Using Facebook to Connect Alumni, Current Students, and Faculty

Abstract

Maintaining contact with alumni can result in a number of benefits for psychology departments. For example, alumni may give feedback useful for curriculum assessment and departmental planning, assist with recruiting, and provide current students with information about jobs and graduate school. The authors describe a Facebook group they created for their department to connect alumni, current students, and faculty. A year later, members evaluated the site. Respondents agreed that it was a valuable resource, but current students rated it higher than did alumni. The authors discuss features the members enjoyed and ideas for improving the site.