Alumni Survey Analysis
2009
Alumni Survey Analysis
The Alumni survey was emailed to 5400 alumni (a mixture of UK and overseas).
1011 questionnaires were completed. A link to the survey was also placed in the
Braduate. The survey was completed by 66.9% males and 33.1% females. The
majority of the students were from the UK (64.1%) followed by International (27.8%)
and EU (8.2%).
A summary of all the responses with percentages and numbers is provided in
Appendix 4.
What Existing Services/Activities are important to you?
The idea of using Alumni services to keep in touch with other graduates, through
reunions and networking opportunities were the only suggestions to be rated highly
and important. All other suggestions were not generally considered important to
respondents. The idea of access to careers advice was considered unimportant.
The following table shows the suggestions in order of their perceived importance to
respondents.
Very
Fairly
Somewhat Not very Not at all
important Important important important important
Networking opportunities/contact with
other Alumni in your area
32.7
29.4
20.6
10
7.4
Reunions
Online Social Networking (Facebook;
LinkedIn etc)
25.5
29.6
27.8
11.3
5.7
21
26.3
21.5
16.3
14.9
Access to careers advice
University events e.g. public lectures, talks,
exhibitions
21.4
14.4
11.7
19.2
33.3
15.3
24.8
25.8
15
19.1
Access to fitness/sports centre facilities
Access to Arts on Campus
(theatre/music/gallery)
9.1
15.3
18.1
16.3
41.2
7.5
17.9
23.8
17.2
33.5
October 2009
Page 2
45
41.2
40
33.5
33.3
35
32.7
30
25
25.5
21.4
14.9
15.3
15
10
21
19.1
20
9.1
7.5
7.4
5.7
5
0
Very important
Fairly Important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
October 2009
Page 3
How important would the following new services be to you?
Lifelong email address
Not at all
important
12%
Not very
important
13%
Very important
33%
Somewhat
important
18%
Fairly Important
24%
Access to library computer facilities
Not at all
important
12%
Not very
important
14%
Somewhat
important
20%
October 2009
Very important
31%
Fairly Important
23%
Page 4
What communications would you like to receive from the university?
Respondents were asked what communications they would like to receive from the
university, and were given the following suggestions:

Printed Alumni Newsletter/Magazine

An E-newsletter

Information about further study opportunities
The idea of receiving an e-newsletter from the university was the most popular
suggestion amongst respondents. 44.4% would like an e-newsletter more than twice
a year. Only 4.1% of respondents would not like to receive an e-newsletter from the
university.
Around 25% of respondents would not like to receive information on opportunities for
further study, although still welcomed by 75.7%.
October 2009
Page 5
45
40
40.5
35
36.5
30
25
44.4
32.4
Once a year
27.8
Twice yearly
24.3
20
24.2
19.5
15
10
More frequently
Do not want to receive
23.7
11.7
11.1
5
4.1
0
Printed Alumni
Newsletter/Magazine
An e-newsletter
Information about
further study
opportunities
Other communications frequently stated are:

Department specific updates

Departmental news and opportunities

Contact information for specific academic year

University graduation dates and a timetable of upcoming Alumni events
A full list of communications stated are shown in appendix 1
October 2009
Page 6
Fundraising
Would you consider making a financial gift to your university to support:

Students in hardship

Scholarships

Facilities

Your department
100
90
80
86.5
70
81.2
74
60
75.8
50
Yes
40
No
30
20
26
18.8
10
24.2
13.5
0
Students in
hardship
Scholarships
Facilities
Your department
Other financial gifts alumni would consider have been listed in appendix 2.
Alumni would prefer to make a one-off gift rather than a monthly annual donation:
90.0%
80.0%
82.1%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
51.0%
Yes
49.0%
No
30.0%
20.0%
17.9%
10.0%
0.0%
A one-off gift
October 2009
A monthly / annual donation
Page 7
Only 7% (#65) would consider leaving a gift in their Will for the university, 40.4%
wouldn’t consider leaving a gift in their Will whereas 52.6% were undecided.
51.8% of alumni were aware that any gift to the university could be worth significantly
more than the amount donated.
Acting as a Bradford Ambassador
Alumni were asked if they would be interested in:

Talking to prospective students about studying at Bradford at Open
Days/Recruitment Fairs

Talking to prospective students about studying at Bradford by telephone/email
contact

Giving career information to present/prospective students on your area of work

Attending events appropriate to your study/occupation

If you are in a Higher Education Institute - would you be interested in opening up
potential collaboration with the University of Bradford

