NOON-2:00 PM
Residence Hall Registration and Check In

12:30-2:00
Institute Registration

2:15-3:00
Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Summer Institute
This session provides an overview of the week ahead and an introduction to the field of alumni relations. Discuss the history and purpose of alumni relations through the lens of its past, present and future, and meet fellow participants. Review the schedule for the week and get details on the courses available to you.

3:00-4:15
Redefining Alumni Engagement for the 21st Century
We live in a society with rising costs of education and associated student debt, competition for volunteer and philanthropic resources, and a consumer-oriented alumni population with more information at their fingertips than ever before. What implications does this have on the strategies we use to engage our alumni? In a world where one size seldom fits all, successful alumni relations operations will start from the perspective of the alumnus/na. Our goal is to advance our institutions. To engage our alumni in this quest we must first satisfy the value proposition.

4:30-5:45
Advisory Group Meeting
Meet with faculty and a smaller group of attendees to discuss how to maximize your learning opportunities at the institute.

6:00-7:30
Welcome Dinner 
Meet and mingle with attendees and staff while enjoying food, drinks and good company.

7:30
Institute Adjourns for the Day

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30
Alumni Engagement 101: Core Concepts and Best, Next Practices
Numerous studies prove that those who are engaged meaningfully are the most likely to give and get involved more deeply than others. This session provides core concepts, do’s and don’ts, frameworks, tips and tools for developing attractive, effective mutually-beneficial engagement programs that advance institutional and alumni interest. Participants share what they see the field needs to keep, start and stop doing to meet today’s challenges and opportunity. Many of the high-level concepts presented in this session will be explored in depth throughout the program.

10:45 AM-NOON
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Building Alumni Communities Beyond Campus: Geographic Alumni Engagement 
  Regional chapters and clubs are a traditional tool of the trade for alumni engagement practitioners. Examine opportunities, challenges, limitations and innovations for engaging your alumni who live away from campus, whether across the country and around the world. Identify goals and best practices in geographic alumni engagement; explore emerging pitfalls and enduring limitations of geographically-based alumni groups, trends and innovations; and help participants identify roles and expectations for volunteers. Get practical guidance and tips for large and small shops.
• Cultivating Communities of Shared Experience: Affinity and Identity Engagement  (repeats at 2:45 PM)
  Alumni needs are diverse, so a "one-size-fits-all" engagement model might not speak to their passions. However, connecting alumni through shared interests can be a great way to garner loyalty and support for your organization. How do you broaden your alumni offerings to build stronger connections? What is the best approach for your institution? How do you bring increased relevance to your alumni to reach new demographics? This session looks at several affinity models and helps you determine what kind of touchpoints can move your affinity programs forward, with the goal of increasing alumni engagement and encouraging philanthropy.
• Meeting Alumni Where they Are: Engaging Different Generations and Life Stages 
  In a world where people lead healthier, longer lives, we are challenged to engage alumni where they are, which requires insight into generational perspectives and life stages. By focusing on individualized engagement along generational and life stage continua, we can better connect alumni. This session connects general and life stage insights to successful strategies and initiatives likely to engage alumni as they travel along life’s pathway. 

NOON-1:15 PM
Lunch

1:15-2:30
How Do We Know if We are Doing a Good Job? Intro to Measuring and Reporting Impact
Once a novel approach, understanding engagement metrics is now a core competency required in alumni engagement. How do we know our alumni relations programs are adding value to the institutions and constituencies we serve? How do we know what programs to keep, start and stop? How can facts and data be used to manage change and growth? What are winning ways to report on outcomes to your boss and to the wider community? Review four key aspects of this important aspect of our work:

1. Engagement definitions, data collection and reporting;

2. Evaluation techniques–survey, focus groups and net promoter scores;

3. The relationship between involvement and giving; and

4. Using engagement metrics to inform future decisions.

You'll leave with a solid introduction to core concepts and proven approaches for measuring and reporting impact. A session offered later in the program will provide a deeper dive into the technical aspects and details participants can apply to their specific situations.

2:45-4:00 
Elective Sessions (choose one; open to attendees across all institutes)

