<< BackSurvey Says...
The results from USM's first ever comprehensive alumni survey are in!
Working with Digital Research, Inc, a market research company based in Kennebunk, ME, the Alumni Office launched the survey in Jan 2010. It was sent to a random sampling of graduates across the country and featured questions designed to assist the Alumni Office in designing communications and programs that are both responsive and timely.
Nearly 1,000 alumni responded to questions about everything from
communication preferences to pride in their degree. Based on the demographic of responses, alumni were grouped into 7 categories that are representative of age and campus experience ( traditional, non-traditional). These categories were then assigned "names" that reflected a variety of criteria in the respective responses, including views of the value of USM experiences, life stages, and priorities. Please note that the names for these categories were designed to assist us in identifying priorities and life stages within each age segment, and are not meant to carry any negative connotation.
The categories are as follows: Ages 35 and under: Dynamic Youth, Pragmatic Youth. Ages 36-54: Distracted Multi-Taskers, Family Focused Professionals, Grateful Up and Comers. Ages 55+:Thankful Reflection, Community Advocates.
We will be sharing both the responses to the survey questions and how we are addressing the responses with you throughout the year. We'll also be asking for your opinion - we want to hear what you have to say!
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Question: Please rank each of the following typed of communication by your preference to receive information from USM through that communication.
How are we responding? Given the popularity of e-mail as a preferred communication vehicle, the Alumni Office is devoting significant resources to improving our existing website, developing electronic newsletters and improving e-mail communications with our graduates. Social networking sites, a popular method for more recent graduates, are also getting some attention, with a USM Alumni Facebook page launch projected for early Fall 2010. While we are aware that many of you would still like to see a printed alumni publication, current resources do not allow us to produce one. However, printed publications will continue to remain on our radar as we explore the best way to meet the needs of every age segment.
Tell us what you think: What would you like to see featured on the alumni website or Facebook page? Contact us with your answer.
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Question: On a scale from 1-7, where 1 is "Not proud at all" and 7 is "Extremely Proud", please indicate how proud you are to have earned a degree from USM:
How are we responding? USM administration, faculty and staff are dedicated to making USM the best institution that it can be. As we work to improve the quality of education and campus experiences for our students, the value of your USM degree will also improve. We are a responsive institution, genuinely interested in what our alums, an important part of our University, have to say. Responses from the survey, and comments associated with this question, have been passed along to Administrators to review. You can learn more about USM's Reorganization and the exciting things happening across campus at our aggregate news site, USM Today.
Tell us what you think: How do you feel about the value of your USM degree?
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Question: Please indicate your level of interest in each of the following potential programs offered by USM for alumni.
How are we responding? The Alumni Office is currently working to augment the benefits, programs, and services offered to alumni, with a particular focus on campus discounts, educational opportunities and professional networking. This spring, the Alumni Association hosted the first "Happy Hour" networking event for recent grads, and plans for more events of this type are in progress. In addition, the Departments of Music and Theatre have offered new discounts for USM alumni. View your full alumni benefits list here. We asked, you answered, and we are working hard to create meaningful programs and benefits for all graduates.
Tell us what you think: What is important to you? What would you like to see offered for USM grads? Contact us and share your thoughts and ideas.