JCSU Class Agents

Class agents serve as lead volunteer ambassadors for Johnson C. Smith University, assuming the primary roles of communicators, friend-raisers, and fundraisers for members of their graduating class. The Division of Institutional Advancement deeply appreciates the leadership that Class Agents provide as your efforts ensure the on-going life and legacy of the University, making access to an excellent education available for current and future generations of students. Thank you!

• Must be an alumnus within the graduating class.
• Must be a current donor (Donated the last and/or current fiscal year).
• Desire to increase alumni giving and participation.
• Willingness to engage in on-going communication with classmates and staff.

The Class Agent works closely with the Development Team of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs to achieve alumni participation and private unrestricted goals of the University.  Class Agents facilitate the development of meaningful relationships with and among classmates.  The Alumni Affairs office in collaboration with the Annual Fund recruits Class Agents.

Class agents must:

• Give personally annually and EARLY in the fiscal year to model the behavior expected from peers.   All gifts of every level make a tremendous difference in the life of JCSU. 
• Establish overall class fundraising campaign, with alumni participation and financial goals.  The alumni participation goal must be set at a minimum to mirror the University’s goal (i.e. If the University’s overall goal is 20%, then the class goal must be set at a minimum of 20%).  NOTE:  Annual Fund staff will work with Graduates Of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) to establish goals.
• Solicit classmates for an annual contribution to JCSU in accordance with the University fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), with emphasis on supporting the JCSU Fund.  Solicitations (letter, email, phone, social media) must be conducted at least twice per year, with communications sche-duled for the fall and spring.  NOTE:  Reunion class agents should solicit at least three times.
• Build on-going community among classmates.  Communicate JCSU news and foster opportunities for classmates to relate with one another (i.e. class newsletter, social media, events) and share specific donor interests and concerns to Development and Alumni Affairs.
• Provide biographical/contact information updates on fellow classmates and encourage classmates to forward their professional/personal updates to the Office of Alumni Affairs.   
• Coordinate reunion campaigns with Alumni Affairs and Institutional Advancement.

Alumni Affairs and the Development Office will provide training through the Alumni Leaders Training, conference calls, email alerts, etc.  In addition, staff will provide administrative help with mailings and other activities as needed.