International alumni: enhancing universities' recruitment overseas

International student recruitment is complex, costly and competitive. But universities can keep ahead by staying connected with overseas graduates, says Nik Miller.
Once a docile adjunct that in some small way contributed to fundraising, alumni engagement programmes are now adding institutional value in their own right. Smart institutions are investing, looking towards their growing alumni communities overseas to boost their international efforts. The cost of undervaluing (or underestimating) graduates' contributions in this area is becoming clear. In a recent report commissioned by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), colleagues and I outlined a range of programmes designed to engage alumni to support international activities. The case studies are categorised under three headings: promoting student employability; enhancing international recruitment; and supporting academic developments. Read more...