• Cultivating Communities of Shared Experience: Affinity and Identity Engagement (repeated from 10:45 AM)
  Alumni needs are diverse, so a "one-size-fits-all" engagement model might not speak to their passions. However, connecting alumni through shared interests can be a great way to garner loyalty and support for your organization. How do you broaden your alumni offerings to build stronger connections? What is the best approach for your institution? How do you bring increased relevance to your alumni to reach new demographics? This session looks at several affinity models and helps you determine what kind of touchpoints can move your affinity programs forward, with the goal of increasing alumni engagement and encouraging philanthropy.
• Finding Your Voice as a Leader
  Leadership is earned and honed in many ways; leveraging your accomplishments into a portfolio of leadership skills happens when you combine both self-assessment and skill-set inventories. This session offers practical applications of these tools so you can learn how to manage your own voice as a leader whether with your own team, institutional leadership or your next career opportunity.
• A Deeper Dive on Collaborating with Boards, Groups and Volunteers (repeats on Wednesday at 10:45 AM)
  Volunteers are treasures who require dedicated time and resources from our institutions. No matter, volunteers play an essential role in strengthening our institutions and it is our job to continually focus their work toward our mission. What are the basics and proven best practices in working with volunteers? What are the emerging trends and how is the landscape shifting? What do our volunteers say about their experiences and how can we learn from these? Explore the challenges and benefits of building sustainable and rewarding volunteer programs. Let’s share some brief, memorable tips for making the most of these groups and individuals.

4:15-5:30 
Advisory Group Meeting

5:30
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Free evening to explore Boston; dinner on your own

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30
Online and Digital Engagement
Digital engagement strategy is – and should be – unique for every advancement organization. With alumni living far away from our campuses, we need to embrace digital alumni engagement to maintain that sense of community, whether it’s to create new channels of alumni connection, enhance traditional and in-person engagement, or gather a bounty of digital data. This session will address creative ways to integrate online efforts into your overall alumni engagement strategy. Participants will learn about a wide range of technology applications and emerging strategies for connecting to alumni digitally that can make an immense impact in activating alumni to participate in a variety of roles, including volunteer, donor, ambassador, mentor, and listener.

10:45 AM-NOON
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• A Deeper Dive on Measuring and Reporting Impact 
  Imagine if your alumni relations and advancement services teams shared the vision and ownership for engagement metrics? If you had push-button reports, automatic uploads, helpful dashboards, and easy to pull lists that enabled you to work more efficiently and effectively? In this session, we welcome Carrie White to talk with us about what we can do as alumni relations professionals to increase the odds of that scenario. You’ll have a chance to ask her and Jennifer very specific questions about approaches, applications, techniques, and tools that make the AR/AS partnership, and the engagement metrics projects work. Jennifer will also talk about some easy ways to find stories in your data using Excel.
• A Deeper Dive on Delivering on the Mutual Value Proposition (repeats at 2:45 PM) 
  In this era of time famine and attention poverty, institutions are challenged to present content and experiences that are compelling, relevant and value-added to both the institution and its alumni. We all rely on screens to help us care and share about one another. “I don’t have time to attend” often means “Your program is not worth my attention and time.” Translating the “mutual value proposition” presented in the Alumni Engagement 101 session into action, learn tools and get tips for developing content and experiences that connect alumni to the institution and one another in ways that generate higher participant satisfaction and advance institutional goals.
• A Deeper Dive on Collaborating with Boards, Groups, and Volunteers (repeated from Tuesday at 2:45 PM)
  Volunteers are treasures who require dedicated time and resources from our institutions. No matter, volunteers play an essential role in strengthening our institutions and it is our job to continually focus their work toward our mission. What are the basics and proven best practices in working with volunteers? What are the emerging trends and how is the landscape shifting? What do our volunteers say about their experiences and how can we learn from these? Explore the challenges and benefits of building sustainable and rewarding volunteer programs. Let’s share some brief, memorable tips for making the most of these groups and individuals.

NOON-1:15 PM 
Lunch

1:30-2:30 
Career Candyland: All Institutes Joint Session
As a new advancement professional, you have found a career that offers tremendous opportunity for growth, but along the way, you may not find the time or the right coaching to strategically set yourself up for success. As you begin your career journey, you need to think about what you should be doing, and importantly, what you should not be doing, to arrive in the right place. Amy and Alexis have counseled and advised hundreds of advancement professionals on this topic. Using a fun concept, they’re going to illustrate the important steps you must take to advance your career, as well as the obstacles to avoid which can derail you. You’ll come away with some tips, insights and ideas to achieve success as your own journey evolves.

2:45-4:00 
Elective Sessions (choose one; open to attendees across all institutes)

• Are You an Event Planner or an Engagement Officer?
  Thankfully, it does seem like the industry is shedding its opinion that alumni relations professionals are "just party planners" or <grimace> "friendraisers." But realistically, what percentage of your time is spent planning events? We're not here to debate whether events are good or bad; we're here to talk about how you can go beyond celebrating high attendance and great post-event survey results as your measure of success. Leave with ideas to turn those attendees into ambassadors, volunteer leaders and connectors.
• A Deeper Dive on Delivering on the Mutual Value Proposition (repeated from at 10:45 AM) 
  In this era of time famine and attention poverty, institutions are challenged to present content and experiences that are compelling, relevant and value-added to both the institution and its alumni. We all rely on screens to help us care and share about one another. “I don’t have time to attend” often means “Your program is not worth my attention and time.” Translating the “mutual value proposition” presented in the Alumni Engagement 101 session into action, learn tools and get tips for developing content and experiences that connect alumni to the institution and one another in ways that generate higher participant satisfaction and advance institutional goals.
• A Deeper Dive on Online and Digital Engagement
  Take a deep-dive into the practical, tactical details of online and digital engagement. This interactive workshop will have you developing schemes for measuring and reporting on the impact of your work, as well as explore very specific questions about approaches, applications, techniques and tools relevant to you, regardless of the scope of your role, responsibility and institutional context.

