August 21, 2008

Rockefeller College Alumni Give High Marks to Faculty 

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy alumni give high marks to the faculty and the College's role in nurturing public servants*. These were among the results gleaned from a recent survey of 1,500 alumni to gather impressions of their time on campus and their ideas for staying in touch with the College.

The survey reached alumni around the globe. Responses came in from graduates as far back as the Class of 1966. A total of 17 percent of recipients completed the survey, a response rate about four times greater than expected for Web-based surveys.

What can the college say about its alumni, based on the responses?

� University at Albany alumni of Rockefeller College are most likely to work for state or federal government (30 percent), law firms (17 percent), or private businesses (17 percent). Over the past 30 years, there has been a decrease in employment in law firms and private businesses, and an increase in government and non-profit service (4 percent).

� A significant portion of alumni feel positive about their time at Rockefeller College. Their overall experience was rated positive or very positive by 89 percent of master's recipients and more than half of bachelor's degree holders.

� One result has energized the College � about one-third of Rockefeller College alumni have an active connection to the College, and more than twice that number would like more contact and communication. The College regularly looks for ways in which it can better respond to alumni, and the survey uncovered many possibilities.

Alumni suggested:

� An alumni-focused Web site

� Invitations to seminars

� Reading lists from faculty in their working areas

� Research reports and faculty publications

College officials are working on implementing these suggestions, and are striving to make better connections to graduates.

For more information about Rockefeller's programs for alumni, visit www.albany.edu/rockefeller/career_index.htm or e-mail [email protected] .

*From Rockefeller College News, https://www.albany.edu/rockefeller/Rock_Newsletter5.pdf .

 

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