If you are in a business, would you be interested in providing hospitality/facilities for
events
The majority of alumni were interested in attending events appropriate to their
study/occupation
(60.7%)
followed
present/prospective students (57.8%).
by
giving
careers
information
to
Alumni were least interested in providing
hospitality facilities for events (19.2%). As to be expected, the more involvement the
suggestion included, the lower the percentage of respondents who were interested in
the activity. As some alumni may be further away in age from prospective students
than current undergraduate students would be, prospective mentors should be
chosen wisely. However, this initial research demonstrates a reasonable willingness
amongst our alumni to perform this role, especially in relation to career opportunities
and paths.
October 2009
Page 8
120
100
80
69.1
60
57.7
42.2
39.3
76.5
80.8
23.5
19.2
If you are in a
Higher
Education
Institute would you be
interested in
opening up
potential
collaboration
with the
University of…
If you are in a
business, would
you be
interested in
providing
hospitality/facil
ities for events
40
20
30.9
42.3
57.8
60.7
0
Talking to
Talking to
prospective
Giving career
Attending
prospective
students about
information to
events
students about
studying at
present/prospe appropriate to
studying at
Bradford at
ctive students
your
Bradford by
Open
on your area of study/occupati
telephone/ema
Days/Recruitme
work
on
il contact
nt Fairs
No
69.1
57.7
42.2
39.3
76.5
80.8
Yes
30.9
42.3
57.8
60.7
23.5
19.2
When alumni were asked to make any general comments, these were mainly around
the following areas:

