It's 5:30p.m. and mid way through rush hour traffic the work day has just began on the second floor of the Billy Mac Jones Annual Giving Office. It is here that regular students dedicate their time to the University of Memphis' phonathon.
The Night Shift
The annual giving department is a service provided by the University's advancement division. The advancement division specializes in major gifts, corporate and foundation fundraising, annual giving and planned giving. This is where the phonathon shines as students call alumni encouraging them to give back to their university.
For callers this is not as easy as it sounds - just picking up the phone and calling some random person. Yet, this random person is such an important person not only because they're an alumni, but because this phone call is the only one they will receive from the University until the next year. Thus, despite making over 25 calls a night each call is the first and the last. Pressure!
Each night the phonathon has a pre-determined goal to reach which is dependent upon the availability of the students. Thus, work ethic is critical. Reasons for termination range from lack of attendance, consistent tardiness, lack of enthusiasm and insubordination (or failure to complete the phone call in the prescribed manner).
For some first time phonathon associates the job seems a little overwhelming due the self discipline it requires. No personal phone calls are to be made. Unlike the majority of student employment jobs, there is no real amount of free time for studying. All time is dedicated to making as much money as possible.
Students must maintain enthusiasm, persistence and confidence throughout the entire session. The students' enthusiasm has been pivotal in keeping the alumni excited about giving and keeping them encouraged about the impact their giving has on the University.
The Balance
In a time when tuition continues to rise and federal aid is continuing to decrease the phonathon is critical to the basic operation of the university. The Annual Giving department is part of what's known as the three- legged stool. In comparison to the 35% that tuition and donations contribute individually to the University operating budget state support contributes only 30%. Donations from annual giving bridge the gap of tuition in comparison to the actual cost of education at the University of Memphis.
The resources to enhance student scholarship opportunities, create new academic programs and facilities and upgrade existing facilities come from gifts donated to the area(s) of greatest need.
Selective Giving
There are two types of giving for the alumni through the phonathon. Gifts can be designated for a specific for a specific purpose which is known as restricted giving. Gifts given to the general fund are known as unrestricted. These gifts allow the University flexibility and use of funds where they are needed the most.
Giving with Purpose
Though alumni giving definitely helps the University it also tends brings personal satisfaction to the alumni as well. Whether in restricted or unrestricted giving, the alumni have the opportunity to ensure that the programs or organizations which were important to them have longevity at the University. For some alumni giving is brings personal satisfaction because it serves as a protective net when their children attend the University. It is almost a way of putting money toward the education of the next generation. Other alumni even establish planned giving in which they live the University shares of their estate after they are gone.
While giving serves a personal purpose for alumni, for the University each gift is important another significant purpose. Higher alumni and parent participation rates is a measure that is used in the calculations of national regional ratings in schools across the U.S. Higher rankings potentially returns in additional grants, gifts and fundraising, strengthens the value for a U of M degree and helps in the recruitment of high-achieving students, faculty and staff.
The Goal
Though the 2006-07 fiscal year was big for the phonathon, they look forward to higher goals fro this fiscal year. By the end of this fiscal year the phonathon looks to have raised $750,000. This includes an overall participation increase to 25%. So much work to cram in to three and a half hours a night!
