Keeping up the relationship long after the students graduate is an important task for any university. In old days snail mail was the way of delivering information in form of newsletters, event invites and magazines. But in a world which is predicted to register a smartphone use of 70% by 2020, (according to a study by Ericsson Mobility survey) majority of the alumni expect mobility in staying connected.

And it matters as to how institutions keep in touch with their alumni. Most alumni forget about their institutions after they pass out, and even though they do feel nostalgic while they think about their college years, not all institutions do enough to get in touch with their alumni. And it is here that they are missing out, both on interacting with the alumnus and making their current students
do more with the help of alumni.
Alumni Engagement and Management through Apps

Reports from a study by Flurry’s reveals users spend 86% of their smartphone time interacting with apps. Many colleges have already developed native apps to stay connected with students. They have the option of integrating alumni features in their central app. Programming enables any app to deliver specific user targeted content. This can be used to give relevant information and updates about reunions and events when alumni signs up with their account.

Another ways is to develop a standalone Alumni Management & Engagement Mobile App Solution serving all the needs. It is just for the alumni and features content suited for them. It can also be extended with additional functionalities to strengthen the bond with alumni.

Advantages of Alumni Apps
Other than giving a way to communicate and engage with alumni, it also serves the following purposes:

·It acts as a central platform from where all alumni activities can be managed.
·Alumni can get updates about events and reunions instantly by methods like push notifications.
·Help alumni maintain their relationship with campus by delivering relevant content and news.
·Alumni can search for batch mates from the central contact database.
·It can be used to seek donations and contributions for various programs.
·It enables alumni to share their stories, pictures and experiences.
·Alumni network can lead to promising job opportunities.
·Integrating a live chat and group feature leverages communication and connectivity.

Tips to effectively use Alumni Management & Engagement Mobile App Solution

Once you have setup the alumni app solution, there are certain things you should follow to retain and arouse the interest of alumni.

1. Personalize the content you deliver to alumni. They are only interested in certain type of content and not result publications. Using personalizing methods, filter the content to suit the preferences of alumni.

2. The alumni app should have option of sharing and uploading images. It helps the alumni share experiences about their life. Friends want to know what’s happening in each other’s life, and this is a great way to let that happen.

3. Students are an integral part of the university. The alumni network is only completed when students get a chance to interact with alumni to enquire about career opportunities and life. Alumni members may also want to know what’s going on in the campus by talking with students. Provide a feature like live chat or discussion threads where both parties can interact freely.

4. Lastly, always be regular with updates and do not let the communication die out. Alumni members are busy in their life, and occasional reminders or messages makes one feel wanted.

For more information log on to http://mobisoftinfotech.com/solutions/alumni

Author's Bio: 

Ritesh Patil is the co-founder of Mobisoft Infotech that helps startups and enterprises in mobile technology. He loves technology, especially mobile technology. He’s an avid blogger and writes on mobile application. He works in a leading android development company with skilled android app developers that has developed innovative mobile applications across various fields such as Finance, Insurance, Health, Entertainment, Productivity, Social Causes, Education and many more and has bagged numerous awards for the same.