1. University of Oxford Alumni Office
Oxford Alumni Survey 2012
Key findings
14 September 2010
Page 1

2. 2012 Alumni Survey – What we did
• Conducted an online quantitative survey to
measure alumni interest in University-
sponsored activities
• Survey ran from 1 Oct to 1 Nov 2012 and had
6,212 respondents
• Complemented survey results with a series of
online qualitative focus groups in December
Page 2

3. We learned that the majority of
respondents (72%) felt fairly connected
to the University….
5 - Very connected
4
5% 9% 3
22% 2
26%
1 - Not at all connected
37%
Page 3

4. And those feelings are triggered in a
variety of ways….
% Strongly agree 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Being an Oxford graduate is part of my identity
I still have an interest in my subject and recent
research
I am interested in following news about the
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is relevant in my life today
I feel connected to other Oxford alumni
I am interested in the experience of current students
at Oxford
I find it easy to stay involved with the University of
Oxford where I live
Page 4

5. Alumni maintain their connections to
the University in a number of ways…..
Read Oxford Today 80%
Followed Oxford in the media 64%
Read e-Pidge 63%
Made financial contribution to the University 24%
Attended other alumni events 23%
Used library resources (in person & online) 19%
Used Alumni Card to take up offers and services 17%
Been an alumni branch or group member 9%
Attended an annual Oxford Alumni Weekend 7%
Worked at the University 6%
Attended professional networking events 4%
Attended a North American Reunion 3%
Been a career mentor/provided an internship 3%
Taken part in further study through DCE 2%
Attended a European Reunion (Berlin, Paris) 1%
Taken part in the alumni travel programme 1%
Other 13%
None of the above 3%
Page 5

6. But there are certain factors preventing
further involvement…..
Lack of time 48%
Lack of activity nearby 48%
Activities and services aren’t relevant to my life 35%
Concerned I won’t know anyone at events 35%
Not interested in the events/services offered 25%
Alumni events are too expensive 25%
Family obligations 23%
Unaware of ways to become more connected 23%
Don't have positive memories of my time at Oxford 4%
Other 15%
Don’t know 1%
Page 6

7. Email and print publications top the list
of desired communication vehicles
Receiving information
1%
10%
18% 41%
Email
Print publications
Alumni website
Social Media
30%
Other
Page 7

8. And the use of Social Media is on the
rise
Connection Percentage
Member of alumni group on LinkedIn 19%
‘Like’ the University Facebook page 14%
‘Like’ the alumni Facebook page 13%
‘Like’ a department/subject Facebook page 8%
Look at the University’s YouTube channel 6%
Follow @UniofOxford on Twitter 4%
Follow @oxfordalumni on Twitter 4%
Follow a department/subject Twitter account 3%
Look at oxfordalumni’s photostream on Flickr Less than 1%
None of the above 64%
Page 8

9. But the University’s alumni website still
offers quick answers to specific
questions
• 73% of respondents had used the website,
12% on at least a monthly basis
• The majority of visits were to find out about
Alumni Card offers and discounts (30%), to
update contact details (30%) and to find out
about events (29%)
www.alumni.ox.ac.uk
Page 9

10. Respondents were clear about ways in
which the University could increase
engagement
More ‘focused’ events e.g. for my era/department 49%
More events in my region 49%
More access to academic content 47%
More targeted communications 35%
More opportunities to connect with other alumni 33%
More opportunities for further study 29%
More social events 23%
A wider range of careers-related activities/support 22%
More opportunities to connect with current students 18%
More volunteering opportunities 15%
More events in Oxford 14%
More frequent communications 10%
None of the above 7%
Page 10

11. So, what’s next?
• We’re evaluating our existing programmes and
services in light of the survey feedback
• We’re seeing how best to offer more tailored
programming and communications to alumni
• And in order to do so, we need more of you to register
for an alumni account, update your details, tell us your
interests and set your communications preferences.
• Go to www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/account
Page 11