Thesis Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management University of Rizal System Pililla

The primary objective of this study was to determine the best practices on alumni engagement of the four state universities in Region IV-A CALABARZON focusing on Volunteerism, Experience, Donation, Communication, and Program and Project Initiatives. This was conducted on the second semester of academic year 2022-2023. This study dealt with three research problems including the best practices that can be benchmarked from the state universities on alumni engagement, the alumni engagement model that can be formulated, and the strategic initiatives that can be proposed. Case study, descriptive coding and qualitative discussion were employed to answer all the mentioned research problems. This study utilized qualitative research design specifically through Deming's Benchmarking Process Purposive sampling was utilized in selecting the participants of the study which include the alumni directors, alumni heads, and alumni coordinators. The alumni association president or the alumni regent also served as informants. The researcher developed five sets of guide questions focusing on volunteerism, experience, donation, communication, program and project initiatives. The questions were composed of general and specific questions, anchored on Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. Best practices for volunteerism among alumni include creating an Alumni Association for each college/program, considering common time of alumni for various activities, establishing traditions and events, utilizing alumni as resource speakers, and institutionalizing volunteerism. In terms of experience, best practices include celebrating Alumni Loyalty Day, participating in QS Star Survey, organizing talent contests for alumni, hosting alumni homecoming events with raffles and prizes, involving alumni as committee members in events and activities, fostering close partnerships with PESO (Public Employment Service Office). Regularly uploading success stories, establishing an Alumni Speaker's Bureau and Career Connect program, providing assistance to graduates for technical training In Japan, and building an alumni community through initiatives like Volunteerism Month. For donations, best practices include organizing donation drives during Foundation Day exhibits, receiving donations for an Alumni Building, receiving donations of computers, printers, and other office equipment, accepting donations for facility repairs, using alumni donations for Teacher's Day celebrations, setting up community pantries funded by alumni donations, and receiving donations of books and other learning materials. In terms of communication, best practices include maintaining social media accounts such as Facebook and LinkedIn. establishing college-based alumni associations, utilizing social media and other communication materials, maintaining personal communication with alumni coordinators, conducting company and alumni visitations, using System/ISO forms for communication, utilizing online tools, maintaining a structured flow of communication, establishing international alumni groups, providing regular updates through newsletters, and maintaining an alumni directory. Lastly, best practices for program and project initiatives include tracing graduates, fundraising efforts, establishing regular action plans and activities. Implementing an Alumni Speakers' Bureau Program, providing alumni IDs with perks, uploading success stories, Career Connect program, and Volunteerism Month: Alumni Community Building. The VEDC Alumni Engagement Model was formulated by the researcher which is a framework that outlines how a State University can engage with its alumni community. The model focuses on Volunteerism, Experience, Donation, and Communication, and Initiate programs and projects. It consists of five frames which are all leading to improved alumni engagement. The proposed strategic initiatives include increasing alumni volunteerism, enhancing alumni experience, increasing alumni donations, improving alumni communication, and engaging alumni through mentorship programs and long-term projects. This study concludes that the SUCs recognize the importance of alumni engagement and have strategic initiatives to promote volunteerism, positive experiences, transparency in donations, effective communication, and continuous improvement in alumni programs. The VEDC Alumni Engagement Model can help establish strong relationships with the alumni community and contribute to Institutional and community development. Providing a diverse and meaningful alumni engagement program is a key to alumni engagement and fostering a strong sense of connection and pride in their alma mater.