From the judges: Engaging students that are in a virtual master’s program is nearly impossible, and University of Michigan’s MADS student engagement defied these odds with their in-person and virtual events. The program is new as of 2019, and the current outreach engages 20% of the current online student population. Converting engagement into donors through meaningful conversations yields success for this program.
MADS Degree Student Engagement
Category
Alumni Relations > Targeted Constituency Engagement
Description
Award: Silver
Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Title of Entry: MADS Degree Student Engagement
About this Entry: The Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program was launched in the fall of 2019 at the University of Michigan’s School of Information (UMSI). This degree is fully online and teaches comprehensive applied data science at the intersection of people and technology. The MADS program offers a world-class education, and UMSI aims to extend that world-class experience to a lifelong relationship with alumni of this program.
With the goal of engaging our online learners as future alumni and donors, the UMSI Development & Alumni Relations Office launched an initiative connecting alumni of the school with incoming MADS students. Engagement between alumni and online students included alumni sending welcome emails, virtual and in-person 1:1 chats, and in-person and virtual happy hours. This engagement program creates meaningful ties connecting our online students back to the university and school and fosters affinity and loyalty to their future alma mater.