Strategic Direction I: MEMBERSHIP
The USF Alumni Association is a membership-based organization whose mission is to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between the University and its alumni. Within the Association’s interdependent framework, the membership program best epitomizes this desired, two-way relationship. The Association provides programs and services to alumni members while gaining funding and building alumni advocates for the University. Ultimately, alumni membership represents a graduate’s decision to stay connected to USF. It is the best tool to measure the strength of the alumni relationship and the Association’s progress in connecting alumni with USF.
Strategic Direction II: COMMUNICATION
Connecting alumni to each other and the University through communication is a critical element in building this mutually beneficial relationship. Members seek news about the University and their classmates through both traditional and new communication venues. In addition, feedback from alumni regarding University issues as well as Association programs and services is an important component in guiding the direction of the University and its Alumni Association.
Strategic Direction III: STUDENTS AND YOUNG ALUMNI
Students and young alumni are special constituencies of the USF Alumni Association. Students represent the Association’s and the University’s future. The quality of their student experience and their relationships with the University and classmates are critical factors in determining their long-term relationship with USF. The Association will focus on building relationships with prospective and current students (beginning with children of alumni) and developing an expectation of life-long ties to USF. It will guide these students through their transition to alumni status and early professional years through targeted communications, services and programs.
Strategic Direction IV: INVOLVEMENT & SERVICES
The development of a USF alumni network that benefits both the alumni participants and the University comes from involvement in the school and the Association. By interacting on the web, attending alumni events, working on a University committee, or serving as a volunteer, involved alumni make a difference to USF and the Alumni Association while they build a network of fellow USF graduates that enhances both their personal and professional lives. The Association will seek ways to serve and involve alumni through education, networking and career service opportunities.
Strategic Direction V: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Alumni Association’s growth depends on its ability to continue to identify and recruit committed alumni volunteers and qualified staff into the organization. Current volunteers and staff must continually bring new alumni faces into the Association and provide meaningful opportunities for these graduates to grow as part of the organization.
Strategic Direction VI: BRAND RECOGNITION
The emergence of USF as a Research I institution is an important step in USF’s goal of international prominence. As the University’s profile increases, so does the value of each USF degree. An important part of building a university’s reputation is support from the network of enthusiastic alumni advocates who create a positive perception of their university everywhere they go. The Alumni Association’s role in building the University’s image is to cultivate alumni relationships, involve them in the University and encourage them to be proud and vocal advocates for USF in their workplaces, communities and homes.