Alumni Forum

Purpose

To outline the procedures for nominating alumni to serve on the Alumni Forum, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and fair representation.

Eligibility

To be considered for nomination to the Alumni Forum, candidates must meet the following criteria: 

• Alumni status:
  • Must be an alumnus/alumna or an associate of the University of Oxford (for further information on eligibility criteria please see ox.ac.uk/alumni/about/eligibility)
  • Nominees must not currently be employed by the Collegiate University
  • Strategic alignment and alumni connection
  • Clear understanding of and commitment to the University’s strategic goals and alumni engagement efforts
  • Active support for alumni relations and related initiatives
• Availability and commitment
  • Ability to contribute time and expertise to the University
  • In agreement with Development and Alumni Engagement, respond to requests for feedback to support the work of the University of Oxford, as further outlined in the Terms of Reference for the Alumni Forum
  • Ability to provide feedback on at least one initiative per year
  • Willingness to serve for a fixed term (three years)

Nomination process

Any eligible alumnus/alumna may self-nominate, be nominated by another alumnus/alumna, or by the University of Oxford.

Each nomination must include:

• A completed nomination form
• A current CV or resumé
• Applications to join the Forum may be submitted at any time, and members can be selected to join throughout the academic year

Screening and validation

• A Selection Committee, the Director of Alumni Engagement and senior colleagues in Development and Alumni Engagement will review submissions.
• The Committee will verify eligibility and evaluate nominations based on the eligibility criteria as set out above.
• The nominee’s college(s) will be consulted about the nomination before an appointment is made.
• Development and Alumni Engagement will undertake appropriate due diligence, including background and other checks on nominees, to confirm their suitability and ensure alignment with the University’s values.

Appointment

Successful candidates are formally appointed by the Director of Alumni Engagement.

Term and Responsibilities

Forum members serve a three-year term.

When called upon, they are expected to:

• represent the views of the alumni community in contributing advice and feedback on University initiatives and strategies
• Provide diversity of thought and experiences into the University’s decision-making processes with a Forum that reflects the broad alumni community across a wide range of characteristics, including matriculation year, academic background, gender, ethnicity, location, and industry/profession
• Support the strategic aims of the University of Oxford in order to maximise the engagement of alumni in the life of the University of Oxford

Review and amendments

This nomination process will be reviewed periodically, normally every three years.

Purpose

The Alumni Forum (“the Forum”) exists to provide alumni perspectives on a wide range of University initiatives, strategies, and projects. It provides the opportunity to contribute the voice of alumni and strengthen alumni engagement.

Objectives

• Provide diversity of thought and experiences into the University’s decision-making processes with a Forum that reflects the broad alumni community across a wide range of characteristics, including matriculation year, academic background, gender, ethnicity, location, and industry/profession.
• Raise awareness and visibility of alumni contributions and support.
• Contribute to building an engaged and supportive alumni community.
• Create and strengthen long-lasting relationships between the alumni community and the wider University.

Forum composition

• The Forum will be composed of up to 200 alumni members.
• The membership of the Forum is open to all University of Oxford alumni subject to alignment with the purpose and objectives of the Forum.
• Alumni will be able to nominate themselves or other alumni to join the Forum.
• Alumni may be asked to join the Forum on the basis of specific expertise or involvement with alumni groups.
• Members will represent a wide cross-section of the alumni community, with attention to diversity, including matriculation year, academic background, gender, ethnicity, location, and industry/profession.
• Alumni will be invited to join the Forum following a nominations process.

Terms of membership

• Membership on the Forum lasts for a 3-year period.
• Membership is voluntary and unpaid.
• Development and Alumni Engagement will undertake appropriate due diligence, including background and other checks on nominees, to confirm their suitability and ensure alignment with the University’s values.
• Membership is at the discretion of the University of Oxford.  The University of Oxford reserves the right to revoke membership at any time and without notice.

Roles and responsibilities

• Regularly provide feedback through surveys, consultations, focus groups, or other methods, in response to calls to action from the University.
• The expectation is that feedback will be provided to at least one call to action per year.
• Share insights based on professional and personal experiences as alumni of the University of Oxford.
• Maintain confidentiality where required and adhere to respectful communication standards.

Administration and support

• The Forum will be coordinated and supported by Development and Alumni Engagement.
• Members will receive timely communication regarding feedback opportunities and updates on outcomes.

Review of the Terms of Reference

• The Terms of Reference will be reviewed periodically, normally every 3 years.