4:15-5:30 
Advisory Group Meeting

5:30 
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Explore Boston; dinner on your own

5:30-6:30 
Happy Hour Hosted by Boston University Office of Advancement
Optional event for all institute attendees

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30 
Collaborative Advancement Leadership and Management 
It takes a village of fundraisers, communicators, operations and alumni engagement staff to meet the goals of a highly successful advancement team. Explore your personal leadership style using the Insights Discovery model; identify the four key stages for collaborative relationships; discuss barriers in team dynamics and solutions for success; understand the diverse and sometimes divergent mindsets and motivations of professionals working in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing; and learn to foster mutually beneficial relationships both internally and externally.

10:45 AM-NOON 
Advisory Group Meeting

NOON-1:15 PM 
Lunch

1:15-2:30 
Quick Takes on Timely Topics 
Sometimes presenters squeeze 10 minutes of content into 75-minute sessions. In this rapid-fire succession of short "TED-style" talks, you'll hear from members of the faculty as they share best practices, breakthrough thinking, and killer ideas that bend your mind and boost your professional brand back on campus.

2:45-4:00 
Elective Sessions (choose one; open to attendees across all institutes)

• Where Giving and Engagement Meet
  An integrated approach to giving and engagement is what our alumni desire and what we as advancement professionals should provide to them. Engaging our alumni is a process with many different expressions of success and among those expressions is giving. Learn how to best marry a successful all-welcoming alumni engagement strategy while keeping an eye toward maximizing expressions of engagement with a focus on giving.
• Let’s Talk About Young Alumni
  Everybody in institutional advancement seems to be freaking out about young alumni engagement. What's going on? What can we do about it? Building on the generational and life stage session, this session features in-depth discussion and sharing of best and next practices, as well as tips for getting leaders focused on the right issues and solutions.
• Attendees’ Choice Session
  Was there a topic we didn't cover or one you'd like to explore further? Attendees will have the opportunity to vote live in session on topics to be discussed by members of the faculty.

4:00 
Institutes Adjourns for the Day

5:00-5:30 
Buses Leave from 10 Buick Street Residence Hall for the Boston Waterfront

6:30-10:00 
Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise

10:00-10:30 
Shuttles Return to Residence Halls

7:30-8:45 AM 
Breakfast

9:00-9:15 
Morning Announcements

9:15-10:30 
Building Your Professional Community
A common denominator for all successful leaders is the presence of key mentors and a
robust professional community. Learn how to proactively build your network, review ideas for where to find mentors (hint: one may be sitting next to you) and get advice for maintaining these relationships. You'll leave with practical action steps to grow in your career.

10:30-11:30 
Program Wrap-up and Parting Thoughts

11:30 
Institute Adjourns

Residence hall life is an integral part of the CASE Summer Institute experience. To collaborate and network with your colleagues, CASE strongly recommends staying on campus in order to get the most of your time at the institute.

Residence hall accommodations at Boston University are included in your conference registration. Accommodations include a private room in an air-conditioned four bedroom, two bathroom suite. Please indicate when you register if you require any accommodations due to special circumstances or medical issues.

The residence halls will NOT be available before 10:00 AM on the first day of the institute or after 2:00 PM on the last day. If you plan on arriving earlier or later, you are responsible for arranging your own accommodations.

You will receive a suggested list of what to bring with you prior to your arrival but many amenities are included, such as linens, towels, a full size refrigerator and a microwave.

Residence hall accommodations on campus are included in your conference registration but if you choose to stay off campus you are responsible for making your own hotel reservation. Any hotel expenses are not included in your conference registration fee.

If you extend your visit, or prefer to stay off campus, you will need to arrange your own accommodations. Please see a list of nearby hotels below.

Hyatt Regency Cambridge
575 Memorial Dr
Cambridge, MA
617-492-1234

Hilton Boston Back Bay
40 Dalton St.
Boston, MA
617-236-1100

Hotel Commonwealth
500 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA
617-933-5000

Eliot Hotel
370 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA
617- 267-1607

Mandarin Oriental, Boston 
776 Boylston St.
Boston, MA
617-535-8888

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway
125 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA
617-236-8787

Sheraton Boston Hotel
39 Dalton St.
Boston, MA
617-236-2000

Westin Copley Place Boston
10 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA
617-262-9600

Both residence hall check in and conference registration will take place on the Boston University campus; to plan your travel appropriately, see information below and consult the institute program for exact arrival and start times. Early check in will not be available. A light lunch will be provided at check in when you pick up your institute materials.

