Venue: The Jafar Center, The School of Business Administration at American University of Sharjah
Room: SBA 2050, SBA 2060
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM GMT+4
Registrations
Foyer SBA 2050
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM GMT+4
Welcome and Introduction
Room: SBA 2050
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM GMT+4
Institute Overview and Objectives
Room: SBA 2050
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GMT+4
The Strategic Importance of Alumni Relations: Aligning with Institutional Mission and Purpose
This session introduces the fundamental role of alumni relations within an institution. It examines how alumni engagement aligns with institutional goals, contributes to long-term strategic objectives, and reinforces the institution’s mission.
Key Topics:
Definition and significance of alumni relations
Role of alumni engagement in institutional strategy
Impact on reputation, student recruitment, and philanthropy
Room: SBA 2050
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM GMT+4
Refreshment Break
Foyer SBA 2050
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM GMT+4
Defining Alumni: The Evolving Nature of Alumni and Alumni Relations
As educational offerings expand and institutions diversify, the traditional definition of an alumnus is evolving. This session explores varying definitions of alumni, their implications for engagement strategies, and best practices in defining alumni communities.
Key Topics:
Traditional vs. modern definitions of alumni
The impact of institutional changes on alumni classification
Advantages and challenges of broadening the alumni definition
Room: SBA 2050
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM GMT+4
Networking Lunch
Foyer SBA 2050
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM GMT+4
Understanding Alumni Needs: A Insight-Based Approach to Engagement
Effective alumni engagement begins with understanding their needs. This session introduces research tools and frameworks to identify and analyse alumni expectations, providing a foundation for designing targeted engagement initiatives.
Key Topics:
Research methodologies for alumni needs assessment
Frameworks for categorising alumni needs
Using insights to shape engagement strategies
Room: SBA 2050
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM GMT+4
Refreshment Break
Foyer SBA 2050
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM GMT+4
Addressing Challenges in Alumni Relations
Alumni relations professionals face various challenges, from resource constraints to shifting alumni expectations. This session examines common challenges and provides a strategic framework for overcoming obstacles and strengthening engagement efforts.
Key Topics:
Common operational and engagement challenges
Strategies for managing limited resources
Responding to evolving alumni expectations
Room: SBA 2050
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT+4
Tutorial Groups
Room: SBA 2050, SBA 2060
Venue: The Jafar Center, The School of Business Administration at American University of Sharjah
Room: SBA 2050, SBA 2060
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM GMT+4
Tuning-in and Recap
Room: SBA 2050
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM GMT+4
Alumni Engagement Strategies: Events and Beyond (I) – with a focus on established offices and set-up
Events are a traditional pillar of alumni engagement, but institutions are increasingly exploring alternative methods. This session evaluates the role of events in alumni engagement, their advantages and limitations, and innovative approaches beyond event-based initiatives.
Key Topics:
Traditional alumni event formats and their effectiveness (pros and cons)
The changing landscape of alumni engagement
Exploring alternative engagement initiatives
Balance between innovation and function – what is the right mix of initiatives?
Room: SBA 2050
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM GMT+4
Refreshment Break
Foyer SBA 2050
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT+4
Alumni Engagement Strategies: Events and Beyond (II) with a focus on newer alumni offices and set-up
Room: SBA 2050
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM GMT+4
Networking Lunch
Foyer SBA 2050
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM GMT+4
Effective Alumni Communication Strategies
Communication is central to alumni engagement. This session explores traditional and digital communication channels—including newsletters, email, social media, and messaging platforms—and their effectiveness in fostering meaningful alumni relationships.
Key Topics:
Traditional vs. digital communication methods
Maximising engagement through social media and digital platforms
Best practices for maintaining meaningful alumni communication
Room: SBA 2050
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM GMT+4
Break
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM GMT+4
The Power of Volunteering in Alumni Relations
Volunteering is a powerful yet often underutilised driver of alumni engagement. This session explores the strategic role of alumni volunteers in advancing institutional goals, from mentoring and event support to advocacy and fundraising. Learn how to recruit, manage, and retain alumni volunteers effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and craft compelling value propositions to inspire participation. Gain practical insights and best practices to elevate your volunteer engagement strategy.
Key Topics:
Understand the strategic value of alumni volunteering
Explore volunteer engagement models
Learn volunteer management best practices
Discuss how to make compelling asks to alumni (and manage “No”s to alumni)
Room: SBA 2050
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM GMT+4
Refreshment Break
Foyer SBA 2050
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM GMT+4
Tutorial Groups
Room: SBA 2050, SBA 2060
Venue: The Jafar Center, The School of Business Administration at American University of Sharjah
Room: SBA 2050, SBA 2060
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM GMT+4
Tuning-in and Recap
Room: SBA 2050
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM GMT+4
Alumni Philanthropy: Cultivating a Culture of Giving
Alumni represent a vital source of philanthropic support. This session explores the intersection of alumni relations and fundraising, offering strategies for encouraging alumni giving and fostering a culture of philanthropy within the alumni community.
Key Topics:
Understanding alumni motivations for giving
Strategies for integrating philanthropy into alumni relations
Engaging alumni in long-term fundraising initiatives
Room: SBA 2050
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM GMT+4
Refreshment Break
Foyer SBA 2050
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT+4
Building AI and Technology into Alumni Relations
Overview: Discover how AI and emerging technologies like CRM systems, machine learning, and RPA can enhance alumni relations. This session introduces tools to personalise engagement, streamline operations, and uncover insights—while also addressing ethical considerations to help institutions adopt technology responsibly and effectively.
Key Topics:
Essential data points for alumni relations
Tools and techniques for data collection and analysis
Using data insights to inform engagement strategies
Room: SBA 2050
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM GMT+4
The Future of Alumni Relations and Advancement
The landscape of alumni relations is continuously evolving. This concluding session explores emerging trends, the future role of alumni engagement in institutional advancement, and strategies for staying ahead in an ever-changing environment.
Key Topics:
Identify key technologies that support and enhance alumni relations.
Understand how technology applies to communication, engagement, research, and planning.
Evaluate ethical risks and considerations when using AI and digital tools.
