2006-2007 University Speaker Request Guidelines & Form

Guidelines

If you are interested in having a University faculty member, administrator, or other guest speaker visit your region this year, please complete and return this form to the Office of the Alumni Association. Please also make note of the following guidelines:

• Assignment of Speakers
  We send only one University speaker per academic year to most associations. Budgetary limitations prevent us from sending every association a speaker every year. We base decisions on many factors, including the size and activity level of the requesting associations.
  
  
• Be Specific, But Flexible
  Specify the event type for which you want a speaker (annual dinner, reception for admitted students, academic seminar program, etc.), and supply as many other details surrounding the event as possible, especially desired month or season. Flexibility of desired date elevates the chance of finding a speaker match.
  
  
• Requesting Specific Speakers
  If your region is interested in one particular professor, please indicate that request. However, the best-known professors often have the busiest schedules and it can be difficult to secure their agreement to speak at a regional alumni gathering. You are more likely to get a "match" for your region if you tell us the general topics in which you are interested rather than the names of specific speakers. Please know that we make every effort to screen speakers on-campus before suggesting them to you. Thank you for your understanding and being open to these suggestions.
  
  
• Submit Requests Early
  Speaker requests should be submitted as early as possible, and at a minimum of FOUR MONTHS IN ADVANCE. Though requests on shorter notice will be accommodated as much as possible, you increase your likelihood of a successful match by making your request early.
  
  
• Associated Expenses
  The Office of the Alumni Association covers only the costs associated with the speaker's travel. The regional association is responsible for the cost of the venue, catering, publicity, and other incidentals. Make sure that event attendance fees are reasonable, yet adequately cover your costs.
  
  
• Attendance and Publicity
  All area Princeton constituents, including parents, should be invited to any event with a University speaker. It is the host association's responsibility to maximize attendance through effective publicity, using every available means to spread the word, including a mailed invitation, email broadcasts, Web page announcements, phone calls, and reminders. Once a speaker is confirmed, start to advertise, and mail invitations no later than five to six weeks before the event. On average, 50 to 60 guests is a good attendance goal, through we understand this may vary depending on the size of your region.
  
  
• Non-Discrimination Policy
  All events to which University speakers are sent must adhere to the University non-discrimination policy regarding the use of facilities for alumni events.

University Speaker Request Form        

Name:

Leadership Role:

Regional Association/Club Name:

At what type of event would you like a speaker?

What is the best time frame for a speaker to visit your region?

Are there specific topics in which your local alumni are interested?

Is there anything else you want to tell us?