Strategic Directions 2007-2009

OUR MISSION
The mission of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Alumni Association is to serve as a vehicle for its alumnae to support and promote the Jacobs School of Music, and to assist the school in maintaining and enhancing its position as one of the preeminent schools of music in the world.

In anticipation of and preparation for the Centennial of the IU Jacobs School of Music in 2010, the Jacobs School Alumni Association will seek to enhance its scope, reach and contribution to Jacobs community over the next two years. With the support of the School, our strategic priorities for 2007-2009 will be to:

1. Better understand the composition, career paths and preferences of our alumni base through a comprehensive survey or other instrument.
   
   
   • Provide an opportunity to update/refine current or future services, events and activities to best fit the interests of alumni and demonstrate the value of membership/support.
   • Reply on primarily Web-based survey instrument, developed and refined based on resources developed as part of Indiana Impact Research Project.
   • Make results widely available to JSOM alumni base through publication at JSOM Web site and an upcoming issue of IU MUSIC.
     
     
2. Expand the benefits associated with being a dues-paying member of the Jacobs School Alumni Association/IUAA.
   • Bolster marketing efforts for/leverage of IUAA general benefits among alumni community (e.g., career services, lifetime email forwarding/email service, discounts, etc.)
   • Explore opportunities for Jacobs-specific alumni benefits, such as:
     • Instrument insurance
     • Online services (e.g., alumni performance calendar)
     • Freelancers Union partnership or similar alliance
       
       
3. Recruit a network of volunteer coordinators in key geographic areas (e.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisville, Indianapolis) to expand the “reach” of the Jacobs School of Music.
   • Actively identify and cultivate key alumni “influencers,” and provide the tools necessary to build region-specific alumni network.
   • On-the-ground support for local events to “touch” greater numbers of alumni.
   • Enhance era-specific engagement (e.g., events, connectivity).
   • Support membership development efforts and associated expansion of services.
     
     
4. Foster development of more department-driven alumni engagement, following the model of the successful Indiana Organists United initiative.
   • Engage with department leaders and/or faculty to capitalize on strong relationships and existing alumni contacts/networks.
   • Support development of sub-groups, as feasible, to enhance communications, activities and membership efforts using revenues from increased membership levels.
   • Enhance communications and “feedback” of achievements and developments to broader alumni community (e.g., Web news, Fanfare, IU MUSIC).
     
     
5. Begin planning for significant alumni participation in and recognition of JSOM Centennial in 2010.
   • Explore feasibility of/interest in major alumni reunion activity in Bloomington – e.g., weekend as part of Summer Music Festival
   • Take steps to determine opportunities for significant contribution by JSOMAA to Jacobs School
   • Actively engage in Centennial-related event and program planning to ensure alumni participation and involvement