THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AND COLLECTING FEES
In 2003, the Alumni Relations staff introduced a cohesive registration system. In the past, alumni had to register with the class AND with the College by completing and returning two registration forms to two different addresses (and sometimes writing two checks). Now, alumni only need to register with the College and pay all fees directly to the College.
The chart on page A10 in the appendix details the history of when classmates registered for the weekend. The alumni staff does set a soft registration deadline of four weeks prior to Reunion Weekend and many alumni register after that deadline.
All reunion fees are requested in the March mailing to minimize the burden of collection during Reunion Weekend and to get a sense of attendance counts as early as possible. In addition to streamlining the registration process, the College also introduced on-line registration. Using a secure server, alumni can now register and pay using a credit card. On average, 40% of returning alumni register and pay via the web. For those who still want to pay by check, a registration form is included in the March and May mailings. Regardless of the type of payment (check or credit card), the alumni staff deposits all class fees directly into the class's account at Williams.
A series of volunteer reports are available via the Williams website beginning in March and through the week prior to Reunion. These reports detail information about guest names, numbers, arrival times, and other pertinent information. Alumni Relations staff will walk you through report usage.
In addition to streamlining the registration process prior to the weekend, the alumni relations staff also introduced "one-stop shopping" when alumni arrive on campus. In the past, alumni needed to check-in with the College (at the Alumni Center) and with the class (at class headquarters). Now, alumni check-in one place and pick-up the College's reunion schedule of events, dorm room keys, and any class-specific give-aways including the logo items and a class schedule.
