Strategic Pillars
We are excited to introduce Connecting for the Future, Ontario Tech’s Alumni Engagement Strategy for 2025–2028. This plan demonstrates our dedication to building lasting, meaningful connections within our alumni community, grounded in Ontario Tech’s core values.
Through extensive consultation with on-campus partners and input from over 2000 alumni who completed our alumni engagement survey, we have developed a plan that is created for alumni by alumni. Connecting for the Future prioritizes inclusivity, community building, and personalized engagement to create innovative opportunities for our alumni. Each pillar within the plan is purposefully tied to Ontario Tech’s institutional priorities to promote cohesion throughout the alumni experience and support the university’s growth.
This strategy embraces a tech-forward approach that leverages data-driven insights to enhance the alumni experience, ensuring that our community feels supported, valued, and connected. We continue to ingrain technology in all plans, leveraging our strengths and developing a bold future for our graduates. Through Connecting for the Future, we aspire to have 30,000 alumni interactions over the next several years and continue to build an alumni experience that includes volunteer roles, philanthropic opportunities, events and interactive communications.
Tech Forward Reputation
Become known for integrating technology throughout the alumni experience.
- Conduct alumni experience mapping, using alumni survey persona profiles, to identify opportunities for technology-based improvements.
- Experiment with innovative and interactive content development to enhance alumni engagement.
- Explore opportunities to leverage digital tools and formats to enable alumni peer connections.
Data-Driven Engagement
Use data analytics to tailor and improve how we connect with alumni.
- Review and optimize the use of the current data collection and communications tools.
- Refine the data-collection framework to support decision-making, leveraging findings from the Alumni Survey and ongoing data collection.
- Explore opportunities to integrate AI and predictive modelling into engagement efforts.
- Utilize data analytics to identify trends and insights for effective alumni segmentation.
- Develop and implement an assessment framework to evaluate alumni satisfaction and engagement on a regular basis.
Alumni Engagement Re-Imagined
Unique Engagement
Leave a lasting impression through memorable experiences alumni cannot get anywhere else.
- Create sub-segments of alumni and develop targeted engagement approaches for each segment.
- Prioritize 1-2 signature events annually, that link specifically to Ontario Tech's vision, mission and brand.
- Deliver exceptional event attendee experiences consistently.
Early Engagement
Concentrate on engaging alumni in the first five years after graduation.
- Establish a detailed plan including specific programming and initiatives focused on supporting alumni within their first five years post-graduation.
- Develop a Welcome Program for new alumni, supporting the transition from students to recent graduates.
Invitation to Action
Make direct, action focused requests to alumni for engagement, and present them with straightforward paths to meaningfully contribute and stay connected post-graduation.
- Create distinct calls to action in marketing and communication materials.
- Foster active participation by communicating ‘how’ to engage as an alumni and increasing opportunities for two-way communication.
- Record meaningful alumni engagements and mindfully review strategies and tactics to ensure the 30,000 engagement goal remains on track.
Mentoring and Career Growth
Foster opportunities for alumni to advance professionally.
- Review, reimagine and relaunch an Alumni Mentoring Program.
- Increase awareness about existing Ontario Tech career development programming available to alumni.
Sticky Campus
Moments that Matter
Connect with alumni at significant milestones and anniversaries.
- Invite and involve alumni in memorable and novel on-campus experiences.
- Recognize alumni milestones and leverage them as re-engagement opportunities.
Activate Alumni Expertise for Student Success
Increase the involvement of alumni who contribute their skills and leadership to the experiences of current and prospective students through meaningful volunteer opportunities.
- Develop a volunteering program tailored to alumni.
- Connect with existing students and student groups to build awareness of the role of Alumni Relations.
- Identify opportunities for alumni to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and encourage participation on advisory committees and boards.
Encourage Life-Long Learning
Continue to provide Continuous Learning opportunities and resources to support personal and professional growth long after graduation.
- Partner with continuous learning to promote life-long learning and career development opportunities.
- Invite alumni to participate in faculty events or presentations that focus on key industry trends, emerging technologies and personal development topics.
Partnerships
Advancing Ontario Tech Objectives
Partner with faculties and departments to tailor alumni engagement activities to advance the university’s overarching strategic goals.
- Develop an Ontario Tech Alumni Engagement Advisory Committee to become a trusted entry point for alumni engagement, facilitating connections and providing faculty and departments access to information and resources.
- Create pathways for alumni to leave a lasting legacy and support Ontario Tech’s mission through giving opportunities.
- Leverage existing initiatives, programming and events that align to Ontario Tech’s strategic priorities and showcase the impact of teaching and research at Ontario Tech.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the strategic role of the Alumni Association.
- Identify opportunities to support initiatives across campus through connections to alumni.
Industry Partnership Opportunities
Collaborate with the Partnership Office and work with alumni to forge strong industry connections.
- Understand the Partnership Office's strategic goals for connecting with alumni and partner to achieve outcomes.
- Leverage the alumni network to create partnerships with industry.
- Build on the success of previous multi-stakeholder events that connect alumni, faculty, students and community partners to amplify impact and collaboration.
Telling our story
Brand Impact and Amplification
Work with Communications and Marketing to highlight the contributions of alumni and bolster the brand.
- Review and update the alumni engagement marketing and communication plan.
- Showcase and recognize alumni who make significant contributions in their fields and who embody ‘tech with a conscience.'
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Inspire university value of alumni-related communications.
Elevate Alumni Engagement
Increase the visibility and importance of alumni involvement throughout the university.
- Refine and execute an internal communications plan sharing alumni engagement strategies and actions, alumni data and highlighting the value of strong alumni relationships.
- Work closely with faculties and groups to ensure alumni news is widely shared and alumni engagement efforts are supported.
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Develop and facilitate a communications plan to ensure stakeholders receive updates on Plan implementation, progress and outcomes.
