1.1 In the 25 years since its opening Bethlehem University has produced 5,736 graduates. These are scattered throughout the world, but little is known about their current status in terms of country of residence, employment, etc. This is unfortunate as the alumni represent a great potential source of support for the University in all its endeavors.

1.2 Bethlehem University has made an initial attempt to develop a database of alumni. This was in relation to the building up of career guidance activities, to identify potential placements for today's students and to begin contacting alumni with a view to raising their consciousness of the University.

1.3 The University's 25th Year Celebrations to be held in October 1998 will also provide a good opportunity for making contact with alumni. Part of the celebrations will be a homecoming week, where graduates will be invited to participate in a week of activities at the University, but it is expected that those who come will be mostly those living in Palestine.

1.4 Bethlehem University must engage the support of those who appreciate its endeavors. The University has over 5,500 graduates who have obtained their start in life partly from their education and personal development in Bethlehem University. They remain members of the University and the University must now look to them for support in promoting the Five Year Development Plan.

2 Major Issues Emerging from Responses and Consultation

2.1 There were few responses on this theme. This may possibly reflect the inactivity in following up graduates over the years and the general lack of involvement of individual alumni in University activities. All those who responded on this theme urged the development of closer links with alumni so as to open up opportunities for student and graduate placements. The continuation of the database of alumni was seen as important.

2.2 One suggestion was to provide incentives for alumni (such as discounts from local merchants) to begin a basis of interest between them and the University. It was also suggested that alumni should be encouraged to play a more active role and to send their children to Bethlehem University and that Bethlehem University should offer alumni the use of the University facilities.

2.3 Other suggestions included that building up of the alumni network should commence before students leave the University by developing a sense of University identity and a pride in belonging to this Institution. This could be fostered by having high-profile alumni giving presentations to the students, thus reaffirming their loyalty to Bethlehem University, acknowledging the important contributions it made to their lives, and demonstrating their willingness to give something in return.

3 Proposed Initiatives

• Establishment of an Alumni Development Committee to develop contact with alumni and with responsibility for building a worldwide network, through which alumni will be encouraged to be in touch with each other and with the University, and involved in an International Association of Alumni of Bethlehem University.
• Completion of the database of graduates.
• Promotion of dialogue among Bethlehem University alumni throughout the world and invitation to play a more active role in University activities.
• Identification of alumni in positions to assist students and graduates with work experience and placements.
• Opening of Bethlehem University's facilities and resources to alumni and extension of the range of continuing education programs for alumni.
• Promotion of an annual program of social and cultural activities for alumni, both on and off campus.