in class now. They’re already applying what they’ve learned.”
The development of the humanities and science major, which has been in existence for more than two years and currently has 18 students enrolled, “gives the University a place where students and faculty can look at how the sciences and the humanities support each other,” said Dr. Boughner. The department now also provides more humanities courses and five minors for all students, allowing them to develop their interests and learn from instructors who have international reputations in their fields.
A revitalization of arts offerings is another initiative that was affected by alumni input. In the literary realm, The Elixir, the school’s literary magazine, which enjoys a long history, has grown in volume and coverage. The magazine gives students the opportunity to be published and is now more professional. In the musical arena, the University has well-respected string, brass, and jazz ensembles and chorus. There are opportunities to take music lessons and classes both at the University and through the exchange program with University of the Arts.
Based on feedback from everyone from perspective students to alumni, adjustments are even being made in how the University markets itself, with a shift to focusing on the unique attributes of each program and more online and digital marketing. The University is initiating its first-ever banner ad campaign and is set to launch two blogs, one featuring undergraduates and another “expert” blog featuring professors. Online and phone chats chats have also launched, and the PR department is now promoting University news and events via Twitter. “We listened to our alumni and their experiences here, and moving forward we seek to connect with all stakeholders through social networking,” said MARIA GOLDBLATT, executive director marketing and e-marketing.
The alumni relations office also uses the feedback from the survey to develop a stronger alumni association and work toward improvements, such as alumni access to the ARC. Responding to comments from alumni who were disappointed that access to the ARC was limited to day passes, the alumni relations office met with MARC CASERIO, director of the Department of Campus Recreation. Caserio researched the policies of other schools and put together a program for alumni. The first semester is free. Then alumni can sign up for memberships of varying lengths—the semester, the summer, or a full year. More information can be found on the department’s webpage or by contacting the campus recreation staff.
The association is looking to get alumni involved both on campus, through involvement in student functions, and off campus, including receptions at professional meetings and affinity events. “We would love to develop a list of alumni willing to mentor students, volunteer at events, or serve in other capacities they’re passionate about,” said PAT MCNELLY, alumni relations officer. “We would like the alumni to have a constant presence at the University.”
Networking alumni to alumni and alumni to students is also a goal being pursued by the career services staff based on alumni input, said KIMBERLY BRYANT, a career counselor. “We also want to offer recent grads services such as resume reviews, Myers-Briggs testing to help in career selection, and interview workshops.” For all alumni, career services plans to provide information about trends in various industries and opportunities to network.
Every area of the University is impacted by the feedback that comes in through the survey. Leibowitz believes the survey is critical to the University’s growth and planning and he is happy to have a part in it. “I’m pleased to be a conduit for alumni, to give them a voice of what is good and what needs to be changed here.” If a survey notice appears in your mailbox or a reminder notice in your e-mail inbox this spring, take the time to fill it out. Your opinion counts.
And if you’re not a member of one of the specific years being surveyed? Your opinion still counts. DR. RUSSELL DIGATE, provost of the University, wants to hear how your education prepared you for your future and how you want to be involved at your alma mater. “Our greatest asset is our more than 10,000 living alumni,” said Dr. DiGate. “Most are in the health fields and can be of great service to both the University and our students. I look forward to incorporating their expertise.”
by Carol R. Cool