1. TRANSFORMATION SUMMIT 2017
Report of the
Alumni Working group

2. Purpose
Institutional identity as determined by its purpose, vision, mission and values
The future of the name of the Institution
The impact of the name change
Institutional Culture including visual culture and institutional rituals/traditions
Rhodes University’s Reputation and Global Brand
Staff
Curriculum
Finance
Student experience
Alumni is the largest stakeholder and an important voice to be heard on the identified focus areas

3. Data Collection Online Survey Alumni Transformation Consultations
2013 participants
Alumni Transformation Consultations
525 alumni 13 events.
Questionnaires :254 alumni completed
Recordings of focus groups at the consultations.
s and articles submitted to the alumni office.

4. Institutional identity (purpose, vision, values and name)
Do practices at Rhodes University currently reflect its vision and mission?
Agree
88%
Disagree
11.4%

5. Should the Rhodes University
change its Name?

6. Is it necessary to change the name for transformation?

7. How can Alumni contribute to the Transformation of Rhodes University?
Alumni networking and job referral program
Coaching, mentoring, counselling
Financial support for disadvantaged students
Job Internships and training
Involvement and participation in transformation projects

8. Institutional culture (including visual culture and institutional rituals/traditions)
Should new artworks that reflect the rich diversity of the university community should be acquired?

9. Should the Graduation Ceremony be changed?
Agree
10.36%
Disagree
54.36%
Not Sure
35.12%

10. Student experience of alumni

11. Curriculum

12. Finance: Alumni contributions
Annual Giving
Personal Giving: R1.3m
Bequest Program : R47m
Alumni Law Association: sponsorship of students
Giving through association & influence
Support from linked corporates for faculties, departments & capital projects
Library, Hamilton Building and Allan Gray House

13. Conclusion
Brand equity and positive attributes vest in the current name of the institution
No compelling reasons are advanced to change the name.
High academic standards
Alumni do and can contribute financially
Positive student experiences

14. Thank you!! Task team members:
Ujala Satgoor, Joyce Sewry, James Gambiza, Terryl McCarthy, Cindy Deutschmann, Jako Bezuidenhout and Leroy Maisiri
Thank you!!
Full report available at: