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RAA Communications Website Update. Changing to support the new Alumni structure at Rutgers. Website Mission is Changing. Initial Web “Go-Live” was September, 2007 Conceived as “Welcome - Connection to Rutgers” Extension of 1766 as RAA Communications tool
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RAA Communications WebsiteUpdate Changing to support the new Alumni structure at Rutgers
Website Mission is Changing • Initial Web “Go-Live” was September, 2007 • Conceived as “Welcome - Connection to Rutgers” • Extension of 1766 as RAA Communications tool • Extended to all Alumni - not just dues payers • Front-end for Alumni • to the University, All Constituent Schools, Alumni Relations, Bookstores, Athletics, etc. • Converting to Core RAA Communications Tool • Primary vehicle to connect with members • User-generated content • Meeting management, Class pages, Young Alumni Pages, Event Pages • Opportunity to add feedback & 2-way communications • Robust backbone structure allows web to change as we do
Changes in Use of Homepage • Initially used as “Interest Generator” • Stories about Alumni & Friends • Summaries of events held by RAA • Transitioned to “Inform & Invite” • Upcoming Events and Activities • Was used for Boston Trip, Reunion, Homecoming, Family Day, Speed Networking, etc • News Highlights (i.e. Organization changes, RUAA, highlights of HDA, LS/LD) • Added 4th Homepage “Block” • Reduce constant need to shuffle articles around & make room • Used in conjunction with initial 3
Changes Since Initial Go-Live • Meeting & Event Management - in use • On-site tasks: • Set-up & publish meeting (still have to reserve room & arrange food) • Manage number of folks signed-up • Distribute sign-up forms (where needed) • Generate attendee reports • Class Pages - completed, just starting use • 4 pages using templates to cover: • Class Homepage • Officers & Contacts • Reunion update (include a photo module) • Class Notes (Like RUTGERS Magazine) • Class Giving
Additional Changes In-Process • Adding Newsletters & Publications to the site • Place to host our publications for ALL members • 1766 • KnightLife • RUAware • Place to publish a Letter from the President • “Frankly Speaking” • Frequent updates regarding transition, the RUAA & other items • Switching to On-Line Web Editor • All editing to be done on-line, in Browser (Explorer, FireFox) • Eliminates need for (expensive) user software • Final step in transition to User-Generated Content • Distributed “ownership”
Contemplated Future Changes • Use of existing commercial Social Networking sites • FaceBook - Engineering Society is piloting a Facebook presence • Addition of an Alumni Forum • Requires active management / administration / moderator • Links to other potential benefits • AlumniCoupons.com (example) • Addition of eCommerce • Accept payment for events,merchandise, etc on-line • Commercial providers like PayPal, others