Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Interactive Media Initiative Background and Purpose
As an outgrowth of the work of the Alumni Relations Task Force combined with recent conversations among alumni and University leaders, the University is developing a holistic approach to engaging its alumni through email, web sites and other online resources.
The intent is to develop and deploy a range of integrated, interactive media applications and services aimed at involving alumni and other key constituencies in the life of the University. This initiative will stretch beyond the evolution of the current web-based alumni directory that is the HoosOnline core offering, into a range of new efforts that enhance alumni affinity online, by email, and in combination with print and telephone communications.
Based on negotiations under way with the Alumni Association, the initiative is expected to be funded and managed through the University. Ken Kipps, director of communications for Arts & Sciences, is directing the planning effort for this initiative, building on the work he began as the online communications liaison to the Alumni Relations Task Force. His assignment is to inventory existing capabilities, define a new best-in-class approach, and create a plan to bridge the gap. (This is a temporary assignment during which he will continue his Arts & Sciences role.)
Ken is working on a regular basis with a small committee of others who have specific expertise in this area. Representing the University are Bill Sublette, director of development communications and University publications, Nancy Tramontin, director of University web communications, and Carol Wood, assistant vice president for University relations; and from the Alumni Association, Rebecca Birnbaum, systems analyst, and Wayne Cozart, director of alumni programs. This group will draw many others from around Grounds and beyond into its work at appropriate moments as the project moves forward.
To lend your perspective to these efforts, please contact Ken directly at pkk4c@virginia.edu or 434-243-8960.
The intent is to develop and deploy a range of integrated, interactive media applications and services aimed at involving alumni and other key constituencies in the life of the University. This initiative will stretch beyond the evolution of the current web-based alumni directory that is the HoosOnline core offering, into a range of new efforts that enhance alumni affinity online, by email, and in combination with print and telephone communications.
Based on negotiations under way with the Alumni Association, the initiative is expected to be funded and managed through the University. Ken Kipps, director of communications for Arts & Sciences, is directing the planning effort for this initiative, building on the work he began as the online communications liaison to the Alumni Relations Task Force. His assignment is to inventory existing capabilities, define a new best-in-class approach, and create a plan to bridge the gap. (This is a temporary assignment during which he will continue his Arts & Sciences role.)
Ken is working on a regular basis with a small committee of others who have specific expertise in this area. Representing the University are Bill Sublette, director of development communications and University publications, Nancy Tramontin, director of University web communications, and Carol Wood, assistant vice president for University relations; and from the Alumni Association, Rebecca Birnbaum, systems analyst, and Wayne Cozart, director of alumni programs. This group will draw many others from around Grounds and beyond into its work at appropriate moments as the project moves forward.
To lend your perspective to these efforts, please contact Ken directly at pkk4c@virginia.edu or 434-243-8960.
# posted by Kennedy Kipps @ 2:52 PM 
