Senior Research Scientist Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, United States
Session Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the current best practices and common obstacles in conducting postsecondary alumni research. Examples will be drawn from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) survey administration. SNAAP has a long history of alumni data collection, beginning in 2008 and continuing today. SNAAP has made continuous improvements in collecting alumni data, revising practices to accommodate shifts in survey research approaches and the needs of the field. The session will discuss several challenges that arise in alumni research, including considerations of survey design, accurate population records and contact information, low response rates, and effective use of data once collected. Attendees can share their own successes and challenges of conducting alumni research, as well as how they might be using alumni data to improve their curricula, assessment, and outreach.
