From the Nominator

"For several years, Dartmouth Advancement has collected survey feedback from a group of Dartmouth alumni who were randomly selected to share their thoughts on a range of Dartmouth topics. Through this alumni research panel, called the “Moosilauke Forum,” surveys were often conducted under-the-radar, and results were shared with select stakeholders only. 

At the onset of the pandemic, Dartmouth revolutionized its approach to surveys, turning to the Forum to inform immediate decisions related to alumni engagement and other critical issues that ultimately drove strategy and elevated the use of data in the division. The success of two pandemic-related surveys propelled significant shifts to the Forum’s purpose, its membership, and the use of the insights—all of which have elevated the Forum to a crucial tool in strategic planning for alumni engagement, fundraising, and the College’s $3B capital campaign. Key to this shift were an innovative recruitment campaign that ensured representation from the full alumni body, the creation of a Survey Advisory Group, and comprehensive and user-friendly strategies for socializing and leveraging survey insights across the organization. 

Today, survey data has transformed the way our organization works. Survey insights are incorporated into the planning stages of new initiatives to ensure a data-driven approach to discussions and planning; insights are shared during quarterly all-staff meetings and division presentations; and findings are regularly referenced throughout the organization, with the Market Research Director often invited to participate with planning teams as a primary resource."

From the Judges

In a time when some institutions are reducing their survey usage, the approach and the response are impressive. This program provides a strong model for the well-resourced institution. The outreach and data it provided were appreciated by the judges.