Advancement Division introduces new software

The University's Development office, now known as the Advancement Division, is in the process of creating a state-of-the-art alumni information system called Advance.

"Basically, it is a huge database of alumni, donors, friends, and others with contacts to the University," Trustee Secretary Linda Dixon said.

Advance is somewhat of an update of Tufts' previous alumni information network. Yet it isn't just another rung on the developing ladder of systems.

"Every ten years technology reinvents itself," said Dr. Bruce Metz, Vice President of Information Technology. "By taking advantage of the growing technology, this will be a quantum leap from the old system."

"The Advance system is already showing great results," Brian Lee, Vice President of University Advancement said. The Advancement Division is working with the company BSR/ Sunguard to develop the system. Planning for the system began earlier this semester and already Phase One of the seven planned phases is complete.

Rollover of historical and biographical data from the previous alumni information system will take place as Phase Two in July and September, 2004. The pace of the process will then quicken and is expected to be complete in two years.

Advance aims to fulfill two objectives, both providing alumni a way to stay in contact and giving the Advancement Division the ability to accomplish fundraising and alumni-related activities. "Advance will enable all of us to share in building an always connected global Tufts community," Metz said.

Advance will eventually offer opportunities for undergraduates to speak with alumni and parents about potential employments and internships.

For the time being the Advancement Division will direct attention towards setting up a platform of information necessary to create the global community. "This becomes very important as alumni, parents, faculty and friends are connecting and reconnecting with each other all the time, through affinity relationships, professional expertise or just plain social, class or regional gatherings," said Lee.

The Advancement Division predicts that upon completion, alumni should have a life long connection and membership in the Tufts community. Yet future alumni, such as the present student body, have had little involvement in Advance's development. Very few students even know of the system's planning. "Once we're closer, we'll talk to students," said Metz.

"I probably wouldn't read about the system if information about it was sent in a college-wide email, but through student media I'll pay more attention to it," said freshman Brendan Shea.

The estimated cost of the project is $6.7 million. Costs include new software and hardware. The bulk of the $6.7 million entails investment of time and human resources. "It won't add jobs, just change existing jobs," Metz said.