Convocation consists of the graduates, Fellows of
Senate and permanent members of the academic staff of the University. There are
over forty alumni associations representing faculties and graduate activities.
These associations form a support network for the University's alumni community. The
University of Sydney Alumni Council is the renamed Standing Committee of Convocation
and operates under Chapter 7 of the University's By-laws. The Standing Committee
was renamed in order to more effectively portray its new expanded role as the
peak representative body of alumni. In cooperation with the University management and the Senate, the Standing
Committee of Convocation undertook a review of its role and activities in early
2006. A major outcome of the Review was a change in the membership of the
Committee. The number of elected Faculty members was reduced from 50 to 36. This
facilitated the inclusion on the Committee of the five Fellows of Senate elected
by and from the graduates. The remaining membership comprises members of alumni
associations on the nomination of the Vice-Chancellor. The Standing Committee
held a Workshop at the end of March 2006 to develop its strategic plan as the
next key stage in its renewal. The Report of the Workshop can be downloaded here. A
key recommendation of the review was the establishment of working parties to address
key issues in respect of alumni engagement. A number of Sub-committees were established,
including The Lost Alumni Sub-committee (working to develop strategies
for the University to regain contact with alumni), The Chapters Sub-committee
(responsible for the development of strategies for the formation of new alumni
groups and the development of a Model Constitution for associations), and The
Student Engagement Sub-committee (assigned responsibility for developing strategies
to enhance engagement with alumni including through improved communication channels
and enhanced collaboration in respect of programs and events). The University
of Sydney Alumni Council is working closely with the University's Alumni Relations
Office in formulating strategies in respect of these sub-commitees. The
Review has resulted in greater collaboration between the University of Sydney
Alumni Council and the Alumni Relations Office. The Alumni Council is also working
to forge closer links with alumni associations and chapters.
The change
of name of the Standing Committee of Convocation to the University of Sydney Alumni
Council was endorsed by the University Senate at its meeting on 18 September 2006.
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