In 2008, as Facebook was unleashed unto the wider world beyond just college students, organizations and universities jumped onto the bandwagon. At that time, many schools would sign up students for Facebook accounts rather than distribute email addresses. That turned out to not be the smartest idea. However, Facebook is still one of the most popular sites for organizing alumni. Many colleges & universities also use Instagram or LinkedIn to build online alumni networks. But as of now, many colleges & universities understand that there are better tools for building an online community for alumni. And those online networks are more necessary than ever now.

What are the biggest benefits of having a robust alumni network? Many of these benefits are well-known. However, many of the purposes of such an organization change over the years. In current times, where everyone is connected online more than ever, having a strong online alumni community is more important than ever.

Keeping folks connected online when in-person events are impossible

As of 2020, so many plans for the year have changed. Seeing that, keeping a network connected online is essential. Many internet users have grown tired of Facebook and even Twitter, or they want to use their social media as a form of escape — hence the appeal of TikTok. Many users are leaving behind more established means of social media in favor of Slack groups to get things done, Twitch for streaming and socialization, and Discord for further communication.

Although sometimes an extra login can prevent users from entering another social network, if there is specified value for members of an alumni group, they will happily join. Also, networking with people from alumni groups can be exceedingly helpful in this time when so many people are looking for new jobs.

Alumni groups fundraise well

Especially in precarious economic times, alumni giving is so important. It is one stream of income that many universities will be increasingly turning to in the coming years. A strong, value-added alumni network can help keep fundraising efforts going, as well as keep alumni informed as to where their money is going.

Up-to-date news about colleges

Most post-secondary institutions are experiencing constant changes concerning classes, athletics, attendance, events, and safety requirements. As a result, newsletters and well-designed alumni magazines have zero context once they are delivered to people. If a school has a healthy, frequently updated alumni network, then alumni can have a real-time look at what is going on at the school. And even better, if the network is not reliant on Facebook or Twitter, then alumni can go about their business and have discussion without outside agitation.

Any alumni representative can tell you that a robust alumni network is necessary, especially in the current climate. It would be wise of many of them to move to a separate server, away from social media, as well.