alumni cards

6 ways personalization can supercharge alumni engagement

Personalization is the backbone of modern marketing, and alumni engagement is no exception. Already, 80% of U.S. consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that offers personalized experiences. But, in Cuseum’s November-December 2020 survey of over 150 alumni relations professionals, 77% believed that they need to offer more personalized engagement to their constituents.

That’s a big disconnect!

If you’re interested in getting the lowdown on alumni personalization, we’re here to help. Here, we’ll break down the what, the why, and the how of personalization – let’s dive in!

Webinar Highlights: Alumni Engagement in the Era of Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of alumni relations, sparking new questions and concerns, as well as opportunities for alumni associations. Since the escalation of Coronavirus, traditional methods for alumni engagement, such as class reunions, sporting events, tailgates, homecoming, in-person social events, alumni chapter meetups, and networking opportunities have been cancelled. In response, alumni associations are pivoting to digital and virtual strategies to keep alumni engaged and actively involved.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Jennifer Chambers (Assistant Vice President, Lifelong Learning @ Duke Alumni), Veronica Dominguez (Associate Director of Alumni Engagement @ UTSA Alumni Association), & Serena Bettis (Coordinator of Alumni and Parent Relations @ Southwestern University Alumni) as they do a deep dive into shifting alumni engagement tactics. This webinar will explore many aspects of digital engagement, including virtual events, programs, and networking opportunities, as well as digital communications.

View the full recording here.

Here are the main takeaways:

7 Ways to Keep Your Alumni Members Engaged During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of alumni relations, prompting new questions and concerns for university alumni associations. With the onset and continued risks of COVID-19, traditional opportunities for alumni engagement, such as class reunions, March Madness, NCAA football, tailgates, homecoming, in-person social events, alumni chapter meetups, and networking opportunities have been cancelled, or remain in limbo.

Indeed, while many held out hope that fall NCAA football would be a comeback after March Madness was called off, the Big Ten cancelled fall 2020 football in early August, and traditional social events like tailgates and alumni chapter watch parties are being suspended.

Despite the hurdles, alumni engagement is critical for building a university’s reputation and brand, securing donations, and creating community. In response to new challenges and unforeseen circumstances, many alumni associations have adapted by doubling down on their digital engagement strategy, with incredible results.

Here, we will examine the continued importance of an active alumni association for both universities and alumni, along with seven exciting ideas to activate alumni engagement during COVID-19 and beyond.

How to Streamline Alumni Card Fulfillment with Digital Cards

Alumni associations can be some of the most important communities and networks for professionals, as well as vital sources of support for universities. There are a variety of benefits that come along with being a member of an alumni organization. For alumni, the networking, social, and career development opportunities can be unparalleled benefits. For colleges and universities, alumni engagement helps build the university brand, secure financial support, and recruit future students.

Many alumni organizations have traditionally issued an alumni card or membership card to their members, which has been both symbolic and a means of accessing alumni events and benefits. However, with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the traditional process of printing and distributing physical membership cards has been severely disrupted.

With the fulfillment process backlogged and many alumni associations simultaneously trying to ramp up their digital engagement, Digital Membership Cards can be a timely way to ensure alumni receive their cards and stay informed at the same time. Additionally, Digital Membership can save countless hours in the day for staff, thousands of dollars a year, and allow you to make the most of your limited resources.

Check out how Digital Membership can streamline your card processes:

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