Networking events to meet students from the same academic year

Country specific events

Regular contact between Alumni office UK and overseas Alumni
A full list of general comments can be seen in appendix 3
October 2009
Page 9
Appendices
Appendix 1
Are there any other communications you would like to receive from the University,
- Updated info of the school - The school 's ranking
1. More face to face networking/ unions by organizing events/activities. This is especially so in Singapore.
Very limited in which an alumini ambassador can do.
1.)Addresses of/contacts to former class mates 2.) Career-Info of graduates
Academic secretary
Alumni Email Directory
Alumni Liaison Office in different countries, e.g., Hong Kong of China
an e-mail of any upcoming public events or lectures of interest to me.
ANy information about get togethers at bradford - chance to catch up with ex colleagues and old friends
Any research areas can also be published in the maagazine and contact details of other members which
are interested in, too.
As an alumni who no longer lives in Bradford there should be some opportunities to remain in contact with
the department and university. Also to receive updates from the dept to be able to follow achievements &
developments of staff and students
Business opportunities. Any Business opportunities that can provide to us and assit us venturing
international, and locally.
By post
can the Alumni office facilitate at least an annual reunion of Bradford Alumni in Singapore, around a
graduation event?
can't think of any, except time travel back to the 60s........
Cant think of any right now.
Change of headship in the former dept of training e.g. as for me Biomedical Sciences.
Contact up-dates of class mates from the same region? (Singapore and Hong Kong)
Creating a network for Bradford graduates to interact and share their experiences. This would allow the
graduates an opportunity to have a wider networking and have chances of getting employ or increase their
business contacts.
Department-specific update e.g. as an archaeology graduate what are other archaeologists doing
Departmental developments
departmental news & opportunities, say for past graduates to work on projects with their old Dept
emails
Establish oversea alumni office [a laision group attached to British Council], if possible.
General news on changes: effects of gov policy, new courses defunt courses, challenges
General updates on overall campus events
Having someone who can take care of the Malaysian Alumni - hope to hear more about get togethers, etc.
How to access a lot of the above - I'm generaly of the opinion that all of the facilities may be specific to
those still living in the Bradford area
Human interest stories
I am an alumni of Leeds University and Harvard Business School. Bradford is silent compared to both of
October 2009
Page 10
these. What I get from Harvard is unbelievable, maybe too much.
I didn't know we already had access to the sports centre - please can you lwet me know how to do this?
I graduated in 1986 (Manufacturing Systems Engineering), but I think this department no longer existed.
World like to be able to know where are my classmates and list of their names.
I have provided details several times with the promise that you will compile an alumni directory but this has
never appeared. There should be no data protection issues if each entry agrees. This would be more useful
than all the other services you provide. Also, more proactive help with arranging reunions; we have had 3
reunions at 25 yrs, 35 years and 40 years with very little help from Alumni office despite requests for help.
I remember in the careers department they had a record of jobs and salaries for each course which would
be very useful to have online. even now for me to give advice to others as i am a teacher now.
I would like to be able to contact say "Optics students graduating 1992", or "University Halls 1985". The
university could act as an intermediary to contact the students on their records. At the moment it seems
that no current web service records easily the course that people were on. I cannot remember peoples
names, it would be nice to prompt some communication via an intermediary that holds the necessary
email/addresses.
I would like to find/contact my classmates who graduated from Pharmacy Scholl in 1982.
i would like to get some information about the courses, especially the MA courses.
I would like to get the alumni list of all graduates since 20 years at least to see my name and to show it to
our dean for record.
I would like to get updated with the current status of my former professors (where they are now, etc).
I'd like to find out where several friends are but they dont seem to appear on any social net pages.Do you
have any "public" lists?
I'd like to know more about the alumni in my area.
Info about other students from my year/course - where are they now etc
Information about other alumni in Kenya.
Information directly from my former department (Archaeological Sciences)
Information on alumni members in my Faculty and department from 1981-1986.
Information on how the Modern Languages Department is progressing
Information on Theatre productions
Is there a picture course and year listing of Alumni?
It is possible to contribute in terms of teaching MBA students under distance learning programme
It would be nice to have a bradford email address forever. Although not important.
Job Services
Know where my colleagues from my year are hanging out.
Library Aquisitions in area of study
Links with current and/or former international students
Membership List, Regional Split, Short Bio and Contact Details
mobile updates through sms
More email or internet communications, less paper.
More targeted communication/magazine from the business school only
n/a
need to know about technology, patents or programs from Bradford that we can use in our business life, its
all about connections!
new case studies and research done in my field with in bradford university (or elsewhere)
October 2009
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news about the university
News about what the university is upto generally. How it is doing in the world and what good news is
coming out of Bradford.
News for classmates, teachers etc.
NEWS OF CURRENT AND FORMER SENIOR LECTURERS
news of ex students. Deaths emigration etc
News updates on other graduates in my course year.
Not really, but it will be good to know how our faculty is doing.
Not that I can think of right now.
Online Forum
Online short courses especially for the overseas graduates: language courses, self-improvement courses
etc.
Opportunities for networking and knowing how graduates are doing in the careerworld
Outline of campus development
Particularly interested in hearing about people i know/knew and how they are doing. I understand that it is
dificult to get people to tell you about themselves and i have found a few via social networking sites - but if
you could collect together everything from all social networking sites and pool under a Bradford thing - i
wouldn't have to search individuals in each of them! Especially as Facebook seem to have changed my
