For over a decade, the MIT Alumni Association used a three-category model to track alumni engagement. Visually depicted with a Venn Diagram, the circles of Philanthropic, Face-to-face, and Virtual were used to count several engagement activities performed by our alumni. We measured overlaps in the engagement categories, labeled the intersection of the three circles as the Mindshare, and reported on the overall engagement rate. Over the years, what was included in our Venn Diagram evolved as we gained the ability to store additional engagement activities in our database.
Eventually, a number of factors including, but not limited to, the conclusion of our most recent capital campaign, CASE’s launch of the Alumni Engagement Metrics, growing confusion around what activities were counted and where, and a desire to empower more staff to see their work in the engagement metrics, demonstrated a need to introduce a new way to track alumni engagement. After several proposed models, Alumni Association leadership adopted a system that closely mirrors CASE’s four-category AEM.
This session will take attendees through the process of launching an engagement measurement model. All steps will be covered, from getting buy-in from leadership to updating visuals and reports to training staff on the changes. If you are thinking about installing an engagement metrics model at your institution, or are looking to update an already existing model, come to this session to learn about our process, how we’re using the model, and what our plans are for its future.