Engaging alumni in collaborative partnership for improved service delivery in Open and Distance Learning: The Zimbabwe Open University experience: Masvingo Region

Abstract

Whilst the use of alumni in improving service delivery could be well advanced or widely practiced in many institutions of higher learning in many developed countries, at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), this notion is just beginning to take shape or has not been effectively explored to the point where we can talk of substantial benefits accruing from it. This study explored how the ZOU could possibly mobilize and effectively engage its alumni in collaborative partnership for improved service delivery at the institution. A descriptive survey design was used with questionnaires and interviews as data gathering instruments. A random sample of 40 alumni members (25 females and 15 males) participated in the study. Results showed that whilst Masvingo Region has established a District Chapter of the Alumni Association, and some significant progress has been made to make this association a vibrant stakeholder of the University, more still needs to be done. A more coherent and more coordinated approach by all stakeholders is required. Some basic logistics in terms of constitution making, registration and accounting procedures, some work plans and activities need to be put in place. The study concluded that once a full-fledged alumni association is in place, service delivery, in terms of motivation of students, provision of learning materials such as e-learning technologies, knowledge building through networking, and fundraising projects for capacity building, will be realized. The study recommended that the earlier logistics for the Alumni Association are put in place, the better for Masvingo Region and the University as a whole.

Key words: alumni, Open and Distance Learning, service delivery, collaborative partnerships, logistics