password and keep failing to sen me a new one so i canot get in! Also - i have little time to look at FR and
Facebook and have no interest in joining any others!
Perhaps access to a directory of consenting graduates and their contact details online password protected.
Perhaps an occasional copy of current student literature - just for a trip down memory lane... I seem to
remember a daily sheet of paper detailing campus goings on.
Perhaps business matching opportunitites where graduates can help each other in business and other
areas. With such a reputation, business graduates can rely not only on their knowledge gained from
studying but also have a solid network to fall back on.
Personal telephone calls to active alumni
possible re union events that concern the societies i joined e.g the catholic society
postdoctoral opportunities for former students.
posters by airmail
Progression and access to professional institutions such as I mech E, mentoring etc
Recent Job Postings in University of Bradford which international alumni I can apply for. There should be
information available on how University can help get work permits etc.
Reunion e-summaries
school's special news and publications.
short courses linked to the graduates current employment services.
SMS Updates
Some way of knowing if fellow students are in a particular organisation that we might ne applying for a
position to get some insoder info onthe issues redaing that organisation.
Staff movements
The Alumni org comes and goes like the seasons - provides little/no funcitonal use as far as I can tell (and I
sat on the Board back in the late 80's and it was the case then which was why I left it). From my
perspective the University does NOT use it's global alumni base to its best advantage. There are a number
of us who occupy senior positions in industry and are not used. This later statement is aimed at the Uni
itself - not the alumni office - as it should be a function of the Uni to utilize its graduate base effectively.
October 2009
Page 12
the most important is to have some way to know who is leaving around my place. How about showing
places on a Goggle map ?
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY ON YEARLY AND ON ANY RESEARCH
BREAKTHROUGH.
the specific alumni contacts list of the graduates.
To be invited to give a talk on the Area of your field.
To give chance to those who got their Ph.D. from Bradford university and worked a certain period of time
as university staff members in their own countries or somewhere else to participate in doing research snd
giving lectures, i.e. to work in the University of Bradford. I agree that there should be a limited number for
those who can get such a portunity each year.
University graduation dates and timetable of important University events.
Updates about the university academic progress and achievements
Updates on my old course, information about alumni from my course
visits by university staff to alumni associations
Way to contact other members of my course. who were in my year BSC Hons Psychology, 1st cohort
What about the Henley form of instant poll among alumni on the issues of the day which then gets them
more media attention?
what's happening in departments appointments/retirements, projects, new cources, lectures from:
archaeology, computer science, media
where abouts of other students that where in the same year and what they have got up to.
Within limits of maintaining privacy re:personal information, it would be nice to know what is currently
happening in departmant of studies that i graduated from and also any info re:fellow students from that
department.
Would like to contact friends maiden names would be helpful
October 2009
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Appendix 2
Are there any other financial gifts you would consider making to the university which are not mentioned
above?
A fund for exchange visits to our supervisors and our self to visit the university frequently.
A legacy.
A Will donation but only if I thought the University was really interested in a long term relationship with its
alumni
accommodation
Accommodation for Bradford graduate finding their feet
Actually, I am looking for financial assistance for postgraduate studies myself, therefore, I would not be
able to contribute.
Art from the overseas alumni
BY WILL.
Can't afford to!
Dependant on the subject - yes. But as i am not yet earning - would have to wait a while. WOuld rather help
specific projects for activities and/or facilities at the University
donations of books for the library
establishing alumni clubs in local areas in order to make distance learning programs
establishing new courses
I already provide aid to PLAN
I am a retiree.
I am on a very low income and cant afford to donate.
I am sports journalist can send copy of magazine which i write for.
I can help the department by guiding/helping present students by e-mail in their studies/research.
I do not live in the Uk and so would not benefit from the tax programme.
i have not been working since my graduation. Only did temp non-degree level jobs.
I have paid full tuition for my Masters course. In addition, I had to buy all small equipment for the droms
room (duvet, pans, pots, dishes...) which I donated to a chairty upon departure. That has costed me
enough and I don't see why I would donate.
i m starting up new business so i have it in mind in he future to help financialy.
I might donate to specific activies or events, on an adhoc basis.
I went to university before fees, I do not approve of fees and would not support the system which i disagree
with and which is now failing. Less and better quality candidates at university is better than university for all
then low final grades and graduate unemployment.
I would be glad to do that by the time I have statrted work
I would favour company sponsored gifts rather than individual ones. So I can promote my company.
I'd take it on a case by case basis
If I had answered the same question a few years ago I would have said yes. Now, divorced, I am going
through harder financial times. Fingers crossed to keep my job.
If I had any money I would love to give some for students in hardship!
October 2009
Page 14
if i had money then yes to above
If I were better off I might consider a donation, probably to a specific project rather than an ongoing gift
in kind, such as equipment etc..
in order to give a gift to a university one should be a very wealthy person. Thta is not too likely looking at
current European tax rates
In principle a contribution to an Alumni backed Scholarship, depending on financial Circumstances.
legacy
legacy
Living overseas, not really sure what options are available.
Maybe
Maybe in the future but this is not a viable economic option for me at the moment
Maybe to the Union
more support for the societies
New buildings Facilities for students Arts investment (new builds or upgrades)
No, only technical support !
No. You even made me pay more than UK candidates
NONE FOR NOW BECAUSE I AM FROM A DEVELOPING COUNTRY WITH VERY LOW INCOME IN
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
