ALUM 101 is a virtual mini-course series that provides learning opportunities for a broad, intergenerational alumni audience. This low-cost series was created in response to alumni demand for more immersive educational experiences, drawing on both campus partnerships and alumni expertise. Each online mini-course has four one-hour synchronous learning sessions, featuring a 30-minute expert and followed by an Q&A. There is also an optional in-person field trip. Topics are selected based on their relevance, timeliness, and alumni data. The impact of this flagship program far exceeded our expectations. Each course attracted more than 1,300 registrants and 550+ unique attendees, who reported an extremely satisfying experience. ALUM 101 demonstrates how partnerships combined with data-informed design can transform alumni lifelong learning into a high-impact, community-building experience.
From the Judges
This event series offered the alumni community an accessible, engaging program, with excellent use of resources and a strong impact on alumni of diverse ages. This model and the strategy of continuing education, with an eye toward the nostalgia of the University of Michigan experience, is a transferrable model that other schools could make use of with ease.
