From the Vice-Chancellor

Regular readers of this column will know that I have often written about the importance of our alumni and the alumni community to the University. I have said before that alumni are the lifeblood - and the life cycle - of this institution. Without them, we would have no students, no staff to teach the students, and no graduates. How the University manages its alumni relations is therefore critical to all of our activities.

I am pleased to announce that the University of Adelaide has a new Alumni Relations Strategic Plan for 2007-2011. This Strategic Plan heralds a new and exciting era of alumni relations for the University.

Alumni have played a significant role in defining and shaping the University of Adelaide for more than 130 years. The University has a long tradition of alumni and community engagement, and the new Strategic Plan builds upon our strong tradition of engagement, strengthening and broadening the existing program to meet the needs of alumni, the University and the wider community, now and into the future.

The plan comes out of an intensive consultation process that was undertaken by the University in 2006. We have acknowledged the growing importance of alumni and community engagement programs in the overall achievement of the University's primary goals, and recognised the need for a more focused approach to alumni relations.

After consulting with a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the alumni community, the 2006 review highlighted the importance of positioning alumni relations as a core function of the University, and recommended the development of a University-wide alumni relations program, more integrated into the life and fabric of the University. With the support and commitment of senior managers, these recommendations formed the basis of the Alumni Relations Strategic Plan.

The major elements in the plan that will contribute most significantly to the advancement of alumni relations at the University of Adelaide are:

• Substantive support to the Faculties and Schools in developing their own alumni program;
  
• Broadening the alumni program through an online community and membership program;
  
• Establishment of Alumni Forums to build stronger and more effective Alumni Networks;
  
• Creation of a funding program to support specific Alumni Network and Volunteer initiatives; and
  
• Greater focus on the student experience and students' role in the alumni program.

At the basis of the Strategic Plan is a strong commitment to enhance opportunities for alumni, the wider community and the University. The success of the Strategic Plan relies on building a culture that embraces this principle of mutual value, considering the common goals and benefits for both alumni and the University.

I urge you to read the new Alumni Relations Strategic Plan and see for yourself what we are working to achieve. The plan can be found online at: www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/

We are now moving towards an exciting and inspiring new era of alumni engagement. By staying connected and working together, we can make an even greater impact on the future of alumni relations at the University of Adelaide.

PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA
Vice-Chancellor and President