October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada1 TWO YEARS ON: Assessing WAAAUB Presented by Dr. Tawfik Zein
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada2 Measuring up to the WAAAUB Mission The mission of WAAAUB shall be to: strengthen the ties between the American University of Beirut (the “University”) and all its alumni and, engage all alumni in advancing and supporting the goals and the educational, research, and service mission of the University
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada3 WAAAUB Success Engaging and strengthening ties of alumni to each other and to AUB? YES Reunions, Regional Gatherings, Campus happenings (concerts, receptions), Legacy program, summer school for alumni children and…All chapter events!
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada4 WAAAUB Proof
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada5 Products of Positive Experiences? Building and developing lasting relationships Creating a more effective communication system (good reviews spread fast!) Fostering more interest and support of all things WAAAUB and AUB
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada6 Other Parameters for Success Strong leadership and commitment of volunteers Broad base of individual alumni: the broader the base, the more successful the association Continuous volunteer influx and equal opportunity for involvement Good partnership with University
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada7 WAAAUB’s Performance? Its Leadership bodies: Board, Committees, Council? Global, yes; yet how effective? Council roles: Undefined, under-utilized Chapter strength Individual alumni – “the base” – knowledge and commitment to WAAAUB?
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada8 Additional tools we possess that will build our success Strong alumni affection and pride Talented alumni leaders and professionals Some good programs already in place Global strength of the AUB network
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada9 Going Forward Must define strong role for Council members and mechanism for activity – Action: Survey Council members for their feedback – Bring ideas to WAAAUB Board and Chairs of Standing Committees – Implement timeline for new Council activities – Amend WAAAUB Bylaws if needed Continue to allow for global involvement of committed volunteers – Action: Ensure that Chapters and Outreach Committees continue to promote WAAAUB activities and yearly elections to all chapters/alumni worldwide
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada10 Going Forward (cont’d.) Seek new ways to engage all alumni in the association – Action: Monitor activities of all Standing Committees; send suggestions to Committee chairs; develop effective communication strategies Strengthen chapter networks where they are weak – Action: Alumni leadership to maintain closer working relationship with WAAAUB Chapters Committee for their involvement and assistance
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada11 Continuing Challenges Instilling sense of ownership about association to alumni Maintaining solid working relationship with AUB Improving communication at all levels
October 2009North American Regional Gathering - Montreal, Canada12 Stay in Touch! Board of Directors: Chapters Committee: Outreach Committee: – Al-Jame’a: Programs Committee: Nominations Committee: