Volunteer Activities

Adopt-a-School Liaison*

• List of Available schools for Adopt-A-School
• Calendar of Activities for Adopt-A-School

Alumni volunteers establish a liaison role with up to three high schools in their area to act as a "recruiter" for all prospective and admitted students. In general, alumni act as a local U-M resource for the high school counselors, students and parents. Specifically, alumni deliver an "M Go Blue" packet to the school, make congratulatory calls to admitted students and represent the U-M at their adopted high school's graduation ceremony or award ceremony for seniors. Volunteers receive monthly lists of admitted students for their adopted schools beginning in January. The personal attention offered by the alumni to the student(s) can be a powerful and persuasive tool that enhances the overall recruitment effectiveness for the University.

*In-state, outside of the SE Michigan area, alumni student recruiters act as county coordinators and receive lists of admitted students by county.

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College Fair Alumni Representative*

"College nights" and "college days" are programs that introduce high school students to many different colleges. Several high schools in one area may sponsor a day or evening program and invite selected colleges to meet with students and their parents. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions receives hundreds of invitations each year to participate in these programs. While it is not possible to attend all fairs, the admissions office attempts to have an alumni representative at large fairs where students from the top 200 out-of-state "feeder" schools will be in attendance. Some exceptions to this will be made, primarily to increase diversity or establish a presence in a new growth market.

As college fair representatives, alumni will talk with students and their parents. They will represent the U-M by handing out admissions publications and fielding questions. With alumni help, the U-M is able to have a presence and be visible in many regions across the country.

*For out-of-state alumni only; in-state fairs are covered by U-M professional staff. See a list of upcoming fairs.

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Prospective and Admitted Student Reception Host

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites potential applicants to U-M information receptions. Prospective student receptions are held in August at 13 Michigan locations. Admitted student receptions are held in the spring at 15 Michigan locations. At these receptions, alumni add the personal touch by assisting the admissions and U-M staff. They help with registration, greet people, talk informally about the University and help in the question-and-answer session.

In addition, some U-M alumni clubs sponsor a summer send-off picnic, brunch or reception for incoming students from their area. As a recruiter you may be invited to attend, or if there is no local club, you may plan such an event on your own. This is a good way to introduce the students to the local alumni club and encourage a positive perspective about the University. Undergraduate Admissions will send clubs or individual alumni a list of all incoming students and can also provide names, addresses and phone numbers of currently enrolled students who may be invited to participate in the send-off.

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Scholarship Promoter

Alumni are needed to promote and make congratulatory calls to various scholarship recipients, including recipients of the Rogel Award of Excellence Scholarship, recipients of the Scholar Recognition Award and recipients of the Regents Merit Scholarship. Through one-on-one personal meetings, phone calls and high school award programs, alumni are able to convey the impressiveness of these awards and further persuade the student to attend the U-M. When talking or meeting with students, alumni might explain what a Michigan degree has meant to them. Scholarship promoters are encouraged to extend a personal invitation to the students and their parents to talk further. Inviting a student and his/her parent to coffee and dessert, a lunch or a small reception provides alumni the opportunity to get to know the students and introduce them to the University community.