Alumni Liaison Program:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say when I contact my liaison? First, introduce yourself! Let your liaison
know that you were selected to visit their workplace. Next, confirm all contact information and
ask for the best time, day, and method to reach them. Have your calendar handy and if possible
schedule a day for your visit. (Remember, you must first speak with any professors whose class
you may miss during your visit) Be sure to clarify your transportation options. Finally, thank
them for participating!
When is the best time and method to contact my liaison? Refer to your liaison contact
sheet to find out what method is preferred by your liaison. If you are sending an email, be sure
to include, "Alumni Liaison Program" in the subject line. If you are calling your liaison at home, it
is best to wait till after 6PM. As a general rule, do not call past 9PM.
How do I dress when I visit my liaison? Please follow the dress code located in the School
of Nursing handbook.
What are my transportation options? Your liaison will know best, always ask for his/her
suggestions. Depending on where their work location, these are some helpful links:
SEPTA.com: Public transportation is recommended. It is the most convenient, most affordable
way to get around. Explore this site; it includes schedules, fares, and contact information if you
would prefer to speak with someone at SEPTA. University City is the closest station to Penn's
campus and is located east of Penn Tower on Convention Avenue, across from Franklin Field.
As a last resort consider Quaker City Taxi (215-728-8000), although this is generally an
expensive option. If this is your only option, we can reimburse expenses over $20 and under $40
with a receipt (you must request a receipt from the driver). Call 15 min. ahead of your departure
time and be sure to arrive at the pickup location early.
Google Maps: You may find this helpful if you are driving to your liaison's worksite. Be sure to
check on the availability and cost of parking. Your liaison may be a good source for information
on this.
I've lost my liaison's contact information. Contact nursalum@pobox.upenn.edu and be
sure to state: your name, your liaison's name and what information you are missing.
I cannot reach my liaison. Be patient. Our alumni can be very busy at times and may not
have the opportunity to return your call. Consider the methods, time of day, and message you
left. For example, if you sent them an email first, you could try calling them instead. Be sure to
leave clear information; name, purpose for calling, best time to reach you, and preferred contact
information. Don't flood email boxes, two emails is plenty. Try calling your liaison instead. If you
still cannot reach your liaison, or if you think their contact information is incorrect, contact
nursalum@pobox.upenn.edu.
Our schedules conflict. What should I do? First, try to be more flexible with your schedule.
As a last resort, some professors will excuse you from their class but you should always speak
with them first. If your liaison's schedule is non-negotiable, try to find a way to juggle your
schedule to fit theirs. Most alumni will do their best to accommodate you. If you still cannot
schedule a time to meet contact, nursalum@pobox.upenn.edu.
What if my liaison's specialty isn't my primary interest? The purpose of the liaison
program is to give students who will be entering the nursing profession the opportunity to see
the variety of roles nurses play. If your assignment is not in your field of primary interest, keep
an open mind. There is a lot you can learn from your liaison; such as how they found their first
job, their stories or experiences in nursing, and what advice they have for future nurses. The
best thing you can do is ask questions and learn from their expertise.
How much time do I have to visit my liaison? Dates are as follows:
9/26 (for E. Lake’s classes – 2 sections) - deadline to have contacted your liaison and scheduled
your visit
11/17 – deadline to complete your visit for Deb Abraham’s class
I have questions or concerns about my liaison visit, who should I talk to? Talk to your
professor. Your comments/questions will be kept confidential and will help us improve our
program in the future.
What should I do after my visit?
After your visit, be sure to send a handwritten thank you note to your alumni liaison. Use their
work address, as listed on your contact sheet.
Alumni & Development Office Contact Information
Joanna Sung
Administrative Assistant for Communications, Alumni and Donor Relations
Monica LoRusso
Associate Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
Phone: 215-746-8812
Email: nursalum@pobox.upenn.edu
How to find us:
Take the elevator to 4
From the elevators, go left
Our offices are halfway down the hallway on your left
Office of Development and Alumni Relations: Suite 445