That Entrepreneurial Spirit
CURRENTS Article Now that credit card affinity programs aren't as lucrative for alumni associations as they once were, many alumni associations are looking to diversify their mix of revenue sources.

Increasing the Harvest
CURRENTS Article In 2007 the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Association eliminated dues and created "Forever Buffs," a new model of the alumni experience that welcomes all students and alumni into a 270,000-strong family with lifelong benefits. In place of dues is a one-time $70 fee all students pay upon matriculation that guarantees them a lifetime of alumni services and programming. The author describes how the funding switch was made and how "Forever Buffs" has changed the alumni association.

Dues Diligence
CURRENTS Article Some alumni associations have recently made news by eschewing their dues programs in favor of a nondues model. This article argues that it is important for administrators to carefully evaluate the importance and value of dues programs. Although the body of research on alumni association membership is limited, what exists suggests that membership dues programs provide value to their institutions beyond the income they generate for the alumni association.

Tool of Engagement: Alumni Association Membership
Product Four alumni relations professionals from a variety of institutions and membership models share best practices, discuss the challenges of creating membership value and talk about their experiences with a range of marketing approaches to increase alumni engagement. The seminar includes a discussion of how alumni association membership structure relates to an institution's strategic plan and mission. This multimedia file is a recording of a webinar originally presented Jan. 14, 2010.

Lessons Learned in Transforming Alumni Relations
Product This webinar looks at how Rutgers University transformed its alumni relations program and the challenges that went along with the changes. Speakers share best practices learned through the process regarding communication, funding, interaction with alumni and working with university partners. This multimedia file is a recording of a webinar originally presented Oct. 22, 2009.

Drawing Alumni Closer
CURRENTS Article The University of Illinois Alumni Association has decided to end its 136-year-old dues program, which boasted more than 130,000 members. Now, all graduates are members of the alumni association at no cost, no strings attached.

Alumni Leaders Puzzle Over Funding as Revenue Dips
Article As affinity revenue starts to dip for some institutions and the dismal economy affects everyone, funding the alumni association has become an even greater puzzle.

New Program Initiatives: Arizona State University - Silver Award
Best Practice Arizona State University created a special program within the Alumni Association to engage faculty and staff who are also ASU alumni. The U Devils program was successfully launched with a series of events and activities and a membership campaign.

Dues and Don'ts
CURRENTS Article This article discusses industry perceptions of alumni association dues. Do they inhibit giving to the annual fund, or do they help highlight engaged alumni? Do dues-paying alumni associations end up spending too much time and money recruiting members? As with most vexing questions, the answer to these questions is: It depends.

Paying Your Dues
CURRENTS Article Shrinking campus budgets often lead to discussions about the value of alumni association membership dues programs. Do these programs bring in revenue and increase overall campus support--or do they create alumni confusion as well as competition for the annual fund? Alumni managers from a range of campuses weigh in on how they educate former students and find the right solutions for their campuses.