Travel by plane
It is recommended you fly into Logan International Airport (BOS). You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. A cab ride from the airport to the residence halls is approximately 20 minutes.

Travel by car
If you're planning to travel to Boston by car, parking is available on the Boston University campus for an additional fee. Both daily and weekly overnight passes can be added to your institute registration during checkout. More information about picking up your overnight or daily parking passes will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Travel by Train 
The Amtrak train station closest to Boston University is Back Bay, located at 145 Dartmouth Street. The closest T Stations are St. Paul Street and Boston University West on the Green Line.

Public Transportation
Once you arrive at Boston University the BU Shuttle at T Subway are a great ways to get around campus and explore Boston.

Attire: Casual dress is appropriate for the entire institute, including shorts, t‐shirts and sandals. The average July temperature is 85° F and low is 65° F, so please pack accordingly. Note that meeting rooms and residence halls may be chillier than expected, so it is recommended you bring a sweater or a jacket for the day and warm pajamas for evening.

Area restaurants do not require a coat or tie, though you may want to pack business casual attire for the dinner cruise. Remember to bring layers as it may be chilly in the evening, especially for the Dinner Cruise Thursday, August 1 on The Boston Harbor.

Each residence hall suite is equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator.

Recommended items for those staying in the residence halls. These are suggested items to ensure your personal comfort.

• ALL personal toiletries, including soap and shampoo
• Bath towels/bathrobe. Although a towel is provided in your room, you may want your own full-size towel.
• Additional hand soap
• Hair dryer
• Additional linens for twin bed and extra pillow
  Although sheets, blanket, and pillow are provided, you may want to bring your own to ensure your personal comfort.
• Additional blanket
• Warm pajamas
• Sweater
• Rain gear and/or umbrella (walking is required rain or shine)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers
• Cool and casual/semi‐casual clothing
• Shower shoes (You may be sharing a shower with another attendee)
• Laptop and tablet (not required)
• Chargers for your electronic devices
   

Institute attendees will be staying in either 10 Buick Street or 33 Harry Agganis (South)Residence Halls. 

Forget Something?
Drug Stores and shopping are located in nearby Kenmore Square and Fenway Park neighborhoods.

Residence Hal Check In: Check in is from NOON-1:45 PM on Monday, July 29, at the front desk of your assigned residence hall. You will receive your room key and can drop off your luggage. 
Check out on Friday afternoon is available until 2:00 PM. Plan your travel accordingly; early check in and late check out is not available.

If you purchased overnight parking, park in the loading zone outside your residence hall and run in to get your parking pass with your room key. More information about overnight and daily parking will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Institute Registration: Institute registration will run from 12:30-2:00 PM on Monday, July 29.

The conference will begin at 2:15 PM in the School of Law located at 765 Commonwealth Ave. A light lunch will be provided.

If you arrive after 2:15 PM, check into the residence halls and proceed to the School of Law to pick up your conference material and join the institute sessions in progress. 

Travel by plane: You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. A cab ride from the airport is 20 minutes. A taxi and/or rideshare (Lyft or Uber) is the best option when traveling to and from the airport.

Travel by car: 
If you're planning to travel to Boston by car, parking is available on the Boston University campus for an additional fee. Both daily and weekly overnight passes can be added to your institute registration during checkout. More information about picking up your overnight or daily parking passes will be shared with you in advance of your arrival.

Travel by train: Amtrak trains serve the Boston area. The best destination for Boston University is the Boston Back Bay Station (BBY) located at 145 Dartmouth Street.
 
Accommodations in the residence halls will NOT be available before NOON on Monday, July 29, or after 2:00 PM, Friday, Aug. 2. If you plan to arrive in Boston outside of these times, please be sure to make alternate lodging arrangements.

Internet Access: Internet access will be available in the residence halls and meeting rooms. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are welcome onsite for your personal and professional use but are not required. Attendees will receive a prompt to sign in to the Wi-Fi before the institute begins.

Meals: Institute attendees will receive a prepaid meal card when they check in at registration. Please use this card for your lunches. If this card is lost or you use the total amount provided before Thursday, Aug. 1, you will be responsible for payment for your lunch. Please return card to CASE at the end of the institute. Any attendees who do not return their cards will be assessed a fee.

Breakfast, snacks and coffee breaks will be available throughout the institute. Dinner will be on your own Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Highlights and Networking Events: There will be numerous opportunities for you to network with your peers during group meetings, meals and breaks. See the Special Events page for more information. 

Contact your program manager, Christie Antoniewicz, at cantoniewicz@case.org with any questions.