Upcoming reunions

Upcoming reunions, along with other alumni events, are listed on the UQ Events website.

Organising a reunion

Alumni of The University of Queensland remain an important part of the University, wherever they travel and whatever paths their careers follow. Reunions have always been part of University tradition and are an excellent way for alumni to get together periodically to commemorate a special anniversary or occasion. 

Advancement Office staff can offer support in organising reunions. The following information is designed to provide some initial direction for anyone planning such an event.

Who is eligible to organise a UQ reunion?

Any graduate holding a degree, certificate or diploma from The University of Queensland can organise a reunion. Faculties, Departments, Schools and various other areas of the University can also initiate reunions.

Reunions can be based around anniversaries of particular calendar events or may focus on alumni living in particular geographical areas. 

Advancement Office support

The Advancement Office can assist graduates and staff planning reunions in the following ways:

• Sending invitations to alumni in a reunion group
• Providing lists of venues, catering and entertainment contact details
• Providing assistance in obtaining quotes
• Providing advice on marketing your event
• Promoting the event on the UQ Alumni website, as well as in other relevant newsletters and publications
• Providing advice on various other aspects of your reunion planning and organisation

UQ Faculties, Departments, Schools and Colleges also take a keen interest in reunions and can provide further support and advice.

Getting started

Notifying the University

Once you have decided to hold a reunion, contact the Alumni Relations Manager at the Advancement Office to discuss your event and the level of support required.

You can help get your reunions plans underway by compiling these details early on:

• Proposed date of the reunion
• Form (for example, cocktail party, dinner, luncheon etc)
• Who the reunion is for (for example, faculty/year group)
• Names and contact details of several other alumni who may be interested in assisting with the event's organisation

Planning your reunion

Before you begin organising a reunion, it is important to establish a committee to help with organisation. Committee members need to be committed to the event, as they will be undertaking the majority of the work. It is important to note that while Advancement Office staff will support your event, organisation responsibility rests with the reunion committee.

The committee convenor should be someone who has time to devote to the project, as well as a high level of enthusiasm. He or she will direct the project as well as motivate other committee members.

Timeframe

Allow several months to plan, organise and host your reunion. Key tasks for the organising committee include:

• Locating lost alumni (six months prior to the event)
• Producing and printing invitations (two months prior to the event)
• Mail-out of invitations (five to six weeks prior to the event)
• Receiving RSVPs (with a final date of at least one week before the event)
• Venues, caterers and entertainers may also need to be booked at least three months in advance

Privacy of personal information

Information on names and qualifications of alumni is in the public domain. All other information, including date of birth, address and other contact details, and history of financial transactions with the University, is protected under Queensland and Australian privacy laws. There are similar laws in many other countries and legislation governs data transactions crossing national boundaries. The tightening of privacy and data-protection legislation raises important concerns for any individual or group wishing to distribute information to a targeted recipient list. The Advancement Office coordinates the mail-out of invitations to comply with this legislation.

Where to now?

Obviously, there is quite a lot to consider when organising a reunion. Prior planning, and a committed organising team can lead to a very successful and worthwhile event.

If you would like to organise a reunion, please contact us.