none. i believe you earn enough in fees.
Not at the moment but if I was earning a good salary yes
Not at this point but maybe in the future
Not just at the moment but hopefully a little later in life.
Not that I can think of right now.
Perhaps in the future when my financial position allows it.
possiblity exists that we may be setting up a foundation involving Spain, but it is early days, so no
commitments can be finalised.
School information
Since I live outside the UK a financial gift is difficult for me.
Sorry I'm a graduate who is now working in a minimum wage job in a non related field... Careers help would
therefore be required first!!!
Sorry, I am not in the position to make financial gifts to anyone...
sorry, i am very much willing to share for the scholarship fund of the University because i am also a product
of a good scholarship program but as of now i cannot still afford to do so.
Student opportunities - study abroad etc
Supporting research programmes
Training attachment
unfortunately we are not able to consider making any financial gifts at the moment. In theory I am very
much in favour of the idea!
Visiting Students Programme
we just about get paid enough to survive¬¬¬
We would like to make a financial gift to "Facilities" but I am momentanely out of job I would not affordt ir
wright now.
October 2009
Page 15
When my finances improve i would want to contribute once yearly to the department of Biomedical
Sciences.
will legacy
would consider contribution towards alumni services if there were tangible benefits from the service
Would like to when financial climate improves
Would prefer to gift to be targeted at scholarships for overseas PhD studentships following the scrapping of
the ORS scheme by Universities UK
You closed my department...
You need to consider the gifting capabilites for those who do not live inthe UK anymore - whatsthe tx
incentive for us as, I believe, we are not affected by Gift Aid etc.
October 2009
Page 16
Appendix 3
11. We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have regarding the Alumni service that the
University of Bradford offers.
15 years after leaving Bradford I doubt that I could offer much in the way of advice or information to
prospective students.
All of the above (Q10) topics are interesting but (a) it's almost 20 years since I studied in Bradford (b) I now
work far away from Bradford. Therefore my ability to make any useful contribution sppears to be limited.
All these if I had made a successful career from my degree.
almuni services should open communication chanels to those living with local people in their countries
Already member alumni board but it is not very active and needs a lot more support from the University Just look at University Alumni in USA. Also involved in School of Management Alumni. Alumni should be
part of the University 5 year plan to make any real progress (just like any other senior management
measurement in a large company)
alumni events in Singapore
As I live in South Orange County, California my answers should be qualified by the distance from Bradford
and by the 40 year gap from my graduation. I don't know enough about the present set-up to speak to
interested candidates, other than to recommend to those from the south to give the north a try as I did in
'66. I suspect however that the north south divide is less marked than it was in '66 (at least I hope it is!) so
my experience may be untypical.
As I live in Wilts (some way from Yorkshire!) most of the above questions are somewhat irrelavent to me
At Reunions would be good if people had badges showing the year they graduated - so you could spot your
peers!
Basically living in Texas prevents general access to the events
Bradford seems to have changed a lot in the 25 years since I was there> I'm not sure if I know enough
about the Uni to speak about it, and its courses.
Bradford should offer more sounvier for our alumni to purchase (e.g. cufflink, tie)
Careers advice for archaeologists at bradford is dire despite good department - i would be willing to help
with this
Could talk to Greek prospective students and liaise them
Currently hear things rarely - so far have not really felt part of an ALumni organsiation.
Do you have any other registered 1980-84 Chemistry graduates listed?
dont feel a great connection to Bradford as my department does not seem to make any effort to keep links
with its graduates. Like to get the newsletters with details of other graduates.
Full library access would predispose me to financial donations to Bradford Uni !!
Given that I live in Preston my contact with the University is limited - I would gladly be more involved and
use the facilities if I was local.
have more reunions
Have not been able to put responses in some areas - also, for others, where have put no, is due to the fact
tat I am in HE and have similar foci for my own institution
Have you established an alumni database which can be accessed by all alumni?
Having graduated in 1963 I am too out-of-touch with current university thinking to take on any
"ambassadorial role".
HELP LINK INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM AFRIKCA TO POTENTIAL POST GRADUATE
TRAINING FUNDING
Honorarium fees for specialised seminar talks and workshops
October 2009
Page 17
Hope to include job opportunities column.
How about a purple club for the retired and disgraceful?
How about a reunion in London? I would help.
I already advice students to do postgraduate studeis at University of Bradford.
I am already an Ambassador for Bradford School of Management
I am already the Alumni Ambassador for School of Mannagmeent in China, and in the process to apply and
discuss the possibilities of setting up a representative office in China to help school to recruit and branding.
I would be very interested in having your advice and support as well
I am coming towards the end of my working career, so I am mostly interested in the progress of Bradford
Univerity. I could only assist potential students in the most general way
I am interested in collaborating with the University in my place of work. I run a non profit maiking voluntary
organisation which does development and conflict transformation and peace building, psychosocial
counselling and entrepreneurship training.
I am mostly retired!!!
I am now retired and I don't live within easy reach of the University otherwise I would have supported all of
the above in q10
I am sorry that I am not able to offer much help as I am not stationed in England. Furthermore, I graduated
almost 30 years ago, and the information about the university would be outdated. Thus I feel I am not able
to provide good advices to others.
I am very greatful that graduates can get service from careers.
i am willing to help out for Careers/Education Exhibitions in Singapore on behalf of the varsity.
I apologise for so many negative responses, but it is extremely difficult to provide support from Germany
where I am a permanent resident. Regrettably, the undergraduate course I attended is no longer offered at
Bradford.
I can't do very much because I live in Jerusalem, Israel.
I could only be involved in the above when I am not at work (full time)
