>

Frequency of Reading University Print Publications Correlates with Sense of Connection

By Rachel Schwimmer

A new GG+A Survey Lab study finds a strong correlation between the frequency with which alumni and donors read university print publications and their feelings of connection to the university. A survey analysis of 2,106 respondents shows that individuals that read university print publications at least quarterly are substantially more likely to feel more connected than those who never read them or read them less often.

Feelings of connection to the university is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being very connected. The research finds a significant correlation (p < .01), showing that the more frequently people read university print publications, the stronger their feelings of connection.  An analysis shows a 45% increase in the reported level of connection for each increase in the frequency of connection. These findings help confirm the importance of university print publications in creating and maintaining donor and alumni engagement.

Earlier research indicated a correlation between social media engagement and feelings of connection that are similarly reflected in these findings. However, the analysis shows that the correlation between frequency of reading university publications and feelings of connection is three times stronger than the connection between social media engagement and connection. While it is difficult to show the direction of this correlation (whether reading university publications more frequently leads to increased connectivity or vice versa) these findings reinforce the need to produce university publications to maintain and build relationships with alumni and donors. Further research could also evaluate the significance of departmental or organizational communications as opposed to institutional level publications.

While previous GG+A Survey Lab research clearly demonstrates that higher levels of connection are strongly correlated with higher levels of giving, this new research highlights the importance of university print publications in developing and sustaining those high levels of connection. The findings indicate that universities should aim to engage with donors and alumni through publications on at least a quarterly basis, though engagement at less frequent intervals is also shown to positively affect feelings of connection.

For information about how the GG+A Survey Lab can help you understand your alumni, donors, subscribers, and members, contact Dan Lowman at surveylab@grenzglier.com

About the Author:

Rachel Schwimmer is a research intern at the GG+A Survey Lab. She focused on developing meaningful insights from the Lab’s collection of survey results. She is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png

Related Posts

DonorScape: Reaching Out to Past Donors

DonorScape quickly identifies top donor prospects for efficient fundraising, but...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Giving Tuesday #WhyIGive

This is the time of year when many people think...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Transnational University Fundraising in Hong Kong

“Hong Kong overtook New York to become the world’s largest...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Product Update - DonorScape

Hi, my name is Casey. I’m the new business development...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Case Study: Virginia Tech

In 2016, President Tim Sands of Virginia Tech set a...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Women and the Future of Philanthropy

The future is female, or at least the future of...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Case Study: Appalachian State University

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina,...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Thriving Through Change at the Top

At some point in our careers, it is inevitable that...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Keeping Score: Understanding Your Donors

Strong, effective stewardship programs are a core element of fundraising...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
You Can’t Change What You Don’t Measure

Earlier this year, the Council to the Aid of Education...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
With Success Like This, Who Needs Training?

Purdue University: A case study in sustaining fundraising success through...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Taking Your Fundraising Team International

International fundraising can complement an organization’s traditional efforts and greatly...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
A Tale of Two Mail Packs

“It is a far, far better thing that I do,...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Three Trends in Global Community Engagement

I am privileged to work with a diverse array of...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Get to Open as Quickly as Possible

Some years ago when I was an experienced gift officer...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
We Are Not A Charity

I once had a conversation with a prospective donor who...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Shakespeare Isn't Dead

A few days ago, Shakespeare fans around the world united...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
To Prove, or Improve

Is it possible to prove the value of alumni relations?...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Why Alumni Relations Needs a Typology

Defining alumni relations can help us articulate our purpose--and help...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Building an International Program from the Ground Up

Recently, the notion of international markets as a growth opportunity has taken hold...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
When is a Prospect a Non-Responder?

You're the type who never gives up. But sometimes, letting...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Giving USA 2015 Report - Trends in Education

The Giving USA 2015 Report on Philanthropic Giving, the annual report on...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Do You Know Your ROE?

First you gotta crawl, then walk… and then you can...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png
Seven Deadly Sins of Case Statements

Effective case statements consist of compelling prose that, while appealing...

Grenzebach Glier & Associates Inc http://gga.ugmade.co/wp-content/themes/gga/assets/img/grenzebach-glier-and-associates-print-only.png