A Study In Relationship Orientation And Prioritization Of Alumni Association Preferences With College Seniors In Higher Education

Higher education institutions need to create a relationship with their alumni; however, often this outreach is done without adequate data on which to base decisions.  To gain a better understanding of what activities future alumni may regard as both important and enjoyable for their participation as alumni, a survey of current senior-status undergraduate students of a medium-sized public southern university was conducted. The research consisted of an exploratory questionnaire with 108 senior-level students who participated in the survey.  The survey consisted of information collected regarding their attitudes towards what the priorities of the university’s alumni association should be and personal recommendation of the university to their friends and relatives.  The survey’s findings help identify the needs and preferences of those who are soon to be alumni, and point to a number of areas that can be pursued further in an attempt to improve the relationship between the university and its alumni