Emory College Connect: Building Meaningful Alumni-Student Relationships
Emory University's Eagle Connections program represents a significant evolution in how the institution fosters relationships between its alumni and students. This initiative, a reimagining of the Alumni Interview Program (AIP), aims to create a supportive and engaging environment for newly admitted students as they navigate their college decision journey. Eagle Connections is a collaborative effort between Advancement and Alumni Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Admission, and the Office of Undergraduate Education at Emory University.
From Alumni Interviews to Eagle Connections: A Strategic Shift
The transition from the Alumni Interview Program to Eagle Connections reflects a strategic decision to focus alumni engagement efforts on admitted students rather than prospective ones. Input from the Office of Undergraduate Admission indicated a need to provide support during the critical enrollment stages. By connecting admitted students with alumni, Emory hopes to leverage the experience and insights of its graduates to guide and encourage students as they make their final college choice.
Addressing Micro-Barriers in the Admissions Process
One of the key motivations behind Eagle Connections is to address potential "micro-barriers" in the college admissions process. An evaluative alumni interview in the college admissions process is often considered a micro-barrier. Micro-barriers are roadblocks that a student encounters during the college search process which have the potential to cause the student undue harm related to their admissions. The traditional alumni interview, while well-intentioned, can be perceived as a high-pressure evaluation that may disadvantage some students. Eagle Connections aims to eliminate this barrier by providing a safe and low-risk environment for admitted students to explore the Emory experience through casual alumni conversations, supporting a more equitable process.
The Structure and Goals of Eagle Connections
Eagle Connections falls under the Alumni Admission Network umbrella. The program focuses on enhancing relationships with students early on, confident that alumni will be a key factor in supporting the admitted student through their college decision journey. Based off of strategic conversations with university leadership, including the Office of Undergraduate Admission & Advancement and Alumni Engagement, along with a review of historical data, conversations with university peers, and best-practices, it was decided that the most beneficial audience to support with this initiative was admitted students.
The core of Eagle Connections involves connecting admitted students with Emory alumni for informal conversations. These interactions are designed to provide students with a realistic and personal glimpse into the Emory experience. Alumni can share their insights on academic life, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and the overall benefits of attending Emory.
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Volunteer Training and Resources
To ensure the success of Eagle Connections, Emory provides comprehensive training for alumni volunteers. Comprehensive training, include digital materials, virtual webinars, and more will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers are required to review all training resources prior to their first student conversation. This training equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage with admitted students, answer their questions, and share their Emory stories in a meaningful way.
How to Get Involved
Emory alumni interested in volunteering with Eagle Connections should complete the Alumni Admission Network information form and notate their interest in Eagle Connections.
Navigating Emory's Online Systems
For those navigating Emory's online systems, the university employs different platforms for various functions. The process for creating an account typically involves:
- Filling in all the required fields.
- Note: If our system finds an existing account using the same information, you will be prompted to enter your password. You can reset this password, if needed.
- Receiving a TEMPORARY activation PIN via email.
- Click Activate Your Account link.
- Confirming the Temporary PIN and entering your date of birth.
- Creating and confirming a new password.
- Clicking Start New Application, then Create Application.
- Reading the Information Page.
To access an existing application:
- Once logged in, click the In Progress link.
- Next click the Open Application button.
- Click the Access Account link to be directed to a temporary login page. After entering the temporary PIN and your date of birth, you will be directed to set up a new password.
Academic Advising and Student Support
Beyond Eagle Connections and the admissions process, Emory provides extensive academic advising and support services through the Office for Undergraduate Education (OUE). Academic Advising in the Office for Undergraduate Education (OUE) provides a range of student support services and programs in partnership with faculty and academic departments. All Emory College students are assigned an OUE academic advisor who supports them from matriculation to graduation. OUE academic advisors work closely with their advisees, faculty, and campus partners to promote student success and ensure our students are on track academically. OUE academic advisors are generalists who support students in a variety of areas, including graduation requirements, course selection, major/minor declaration, and academic policies.
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New Student Orientation and Transition Programs
Emory also recognizes the importance of a smooth transition for new students. New Student ProgramsThe Orientation Experience provides exceptional transition programming and resources that prepare incoming first-year students and transfer students to be successful at Emory University. We create opportunities for students to explore academic pathways, initiate social connections, practice health and well-being, and develop a sense of community and belonging. During the Orientation Experience, students are introduced to information and resources that are fundamental to four-years of academic and social success as they connect with faculty, staff, peer leaders, and other students. Through intentional and creative collaboration with university partners, we strive to create a positive and seamless experience for all new students and their families. Transition programming is also provided for Oxford Students who continue to the Atlanta campus.
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