1. Forever Buffs CU-Boulder Alumni Association
Increasing the On-Campus Footprint
Matt Dixon
Louis Lehman
Justin Macauley
Dixon

2. Outline History Project Purpose Objectives Phase I: Research
Primary Research Results
Secondary Research Results
Phase II: Implementation
Potential Roadblocks
Flat Ralphie Spirit Competition
Conclusion
Matt

3. History
In November 2008 the Alumni Association unveiled the “Forever Buffs” program by discontinuing its membership dues program and welcoming all 230,000 alumni and 24,000 undergraduates as lifelong members. 
Matt

4. Benefits of Joining Forever Buffs
Scholarships
Career Resources
Ask a Buff
Job Postings
Career Counseling and Workshops
Connect with other Buffs
No dues
Matt

5. Project Purpose Underlying Issue: Our Role
Responsibility to current students
Our Role
Educate current students on the benefits and resources of joining and actively participating in the Forever Buffs Network
Matt

6. Objectives
Provide guidance for improving the action/marketing plan for the on-campus outreach
Implementation of a marketing strategy to increase awareness and participation in Forever Buffs
Increase registration in the Forever Buffs network by 350 students during the Fall Semester
Matt

7. Phase I: Research
Primary research through questionnaires sent to various university’s alumni departments
Results given from:
North Carolina
Missouri
Utah
Kansas
Oregon
Secondary research conducted by group members on best practices of alumni associations student outreach
Louis

8. Phase I: Primary Research Results
Question: “What is your most effective way of reaching out to students?”
Word of Mouth
Listserv (Senior Class)
Homecoming
Giveaways (Food, Promotional Items)
Athletic Fan Clubs
and Social Networking
On Campus Tabling and Events
Example: Missouri’s Tiger Walk and Senior Send Off
Louis

9. Phase I: Primary Research Results
Question: “What are your most effective on- campus marketing tactics?”
Campus Newspaper
Flyers in Classrooms/Residence Halls
Tables at student centers
Campus TVs
Bookstore
Graduation Fair
“Beat (TEAM)” T Shirts
Freshman Move-In
Louis

10. Phase I: Primary Research Results
Question: “How do you measure success of the program?”
Quality, not Quantity
Post-Event Surveys
Number of Student Attendees
Engagement Level
Campus Feel (Are people talking about it/ wearing T-Shirts)
Louis

11. Phase I: Secondary Research
Industry best practices:
USC- “Trojan SCuppers”
Dinner hosted by a prominent local alumnus for ~50 undergraduate students
University of Georgia- “100 Days to Graduation”
Celebration for all graduating seniors including: food, drinks, music
University of Texas- “Texas-Exes”
Distinguished speaker series for undergraduates
Louis

12. Phase II: Road Blocks Student apathy Website registration issues
Dissemination of event information
Oversaturation of information about events, clubs, causes etc. on campus
Lack of social media outreach
One of the last frontiers to disseminate information to the busy student without being lost in the crowd
Justin

13. Phase II: Implementation
Creation of an event that combines the best of Phase I research
The event needs to include aspects of:
School spirit
Prize incentives
Convenience and ease of participation for students
Justin

14. Implementation: Flat Ralphie Spirit Competition
Expansion on current Forever Buffs project
School wide competition
Greek Life
Club Sports
Affinity Groups
Winners selected on the basis of the most creative and school spirited photo
Justin

15. Implementation: Flat Ralphie Spirit Competition
School spirit:
By reaching out to affinity groups already associated with CU we can utilize the pride in CU
CU spirit is a general theme that all participants can easily relate to
Incentives for students:
Cash prizes ranging from $100-$500
Autographed Chauncey Billups ball
iPod nano
Free CU t-shirt
CU basketball tickets
Convenience:
All competition materials, directions, and submissions are through the Herd’s Facebook page
Justin

16. Phase II Results 11 teams submitted photos Club Field Hockey
Choir Buffs
CU Student Government
230 new registrants
185 from “Flat Ralphie”
Justin

17. Conclusion Thoughts Quick Wins Marquee Events
Competition deemed successful
Increased awareness among students
Quick Wins
UMC Tabling
Increase Social Networking
Marquee Events
Annual CU Spirit Competition
Sole Sponsorship of Events
Dinner with Alumni
Senior Class Dedication
Matt