I enjoy reading the magazine and keeping in touch!
I feel that the alumni service could be more proactive. Sometime ago I contacted it to try to find out other
ex-Bradford people in Brussels and eventually saw in an alumni magazine that there was one Bradford
person listed here. Speaking with friends who studied at other unis I know their ex-unis were much more
forthcoming about putting alumni in a single location in contact. It would help the alumni and also by having
a network of people in Brussels it might be a useful resource for the current students/lecturers to draw on
for political issues.
I graduated in 1983 and live in london so I cant be of any help. Also the BSc psychology moved to Leeds
university
I had never heard of the alumini service before this communication.
I happy to be asked the above questions in the future as my circumstances may change, but at the present
time I need to answer no to the requests above.
I hope I dont seem negative-I'd like to collaborate but having finished in 1979 and as I live abroad,I con't
really do a great deal to help.
I left Bradford in 1969 and am now retired - hence the negativity
I left Bradford in 1982 so feel somewhat remote from what is going on today - particularly as I now live near
Reading and my original career opportunities on leaving Bradford (Textiles) is decimated in this country. So
I was delighted that the Alumni service was set-up (ressurcted?) a few years ago, not just to keep me in
touch, but more so, for newer graduates who will probably be able to use the services more readily. When I
left I had very little contact with the university, except with fellow students. Technology has changed all that,
and things like Linkedin (didn't know or even think about that connection) will definately be of use to me. I
just need to work out now how to get Linkedin with Bradford Alumni!
October 2009
Page 18
I like the idea of the services and the ambassador activities, but they are not viable if do not live near
Bradford. Could more consideration be given to how those who do not live near Bradford can still do
similar. (I recognise there is some attempts but it is limited)
I like to keep in touch but as a single parent with a full time job, and not based near Bradford, there's a limit
to how far I feel able to participate. Also, the department where I studied no longer exists in a form I would
recognise which makes me feel less close to the university. But I'm still interested to hear news.
I live and work in the USA. No local (to Bradford)events or services are feasible for me.
I live in Canada and sorry so many 'no's - just that a lot is n/a
I live in Canada so limited ability to be involved with some of the areas above. At present moment do not
feel able to make a financial donation.
I probably graduated too long ago to give useful advice to prospective students.
I seem to have given very negative answers to your questions. As I am approaching retirement I feel
unqualified to act as an ambassador for a University which has changed considerably from the place I
attended in th 60's.In the past I was a careers advisor for my local branch of th Pharmaceutical Society and
often promoted the Bradford course. I wish the University every sucess but am not in a position to help
financially or otherwise.
i think i have left too long ago to add value in talking to students about Bradford,i would have done this
earlier
I think that attending events for a person like me who lives outside the UK is practically not possible unless
the university participate in the accomodation and/or travel cost.
I work for a research company and we do work with bradford researchers from time to time. mostly Phil and
Hadj.
i work for the nhs so collaboartive working would i believe be of mutual benefit
I would prefer a more collaboration with the field related activities with other development related
organisation that relevant to the subject learned at the University to make student with the practical
information especially with the developing countries
I would want to form an association of all former Bradford graduates residing/working in Kenya. Can the
University help with their e-mail contacts or addresses?
I'm a little uncertain aboput the status of Alumni from the CAT period.
I'm happy to receive e mail up dates and for info about myself to be added but at this time I don't want to
participate further.
I'm wondering if the University has developed any internship programme for students with the EU
institutions in Brussels? I work in the Representation of the City of London (financial centre) to the EU and
it strikes me there are a lot of intern opportunities, especially for politics/economics students as part of a
year out. To the extent I could help, I'd be willing to assist with any initiatives you already have.
I've probably left Bradford University too long ago to act as an Ambassdor
In my opinion Alumni office is the first place one would look for old friends. For this reason, an on-line plan
of all departments listing students per year (and maybe their information if they approve) would be ideal.
In regards to the above I always talk about Bradford very highly but as I graduated 10 years ago I dont feel
in a position to talk to prospective students about studying at the university now.
It is always good to hear from you.
It is very important to keep all alumni informed about events in the University perioically.
It would be good if there was a way to find classmates from your years of study.
It's good to hear whats going on in particular things relating to my old department, who sadly I never hear
from at all.
its good keep it up
Just to let you know. Due to my technical support over the years (since 2000) to the University Automotive
Engineering Department and on the yearly "Braking of Road Vehicles Short Course" with Prof. A.Day. I'm
October 2009
Page 19
since 1st December 1998 nominated on behalf of the Bradford University's School of Engineering, Design
& Technology an appointment as an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow. I please if you point this out in
your e-newsletter. In case of you need a picture. Please don't hesitate to contact me on
jos.klaps@scarlet.be and jklaps@bradford.ac.uk. For datail information, please contact Prof. A.Day and
Prof. Alastair S. Wood, Dean of School. Thanks !
Linking to existing students provides a common base for all alumni, otherwise alumni may have little in
common across different subjects etc.
live to far away!
May appear negative but do advise anyone going to uni to consider Bardford
Maybe an international directory to provide team members for international colaboration, research etc
Modern languages has been phased out at Bradford, so the above does not really apply.
more personal contact
My dept--Chem Eng is sadly closed
My knowledge of Bradford as a place to study is now out of date (left 1979!)
Not being in the locality, it would be difficult to attend open days etc
Not very easy to do any of 10 considering my current location (Qatar)
Now retied and livinh in France, so contribution able to make minimal. Have done so in past, when I was
