News Archive

No one knows the value of a UWA degree better than a UWA grad. And no one can tell the story better, with more heart, to prospective students.

This is why, for the first time, graduates are playing a direct role in UWA's postgraduate admissions, making calls to domestic prospective postgraduate students who have received letters of offer from UWA.  Alumni volunteers of similar educational background are reaching out to share why UWA should be a student’s preferred choice.

Brenda Tournier, Associate Director Alumni and Community Relations, says the time between when a prospective student receives their letter of offer and when they make their final decision is critical.

“At the moment when students are making one of the most important decisions of their lives, a friendly voice and the promise of a welcoming community, from someone who has been there, can make all the difference,” Brenda says.

About a dozen alumni signed up to the task of encouraging postgraduate offer acceptances, helping prospective students imagine a future at UWA and beyond. The two rounds of calling this month yielded outstanding results.  From the first round:  18 acceptances within 48 hours, representing a 70% conversion rate.

This great outcome speaks to the power of authenticity, heart and a supportive community.  There are plans for volunteers to reconnect with the students who ultimately come to UWA, to offer mentoring down the track.

“UWA’s alumni engagement strategy hinges on empowering graduates to participate in, contribute to and gain from a lifelong relationship with UWA. This is a wonderful example of that strategy brought to life.

“The New Century Campaign and alumni attitudinal research have reinforced UWA’s commitment to adding value to the lives of our graduates, inviting them to share in the intellectual, cultural and social riches of UWA.  Our work is to engage alumni around the things that matter to them,” Brenda says.

That’s where volunteering comes in and UWA can, today, boast a steadily growing community of volunteers well over 1,000 strong.

“Whether it is mentoring students one-to-one or through Career Cafés, volunteering to make an event successful, or connecting with like-minded advocates through Networks for Change , UWA graduates are making a difference locally and globally,” Brenda says.