Monash University Alumni Relations: Special Bulletin

The four pillars of alumni programming

4. Alumni communities

Being a part of a global network of over 200,000 alumni is one of the most significant benefits to you of being a Monash alumnus. This global network includes many sub-groups and special interest groups. Monash is committed to encouraging alumni networks to flourish.

Monash alumni told us:

• 30% of graduates were not aware that a Monash degree or diploma automatically qualified them as Monash alumni
• 73% of survey respondents were not members of any special interest group
• 21% of respondents were aware of special interest groups
• 7% of those unaware of special interest groups would be prepared to pay $50 per annum to join a group
• 63% of alumni are interested in making their details known to other alumni via an online alumni directory
• 63% of alumni are interested in participating in an online community
• 31% of alumni are interested in involvement in reunions

What have we done?

• Documented a service charter outlining support for special interest groups, the roles and responsibilities of the alumni relations unit and alumni groups
• Made resources available to priority alumni communities to assist in program development and delivery
• Informed graduating students of alumni programs and services
• Promoted the activities of alumni special interest groups in broader alumni communications
• Recognised and rewarded alumni playing a lead role in the development and operation of alumni networks

Working together, we will:

• Actively explore options to develop an online community, including a directory
• Work to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of alumni networks and activities
• Clearly communicate the automatic alumni status granted upon graduation
• Write clear protocols around the sharing of alumni information by staff, interest groups and other alumni volunteers
• Advocate for the development of communities that reduce the fee paying barrier to entry and therefore encourage participation by more alumni
• Create a tool kit to assist alumni to hold reunions

To find out more about alumni communities:

• Read more about the different groups and communities