university professor in Hull
Once again, am not in the UK - could communicate via e-mail with potential students.
Over the past 20 years I have had very few interactions with the Alumni office. Whenever I have contacted
them, the response has been so disappointing, that I somethimes wonder if they weren't being deliberately
obstructive. Rather than having a somewhat pointless survey, I'd suggest (in a deliberately tiny text box?)
1) a direct mail campaign to attenpt to re-generate interest in the alumni organisation. 2) How about telling
people what other alumni live in your area? You don't need to show names, but you could very easily
create a google map which would give people an instant idea if there are any alumni in their area. If I knew
that within say 25 miles of where I live, there were a few hundred Alumni, I'd be much more interested. 3) in
areas where the university knows that there are many alumni, (such as most large cities), the university
should proactively look to assist in the creation of local alumni organisations. An alumni organisation should
exist for one primary reason: Networking among graduates. If you can successfully get people to network,
and create a community of alumni, whether it be in Bradford, Bangalore, or Brussels, all the other stuff
you're talking about will come, such as people giving money to the university, people giving their time to
assist new / prospective students, people giving time to assist in career advice, etc. Unfortunately, I think
you have put the cart before the horse. You're trying to get all the things a successful alumni organisation
has without even beginning to try to create the "community" first. Perhaps I'm being naive, but in a time
when a hotmail, gmail or facebook account can be created in less than a minute, why would anyone want,
or even need a "lifelong" Bradford e-mail address? The fact that it's your second question, in a survey
attempting to get interest in alumni, just shows how completely out of touch you are with reality. Is it any
surprise that people really aren't interested. Have you looked at the survey? Five of the eleven questions
are about giving money to the university? That gives any alumni a good idea as to where the priority lies for
the University in the Alumni association. Get networking, organising regional and international groups, be
proactive to seek out and find alumni who are interested in helping. Just do something. Staggeringly, I'd
say that even my former primary school (over 500 iles from where I live) has a more active alumni
association than Bradford.
Perhaps including a jobs board where companies can recruit new graduates from Bradford.
Please consider to set up liaison office in Hong Kong
prefer info on bradford university by email say once a month
Prospective students usually call me for advice. When they ask questions about the career service of the
univeristy, I find my self in difficult situation. During my course of MBA studies there was no job fair, I have
never received a job post/email as of today. I would recommend that this particular dimension to be
strengthened. This improvement definitely can increase the univeristy’s ranking and overall perception if
students (even alumni) are supported well in their job hunts.
Question f may be of interest it would depend on the type of graduates (I would prefer engineering) and the
October 2009
Page 20
remit of the event.
Research universities that do have good alumni set ups - suspect you will have to look at the US. There
may be a cultural thing, but getting students supporting the uni at undergrad level will certainly make for a
better level of alumni activity
Section 10, it is so long since I syudied at Bradford I would not have anything of relevance to say to
prospective students.
seems a bit hit and miss
Since I am living and working in the Netherlands I see few opportunities to promote Bradford University
other then advise and inform friends and colleques about my experience with the University. There is few
promotion from Bradford in the Netherlands. It might be interesting to increase that promotion since our
academic and bachelor institutions get more and more diffuse.
Since I attended an Alumni , I thinnk annual , meeting c 2 years ago and volunteered to help the service I
have had no direct contact from the service. It suprises me .
The Chem Eng degree was scrapped so can offer little support to new students I'm afraid
The permanet e-mail address for communication would be a good offer
The problem seems to be that the University is no longer offering the modern languages course that made
it special for me, so most of the above is not relevant
THERE SHOULD REGULAR CONTACT WITH ALUMNI ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD. THAT WILL
PROMOTE THE UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE.
Things will have changed a lot since I attended.
This question is only really relavant for recent gradutaes to answer in the main. Those of us who graduated
20+yrs ago can not really assist todays grads with what the impacts can be with the exception of 'c'.
This survey can be improved further by offering more options in answering each questions instead a Yes or
No answer. Formally set up an alumini base in Singapore. Gather a group of UOB graduates both studied
on campus and as well part-time student studied through MDIS. These graduates should be able to share
their experience and the culture in UOB while studied on campus. Those who completed their studies
through MDIS can share the career paths after obtained the qualifications. Giving chance to those who
have graduated and are looking for jobs to meet potential employers.
To 9 above: Not a UK taxpayer To 10 generally: Resident in Germany so activities not always feasible,
except b and c by email.
Up to date information on the Bradford University would be required before talking to potential students. 35
yrs since I attanded Bradford.
Very keen to open up collaboration in a variety of areas. In particular with languages. I am Dirsctor of
Studies for the Translation/Interpreting school at the University of Salento (Lecce, Italy)
We did this and we will remain doing it for the benefit of our beloved Bradford university.
What about an alumni email exchange - open only to bona fide alumni where we could find email
addresses of the people we knew from our own year?
When can we see the results of this survey, and where (if anywhere) can we see the results of the last
survey?
When I first graduated I regularly came back and gave lunchtime seminars to Env Sci students and staff
about work I was doing (because it was relevant to env sci) but also talked to 2nd year students about the
value of industrial placement years. I would happily talk to people again, but now live in London - it would
need to be a 'written' contribution to be practical these days. I also feel that having graduated 13 years ago
my perspective is less relevant now.
would be great if the University Store would sell on-line.
Would welcome news on students in my MBA year 1980-1981 - I have lost contact with all, except for Rob
