The number of international alumni from American colleges and universities is directly related to the number of international students studying in the United States. Due to the increase in international alumni and to the decrease in funding from some sources, institutions have begun to proactively seek out international alumni as a philanthropic source. International alumni have not typically been the focus of alumni efforts. Establishing relationships with international alumni is new. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of institutional advancement communication with international alumni of selected U.S. higher education institutions.
International advancement is a new and emerging field in institutional advancement and development.
Technological advances, particularly in electronic mailing, should facilitate the ease of communication and diminish the costs of contacting individuals internationally. Suggestions to improve communication with international alumni Set up an infrastructure to coordinate institutional efforts in international advancement. Centralize record keeping and all communication efforts so that various areas and individuals within the institution know which international alumni have been contacted and how and when they were contacted in order to avoid duplication, to increase efficiency, and to provide a uniform approach to contacting this international constituency. Coordinate visits abroad and mass mailings. Consider designating one individual responsible for international advancement.