Spring Martlet 2017

Q20. COULD UNIV ADD MORE VALUE THROUGH ITS COMMUNICATIONS
WITH OLD MEMBERS?
The Master and Faculty 36%
The Development Office 32%
Current Students and the Annual Fund (Telethon) 9%
Your Own Tutors 44%
Events such as Diners, Society Days,
Univ in the City, Eights
35%
“I am interested in what OMs are up to in general, but especially those whose lives/
careers might overlap with mine and extend my network. I am also very happy to
share my expertise/understanding of the world I’m in with graduates, if it was to
help them with their own career selection.”
“I strongly believe that the way to get
engagement of OMs with Univ is to
facilitate engagement between the
OMs themselves.”
“It always seems to me that the key to unlocking
donations is finding an issue that engages an individual.
All individuals are different so anything that can be done
to personalise things is good.”
“I think it might be an idea to have tutors speak to OMs more
often about their work. The periodic high-profile lectures etc.
are worthwhile, but I don’t think most OMs have a good
sense of the excellent academic work going on in the College.”
Q26. HOW SHOULD UNIV’S FUNDRAISING EVOLVE?
There is a plentiful choice of deserving causes
and Univ is falling behind
Univ’s fundraising approach has improved and is
well positioned for the future
Some further improvements are important, but I
understand that these may take time to implement
Univ needs to listen better to its alumni and urgently
improve its communications across the board
Univ must quickly adopt a personalised approach,
which engages me more closely in the fundraising cycle
8%
68%
29%
9%
11%
“Raise the profile of how Univ research is contributing to broader society’s goals.
Univ will always be a bastion of privilege – we can’t let this become a reason
not to give back to Univ. People want to feel connected with an institution that is
helping to improve things.”
“I will always be loyal to the College.
Univ could do more to initiate and
promote subject-based groups,
naturally formed around the leading
tutors of their generation, which
might lead to higher donations.”
“The strategic objectives of the
fund-raising activity probably need
more clarity… the governance is
traditional; consideration should be
given to updating this.”
“Broadening the informal Univ
network for Old Members – Univ
will benefit from a ‘halo effect’ if
it can effectively promote greater
interaction between like-minded
Old Members.”
Your feedback will form a vital input
to strategic planning for Univ’s future.
Thank you.
For more details please e-mail:
philanthropystudy@univ.ox.ac.uk
*UCDB is comprised of 20 Old Member volunteers who assist the College in improving its alumni engagement and fundraising practices. THE MARTLET | SPRING 2017 49