Rice. Can you give me their contact detrails, please?
yes
October 2009
Page 21
Appendix 4 – Summary of Findings
Section 1: What can the Alumni Office do for you?
1. What existing services/activities are important to you?
1.a. Access to careers advice
Very important:
n/a
207
Fairly important:
n/a
139
Somewhat important:
n/a
113
Not very important:
n/a
185
Not at all important:
n/a
322
Very important:
n/a
83
Fairly important:
n/a
140
Somewhat important:
n/a
165
Not very important:
n/a
149
Not at all important:
n/a
376
Very important:
n/a
67
Fairly important:
n/a
159
Somewhat important:
n/a
212
Not very important:
n/a
153
Not at all important:
n/a
298
Very important:
n/a
146
Fairly important:
n/a
237
Somewhat important:
n/a
246
Not very important:
n/a
143
Not at all important:
n/a
182
1.b. Access to fitness/sports centre facilities - If within the locality
1.c. Access to Arts on Campus (theatre/music/gallery)- If within the locality
1.d. University events eg public lectures, talks, exhibitions
1.e. Networking opportunities/contact with other Alumni in your area
October 2009
Page 22
Very important:
n/a
315
Fairly important:
n/a
283
Somewhat important:
n/a
199
Not very important:
n/a
96
Not at all important:
n/a
71
Very important:
n/a
202
Fairly important:
n/a
253
Somewhat important:
n/a
207
Not very important:
n/a
157
Not at all important:
n/a
143
Very important:
n/a
246
Fairly important:
n/a
285
Somewhat important:
n/a
268
Not very important:
n/a
109
Not at all important:
n/a
55
Very important:
32.9%
318
Fairly important:
24.4%
236
Somewhat important:
18.4%
178
Not very important:
12.7%
123
Not at all important:
11.6%
112
Very important:
31.4%
304
Fairly important:
22.9%
221
Somewhat important:
20.0%
193
Not very important:
13.7%
132
1.f. Online Social Networking (Facebook; LinkedIn etc)
1.g. Reunions
2. How important would the following potential new services be to you?
2.a. Life-long email address
2.b. Access to Library/Computer Facilities
October 2009
Page 23
Not at all important:
12.1%
117
Once a year:
32.4%
300
Twice Yearly:
36.5%
338
More Frequently:
11.7%
108
Do Not want to receive:
19.5%
181
Once a year:
11.1%
106
Twice Yearly:
40.5%
388
More Frequently:
44.4%
426
Do Not want to receive:
4.1%
39
3. What communications would you like to receive from the University?
3.a. A printed alumni newsletter/magazine -- Frequency
3.b. An e-newsletter -- Frequency
3.c. Information about further study opportunities i.e postgraduate/short course/executive development etc
-- Frequency
Once a year:
23.7%
226
Twice Yearly:
27.8%
265
More Frequently:
24.2%
230
Do Not want to receive:
24.3%
231
4. Are there any other communications you would like to receive from the University, which are not listed
above?
results
39377
2103338
Appendix 1
Section 2: Fundraising
5. Would you consider making a financial gift to your university to support:
5.a. Students in hardship
October 2009
Yes:
26.0%
232
No:
74.0%
661
Page 24
5.b. Scholarships
Yes:
18.8%
166
No:
81.2%
718
Yes:
13.5%
118
No:
86.5%
755
Yes:
24.2%
214
No:
75.8%
671
5.c. Facilities
5.d. Your department
6. Are there any other financial gifts you would consider making to the university which are not mentioned
above?
results
39377
2103348
Appendix 2
7. If you made a donation to the University, would you prefer to make:
7.a. A one-off gift?
Yes:
51.0%
395
No:
49.0%
379
Yes:
17.9%
126
No:
82.1%
578
Yes:
7.0%
65
No:
40.4%
375
Not decided:
52.6%
489
7.b. A monthly / annual donation?
8. Would you consider leaving a gift in your Will to the university?
9. Are you aware that any gift to your University can be worth significantly more than the amount donated,
due to schemes such as Gift Aid and Matched Funding? (For example, a gift of £50 from a UK tax-payer
could attract £14.10 in Gift Aid and an additional £31.25 in Matched Funding, making the total amount
received by the University £95.35).
October 2009
Page 25
Yes:
51.8%
468
No:
48.2%
436
Section 3: Acting as a Bradford Ambassador
10. Ambassadors fulfill an invaluable role by offering information advice and guidance and by promoting
social and professional networks in their region. Please indicate if you would be interested in any of the
following:
10.a. Talking to prospective students about studying at Bradford at Open Days/Recruitment Fairs
Yes:
30.9%
283
No:
69.1%
632
10.b. Talking to prospective students about studying at Bradford by telephone/email contact
Yes:
42.3%
386
No:
57.7%
527
Yes:
57.8%
531
No:
42.2%
388
Yes:
60.7%
551
No:
39.3%
357
10.c. Giving career information to present/prospective students on your area of work
10.d. Attending events appropriate to your study/occupation
10.e. If you are in a Higher Education Institute - would you be interested in opening up potential
collaboration with the University of Bradford
Yes:
23.5%
178
No:
76.5%
579
10.f. If you are in a business, would you be interested in providing hospitality/facilities for events
Yes:
19.2%
152
No:
80.8%
638
11. We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have regarding the Alumni service that the
University of Bradford offers.
results
October 2009
39377
2103369
Appendix 3
Page 26
Section 4: About You:
12. Full Name:
results
39377
2103370
see database
13. Any Previous Surnames
results
39377
2103371
see database
14. Home Address:
results
39377
2103372
39377
2103373
39377
2103374
see database
15. Email:
results
see database
16. Telephone:
results
see database
17. Gender
Male:
66.9%
607
Female:
33.1%
300
18. Date of Birth (use DD-MM-YYYY format)
results
October 2009
39377
2103376
see database
Page 27
19. Country of Origin
UK:
64.1%
581
EU:
8.2%
74
International:
27.8%
252
20. Name of Business:
results
39377
2103378
see database
20.a. Business address:
results
39377
2103379
see database
20.a.i. Business email:
results
39377
2103380
39377
2103381
see database
21. Field of work:
results
see database
21.a. Current Job Title
results
39377
2103382
see database
22. If you DO WISH to receive information from the University of Bradford, please tick the relevant
corresponding box below. Please be assured that we respect your privacy and will not share your personal
details with any third parties. Data will be used for University activities only:
22.a. SMS
I consent to receiving
communication from the
University of Bradford via
100.0%
131
100.0%
795
the following method/s::
22.b. Email (Personal)
I consent to receiving
communication from the
October 2009
Page 28
University of Bradford via
the following method/s::
22.c. Email (Business)
I consent to receiving
communication from the
University of Bradford via
100.0%
268
the following method/s::
23. If you DO NOT WISH to receive information from the University of Bradford, please tick the relevant
corresponding box below. Please be assured that we respect your privacy and will not share your personal
details with any third parties. Data will be used for University activities only:
23.a. Telephone
I do NOT wish to receive
any information from the
University of Bradford via
100.0%
568
100.0%
152
the following method/s::
23.b. Post
I do NOT wish to receive
any information from the
University of Bradford via
the following method/s::
October 2009
Page 29