The university seeks the support of its alumni and, in return, offers them a number of services and programs. The responsibility for working with the university`s entire alumni body, now numbering over 320,000, is vested in the Department of Alumni Relations. The department has two main objectives. First, it maintains contact with Rutgers alumni, informing them of the university`s programs with the hope that they will assist Rutgers in fulfilling its educational goals. Second, the department encourages alumni to continue their college friendships after graduation through social, educational, and reunion activities.
All undergraduate colleges and most graduate and professional schools have their own alumni associations that sponsor programs based on the interests of the alumni of that college. Active membership is maintained through payment of regular alumni dues. Each alumni association is represented in the Rutgers University Alumni Federation, which sponsors universitywide programs such as homecoming, distinguished alumni awards, legislative receptions, group travel, and insurance. The Department of Alumni Relations provides guidance and administrative services to each of the college associations, as well as to a network of regional alumni clubs throughout the country.
The university publishes an award-winning magazine for alumni and friends of the university.
The department`s New Brunswick office is located at Winants Hall, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 7 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1262 (732/932-7061).