Alumni Groups Guide

• DPAE can support and enhance existing alumni networks that are currently active within the colleges/departments.
• Alumni groups are provided with the following assistance from DPAE: 
  • Assistance in recruiting alumni group leadership board members. 
  • Assistance in the planning and implementation of approved programming and events. 
  • Assistance in producing and distributing alumni group materials. 
  • Assistance in promoting group events, including event registration for ticketed or free events using DPAE event management software. DPAE can also request alumni lists and send invitations (email, text message, print - if your budget allows) to your group audience and create surveys and thank you messaging. 
• Option to create a group on Flashes Connect, a DPAE managed software, for your community.
• Meetings can be structured in any way that works best for the group (virtually or in-person). 

• Make sure you have a group of people interested in starting a group (not just one person), as each group needs to have a leadership board
• Groups should not use Kent State logos or branding without prior approval
• Don’t commit to too many events or programs that you don’t have the capacity to execute
• Avoid operating independently without informing or partnering with the DPAE staff. 

1. To start an alumni group, contact your project manager or alumni@kent.edu.
2. For geographic groups, define the region’s boundaries. For affinity and academic alumni groups, identify the uniting interest. 
3. Work with your DPAE project manager to reach out to alumni in that defined region or affinity to gauge interest in the group.  
4. Identify a core group or committee of engaged alumni.
   1. This must be made up of non-Kent State employees.
   2. Ideally includes at least 2-5 dedicated alumni volunteers to form a leadership board.
5. Submit an operating plan annually.
   1. This outlines proposed events, engagement activities, and how they align with Kent State engagement goals.
6. Maintain a social media presence.
   1. Used to engage alumni and promote group activities.
   2. Group must provide co-administrative access to the Kent State University Alumni social media channels.
7. Participate in one official Kent State/DPAE initiative per year.
   1. For example, Homecoming, Giving Tuesday or Flashes Give Back.
8. Commit to promote philanthropy and engagement.
   1. Support for Kent State should be visible in the group’s communications and events.
   2. Encourage giving to a group-designated fund (such as a scholarship or area of interest). 

What level of alumni interest is required to start an alumni group? 
5-10 interested individuals are needed to start a group. DPAE will pull a list of current alumni in the geographic radius, affinity or academic area and send an email to those alumni to determine interest.

How many board members does an alumni group need to have?  
Two to five leadership board members are recommended.

Are there training options available for group board members? 
Training documents are currently being developed.

What are the benefits of starting an alumni group? 

• Keeps our alumni informed about what’s happened at Kent State and connected with the university and to their college.
• Provides access to join the Kent State mentoring program.
• Creates opportunities for alumni to network and meet each other in their local communities.  
• Renew friendships developed at the university.  
• Provides avenues for the exchange of ideas between alumni and the greater university community.  
• Promotes campus initiatives that support prospective and current students, particularly in recruitment, career development, job/internship placement and group fundraising opportunities. 
   

What types of alumni groups exist at Kent State?

• Geographic alumni groups connect alumni and other university community members within a specific region (Cleveland, Stark Co., Lake Co., Southern California., etc.)  
• Affinity alumni groups connect alumni and university community members with a shared common attribute or activity (Black alumni, LGBTQ+, University Band, School of Fashion, etc.)
• Academic alumni groups connect alumni and university community members from specific academic disciplines (nursing, finance, architecture, etc.)   

If you have any questions, contact your project manager or alumni@kent.edu.