Alumni FAQs
How many times should each match meet?
Between 1 and 3 times. After the first chat, it is up to both participants to determine whether they’d like to meet again for another chat or conclude their conversation.
How many students can I meet with?
You are welcome to connect with one student (or multiple students) as often as your schedule allows. Please be sure to indicate your preferences on the volunteer form.
Where will the chats take place?
The alumni and student participant can decide whether they’d like to meet in a virtual or in-person format at a location and time that is convenient for both of them. In-person meetings must be held in a public space.
During what time of year will the chats take place?
Students are able to submit requests for a match throughout the year. Matches will then be made on a first-come, first-served basis. The Office of Alumni Relations will be sure to connect with you in advance of providing your information to the student to ensure it still works for your schedule.
How long is each meeting?
Keep it short! We recommend meeting up for 30 minutes. If you’d like to keep going longer than 30 minutes, you may if your schedule allows or set up another 30-minute meeting to continue the conversation.
Where are alumni needed?
We hope to secure alumni volunteers across the nation, within all different areas of study, and that showcase a variety of different careers and industries to accommodate our students.
What will students expect from me?
Students will expect an opportunity to connect with you and gain invaluable insights into the education, life, and career. As an alumni volunteer, you can offer the benefit of your own experiences, providing an insider’s view of your profession, your specialty, and experience throughout your education.
Why do alumni join?
Alumni benefit by knowing they are assisting tomorrow’s Jefferson alumni with easing some of the anxieties surrounding school and their future careers. As an alumni volunteer, you also have the unique opportunity to learn firsthand from a student about the Jefferson experience of today.
How do I sign up to help?
Complete and submit the online Alumni Volunteer Registration Form. An Alumni Relations staff member will then contact you if there is a student participant whose needs match your experience. Please note that, while we strive to match as many alumni volunteers with students as we can, we cannot guarantee that all volunteers will be connected with a match.
How far in advance will I be contacted?
Once you’ve been matched with a student, the student is asked to contact you as soon as they receive your contact information to arrange your first chat.
What happens if plans change?
The student with whom you are matched will contact you as soon as possible to let you know about any changes in their schedule and you should do the same.
Do I need to do anything after the visit is over?
Yes, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at [email protected] or (215) 955-7750 to let us know the session took place and to share any feedback. We will also formally reach out periodically for your feedback on the program to help continue refining it.
You are also welcome to keep in touch with the student with whom you were matched!