This document discusses how Caltech, a science and engineering university located in Pasadena, CA, can use online communities to connect with its 21,000 alumni. It notes that Caltech has around 2,100 students, with 900 undergraduates and 1,200 graduates. The Caltech Alumni Association, which has around 9,000 members including students and postdocs, is looking to online communities as a way to engage its large number of alumni. Examples of online communities that could be used are provided, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and virtual worlds like Second Life.

1. Connecting With Alumni
Using Online
Communities
Elizabeth Allen
Assistant Director for Communications
Caltech Alumni Association
elizabeth@alumni.caltech.edu

2. California Institute of
Technology (Caltech)
• Located in Pasadena, CA
• 2,100 students
– 900 undergrad
– 1200 grad
• Science Engineering

3. • 21,000 living alumni
• Independent 501c3
• Dues-based membership
• ~ 9,000 Association members
– Students, postdocs eligible to join

4. Online Communities:
What are they?
• Group of users who connect on
the internet (self identify)
• Part of “Web 2.0” (user generated)
• Communities grow, change,
educate and police themselves