 Creating a Bold New Alumni Organization for Case Western Reserve University...
What was the Alumni Forum?
At the Alumni Forum on July 24-25 at Thwing Center, alumni, staff, university administration, and students will be involved in facilitated discussions to talk about the mission and objectives of a new, unified alumni association.
During the forum, alumni will begin the ground work to create one alumni organization that will be inclusive of all university alumni, provide greater ability to engage in strategic university efforts, and provide greater opportunities for alumni leaders to play an important role in the university's mission.
Why DO we need a new Alumni Organization?
Currently, there are over 15 University-supported alumni associations. These associations have overlapping missions and responsibilities causing confusion among the various constituent groups on and off campus. Many efforts are duplicated in support of these organizations such as admissions and communications activities.
The vision put forth by the Case Board of Trustees and the President includes the goal to create “one” University. The goal to create one alumni organization that is inclusive of all university alumni will provide a greater ability to engage in strategic efforts and provide greater opportunities for alumni leaders to play an important role in the University's mission.
Who is providing leadership in this process?
In the fall of 2003, a Task Force was established as an outcome from both the CWRUAA and UAA board meetings. Laura Nosek president and John Massie , president-elect of UAA, Harold McRae, trustee liaison and Carol Esche, president of Council. In March 2004, Joy Shefter, president-elect CWRUAA was asked to join the Task Force. The Task Force envisions expanding the representation to include additional key stakeholders (alumni representing other schools and associations, students and staff). Lara Kalafatis, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations, Programs, & Events, and Caleb and Trish Rick representing North Common Associates, an external consultant for non-profit management, are working with the Task Force and other key stakeholders.
How will I be able to continue my role in alumni activities?
We encourage you to join one of the committees that will be established or to contact the alumni outreach office at (216) 368-6260 which has established a volunteer network for a myriad of programs and events.
What will this new entity look like? What will its name be? What will its function(s) be?
All of these questions will be answered through the process that has been defined. The board members of each existing association will meet separately, then jointly to design or inform goals, objectives and values. In addition, there are several surveys being conducted over the next few months that will provide valuable input from our alumni, students, staff members and peer institutions that will help shape this new entity and define its role and structure.
Do successful models exist at other institutions? Who are the peer institutions? Who are the others? What groups are successful with volunteers?
Staff members in the Office of Alumni Relations, Programs and Events are currently conducting a peer institution study. Initial comments suggest that other Universities are struggling with similar issues. This seems to suggest an opportunity for Case to become a leader and create an exciting model others will emulate.
What impact will this have on the school-based alumni associations?
We recognize the affinity of the graduate and professional schools. The staff of the school-based alumni programs is working in concert with the university alumni staff to create collaborative programs, benefits and communications that will support and encourage overall alumni engagement and support of a new alumni model. The school based association's staff and alumni leaders of their organizations will participate in the July alumni forum.
What does this mean for the Case Alumni Association (CAA)?
The CAA was founded in 1828 to support the Case Institute of Technology and has a long-standing independent tradition. In fall 2003, the CAA and the Case School of Engineering (CSE) signed a memo of understanding that enforces the binding responsibility of the CAA and CSE. Building on this announcement it is our intent and within the President's vision to include the Case Alumni Association, in this process to achieve a single alumni organization. Plans are currently underway to meet with key leaders of the CAA to invite them to participate in the process with the UAA, Council and other key stakeholders.
Do the current organizations need to dissolve before we create a new model of governance?
The reality and responsibility of utilizing the University's investment rests with the office of Alumni Relations Programs and Events (ARPE). In order to respond to the need to create one bold new alumni organization, we see the need to invest in the future work of a transitional model with current members of both the CWRUAA and UAA being involved in alumni programming instead of supporting the two boards. President Hundert's vision for one University with one alumni organization involves creating more efficient and effective methods for using our resources. In addition to what alumni associations are being asked to do, the annual fund has undergone consolidation from a school-based function to a single coordinated effort. Academically, the Deans and faculty are focusing on interdisciplinary centers of excellence. This will eliminate certain school-based programs, while creating more powerful cross-discipline learning experiences.
July 1 signifies the beginning of a new fiscal year. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to devote energies and resources in support of two alumni associations while at the same time, attempting to meet the goal of creating a new organization. In the spirit of knowing “you cannot change the whole without changing the parts”, the goal is to work towards defining the specifics of our new entity at the same time as we proceed with the closure of the existing two associations. We are looking to a transitional model that will sustain alumni programming. This includes committee structures that have increased volunteer opportunities for both UAA and Council members.
What will happen to current programs and how will they continue?
The current programs supported by the university will continue. Staff is already planning the 2004-05 academic calendars. This includes working with alumni volunteers in the regions for “Summer Send-offs”, Case Classrooms, Case Community Week, Alumni Weekend and many other activities.
Is the Chapter programming going away?
Chapter programming is not going away, but it is changing. In order to meet the requests of many alumni volunteers who do not want to accept lengthy time commitments, ARPE will provide expanded and enhanced programming to the chapters. At the same time, the expectation is that local events run by local volunteers, along with those identified as Case Connections, will continue within new parameters.
We recognize that chapters are run in different ways, some more informal than others. Chapters are encouraged to continue working within a structure that meets their needs. The creation of a new alumni organization and the regional program committee will guide the direction of future alumni participation both on and off campus, locally and across the country.
What is the approval process for the final entity?
The Task Force will continue its work with the new committees during the summer and through the fall. The President and Board of Trustees will approve a new model of leadership for alumni.
How will this process impact the alumni house?
The Alumni House campaign will continue. The Alumni House is a motivating factor in building a new organization that all alumni will see as a visible symbol to alumni history, the community, and the future.
How will the task force communicate with the members of former organizations and other alumni?
The Task Force has posted its communications on this website. Click here for the past Task Force Updates. The Task Force will use this website as its primary means of communication with all Case Western Reserve University alumni.
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