Title/Author/Journal Citation
Volkwein, J. (2010). Assessing Alumni Outcomes. New Directions for Institutional Research, (1), 125-139.
Hypothesis/Research Question/Purpose
The purpose of this article stands out as it was published in a special volume published by New Direction for Institutional Research in 2010. The volume was dedicated to discussing topics related to assessing student outcomes. This article specifically addresses the necessity, theory, and components to conducting an alumni assessment to aide in program assessment and evaluation.
Methods
The article does not directly present a research study, but rather identifies outcomes and components necessary for one to conduct a thorough survey. Beyond the normally collected demographics the author recommends collecting:
- Collegiate Experiences
- Post-graduation Outcomes
- Alumni Participation and Support
Each point above includes several items that can potentially create a complete analysis of alumni outcomes. Nevertheless, it is also noted that extensive and lengthy surveys often have a negative effect on response rate. Well conducted alumni surveys should focus on gathering critical data among differing alumni populations.
Six challenges associated with collecting alumni data are presented along with resolving suggestions.
- Which alumni do you survey?
- What alumni sample size?
- Frequency of data collection?
- What response scales should you use?
- Survey length and content?
- Alumni GIGO
The suggested solutions are a key resource for anyone planning or currently conducting alumni surveys. Due to the extensiveness they are not presented in this review.
Also discussed for alumni survey methods was the utilization of a model. Some models were presented and lightly discussed. Two highly recommended models are the Terenzini-Reason Comprehensive Model and the Albany Outcomes Model. Additionally, the process of how an institution might develop their own unique framework is demonstrated.
Results
Again, due to the nature of the purpose of the article direct results were not obtained. However, resources for “Alumni Researchers” were described for further exploration.
Conclusions
Alumni studies have the potential to greatly affect stakeholders at multiple levels as well as an overall representation of the department and institution as a whole.
Limitations and Ideas for Future Studies
Limitations were discussed earlier in the challenges of conducting alumni studies. However, not mentioned in this article was the additional importance of conducting an exit survey to obtain the necessary information and contact details. Without such, the ability to contact alumni in the future is often met with failure or requiring great effort to utilize available resources to re-establish a line of communication. Additionally universities as a whole should collaboratively attempt to conduct a uniform alumni survey along with departmental specific content to help maximize potential responses.
