Alumni involvement in University life

On graduation all our students automatically become University alumni. An international alumni events calendar, together with a number of associations and societies, help former students to stay in touch with each other. The programme also updates them on our achievements and gives them the opportunity to be involved in the University’s future development.

Over 150,000 people from all over the world have studied with us since we became part of an Extension College of Christ Church, Oxford in 1892. Many of our graduates now play an active role in our alumni network. There are over 60 groups in countries as far apart as Canada and China, Nigeria and Norway. Having gained much from their time with us, former students often welcome the chance to give something back and show their support by:

• Acting as University ambassadors, by talking to prospective undergraduates about their own student experiences and possible career paths. International alumni can give students in their native countries, who are thinking of applying to us, a first hand account of life at the University and in the UK
• Making one-off or regular donations to the University’s Annual Fund. We channel gifts as widely as possible, providing scholarships and bursaries to selected individuals and helping to fund projects such as:
  
  
• a clinic to help students with Asperger’s Syndrome

 

• a sensory garden for the Students’ Union children’s nursery
• multimedia equipment for our new Bob Kayley studio theatre.

• participating in fundraising activities and special events, such as reunions, open days, exhibitions and gala evenings, both in the UK and overseas
• serving on University advisory boards

Alumni benefit in several ways from maintaining their special connection with the University. They can take advantage of continued access to many campus facilities, invitations to networking events and special discounts on some goods and services.