Pre-Alumni and Young Alumni Programme

As future alumni, students are key to ensuring a bright future for a university

• Students are not only here to obtain a qualification – they are not temporary visitors. They are starting a lifelong journey of discovery and growth and a permanent relationship with their alma mater. They are joining a global university family and will be “Witsies/Maties” forever.

• Whether it is being intellectually fulfilled in the lecture theatre or being part of a warm social, cultural and sporting community on campus, ensuring student happiness is a key part of a university's mission.

• A university needs their lifelong support to grow and realise its vision – as brand ambassadors and champions, donors, volunteers, further education.

Investing in the student experience • First impressions count – first contact (Application/Registration/Orientation) • Academic/Classroom Experience • Physical infrastructure, amenities, resources and surroundings • Welfare and Support • Diversity and Inclusivity • Student activities

Nostalgia and Emotions • Coined the “reminiscence bump”, you form your strongest memories between the ages of 15 – 25.

Research by University of New Hampshire

• A significant body of theory and research demonstrates that emotions are foundational to understanding motivation and behaviour, generally, and prosocial behaviours (e.g., volunteering and donating), specifically.

Paxton, P., Velasco, K., & Ressler, R. W. (2020). Does Use of Emotion Increase Donations and Volunteers for Nonprofits? American Sociological Review, 85(6), 1051– 1083.

A critical factor in building and maintaining a lifelong relationship and motivating behaviour is an

emotional connection

Ties that bind • Traditions establish a sense of uniqueness and lasting loyalty (sacrosanct - disclaimer) • Rites of passage • Creating mythology (folklore, traditions, legends) • Creating a sense of common identity, shared purpose, loyalty, passion and pride • Becoming a character in this story - cultivating a lifelong relationship • Creates an emotional connection • Makes you an “insider” and gives a sense of belonging to a unique and special community

Traditions

Engineers Spring Breakfast

Student Traditions

Spirit Game and Witsie Reveal

Superstition of the Jacaranda

Sport & Campus Spirit • Enthusing spirit – morale boosters – Mascots – Spirit Squad/Cheerleaders – Marching band

• Unity against an “enemy”, celebrate victory, commiserate in defeat • Building Family

A Mascot

Varsity Cup

What you can do • Present to Faculties and Schools – lecturers should remind students that they are Witsies for life, elect “alumni” class reps, arrange a class photo and class gift • Welcome to Wits mailer with links eg to The Wits Book, History and Traditions • Ensure a presence during O-Week and a slot in the O-Week presentation programme • Ongoing promotion and support for student traditions

Summary • An awesome experience builds a firm foundation for a lifelong relationship.

• The student experience determines the trajectory of their relationship as alumni. Alumni are made (or not made) as students.

• Alumni have long memories and you cannot change their student experience.

• You need to create positive experiences that you can reflect back at them in the future as alumni.

• Ensure a vibrant campus spirit, instil a unique University identity, and a sense of shared destiny and purpose.