In an effort to reconnect the more than 335,000 University of Tennessee alumni worldwide, UT has begun work on Alumni Today, a comprehensive directory.
As you can imagine, this is a massive undertaking. We’re a mobile society. Like everyone else, UT grads follow jobs to different towns, we upsize and downsize, we shuffle between various email addresses and phone numbers. Even with online social networks at our disposal, keeping in touch with friends, former classmates, and potential business contacts remains a challenge.
With Alumni Today, the UT Alumni Association is doing some of the heavy lifting for you. The directory, which will be published in print and electronic formats in fall 2013, will be sorted by campus, class year, and the location of current residence. Complete listings for each respondent will include academic, professional, and personal information.
In the coming weeks you will likely be contacted via email and a postcard by our partner in the project, Harris Connect. To make Alumni Today as complete as possible, please respond to those appeals by making a brief, toll-free call and updating your biographical profile.
Protecting Alumni Privacy
The University of Tennessee is deeply committed to your privacy. You decide whether or not your personal information is published, so please make your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak. Your information will not be released to any third parties.
If you have any questions, please contact the UT Alumni Association at (865) 974-2115 or utaa@utfi.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the directory
Why is UT doing a directory?
The alumni directory is an effort to reconnect the more than 335,000 University of Tennessee alumni worldwide. As you can imagine, this is a massive undertaking. We're a mobile society. Like everyone else, UT grads follow jobs to different towns, we upsize and downsize, we shuffle between various email addresses and phone numbers. Even with online social networks at our disposal, keeping in touch with friends, former classmates, and potential business contacts remains a challenge.
With this directory, the UT Alumni Association is doing some of the heavy lifting for you. The directory, which will be published in print and electronic formats in fall 2013, will be sorted by campus, class year, and the location of current residence. Complete listings for each respondent will include academic, professional, and personal information.
How often does UT do a directory?
We typically do one every five or six years. The previous alumni directory was published in 2008.
Who is Harris Connect?
We've partnered with Harris Connect to produce our directory. Harris Connect has been an industry leader for nearly 50 years and, based on their reputation and on our experience working with them on past projects, we are confident that this publication will meet the needs of our alumni and the high standards of the University of Tennessee.
How do I contact Harris Connect?
- For alumni updates and directory orders, call toll-free: 1-877-461-5609
- For order cancellations or questions, call toll-free: 1-800-877-6554
Contacting alumni
How will I be contacted?
Beginning in late-March, 2013, you will be contacted via email and a postcard by our partner in the project, Harris Connect. The postcards and emails will prompt you to make a brief, toll-free call and update your biographical profile. Once you've responded, your name will be removed from the contact list and you will no longer be included in future mailings.
What if I don't respond to the emails and postcards? Will I still have an opportunity to update my information?
Yes. In late-April and early-May, Harris Connect will begin calling alumni who have not yet responded to the mailers. The deadline for updating your information is June 2013.
When will Harris Connect call alumni?
Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. and continuing until about 9:00 p.m., in all time zones. On Saturdays, they may call from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you are contacted at a time that is inconvenient for you, simply let the representative know. He or she will give you the Harris Connect toll-free number or will arrange to call you later.
Privacy
Can I trust Harris Connect with my personal information?
Yes. The University of Tennessee is deeply committed to your privacy. You decide whether or not your personal information is published, so please make your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak. Your information will not be released to any third parties.
What personal information is included in the directory?
Each alumnus can tailor their personal listing to include as much or as little information as they like. Each alumnus profile can include:
- Current name (as opposed to graduation/maiden name)
- Degree corresponding to primary class year from University of Tennessee
- Campus corresponding to primary class year and degree
- Other class years, degrees and campuses from University of Tennessee
- Up to 2 degrees from other institutions and those institution names
- Current job title, employer name, address and telephone number
- Residence address and telephone number
- First name of spouse (in italics) and children (current last name of spouse, if different)
- One preferred email address
Graduates of the UT Health Science Center will also be able to update:
- Post-doctoral residency completed in the following fields (a list will be provided)
- Institution where residence was completed
- Year residency completed
What if I don't want to be listed in the directory? What if I don't want certain pieces of information listed?
Harris Connect can still update your information for us, but will honor your specific request to exclude all or parts of your biographical data from the publication.
If my name is listed in the directory, am I obligated to purchase a copy?
No. You're under no obligation to buy anything. Your decision to purchase (or not) a copy of the directory will in no way affect the listing of your personal information in it.
My information is on a CD? Will it be protected?
Yes, all personal information contained on the CD is encrypted and can only be viewed inside the Search Party application. Harris Connect has been publishing CDs for many years, and the encryption has never been compromised.
Purchasing a directory
How much does the alumni directory cost?
If you purchase a hardbound or softbound book, you will also receive a CD that contains the complete alumni directory (alumni from all four UT campuses).
Hardbound book and CD: $109.99 +$18.95 S&H
- Softbound book and CD: $89.99 + $18.95 S&H
Or, if you don't wish to buy a book, you can purchase a CD that includes information for alumni from your campus.
- Campus CD: $24.99 + $8.95 S&H
What happens if I don't order a directory now, but change my mind later?
We have arranged to print as many directories as are ordered before we go to press. If you change your mind prior to publication, you can call the dedicated toll-free number.
What forms of payment will be accepted for the purchase of a directory?
The directory may be paid for by major credit card or check. Payment(s) may be made by credit card at the time of order or by check upon receipt of the invoice(s). We also offer installment payment plans, allowing you to pay a portion now and the rest later.
If I place an order using a credit or debit card, how will the charge appear on my statement?
On most major credit card statements, "HC" will appear with the name of the institution, e.g. "HC University of Tennessee." On American Express statements, "Harris Connect" will appear with the name of the institution, e.g. "Harris Connect University of Tennessee."
What if I decide I want to cancel the order I have placed?
Orders for the directory may be canceled by simply writing the word "Cancel" on the invoice and returning it to Harris Connect or by calling the Harris Connect Customer Service Department at 1-800-877-6554. Be sure to provide the account number when calling.
When will the directory be available for shipment?
The final directory is tentatively scheduled to release in September 2013.
Does the University of Tennessee benefit from sales of the directory?
Yes. UT will share in the proceeds from the sale of each directory. Money raised through the directory project will support alumni programming, benefits, scholarships, faculty awards, and other operating expenses of the UT Alumni Association. The UTAA is a non-dues-paying organization. Everyone who graduates from a UT campus is automatically a member of the Association. The sale of alumni directories is one way that we raise money to cover our operating costs.
Using the CD
What if I don't understand how to use the CD once it is installed?
Basic operating instructions are included on the CD sleeve. The CD also comes with an easy-to-use help system providing tips on searching the database and customizing the screens.
What kind of computer do I need to use the CD?
The CD will work on most PC and MAC computers.
Will I be able to print anything?
You are able to print individual records as well as pages from the editorial section.
Is tech support available?
A toll-free call or email is all it takes to obtain technical assistance. Tech support is available Monday-Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Tech Support and Customer Service numbers are included on the CD sleeve.
Is my information protected?
Yes, all personal information contained on the CD is encrypted and can only be viewed inside the Search Party application. Harris Connect has been publishing CDs for many years, and the encryption has never been compromised.
Magazine subscriptions
Why is the UT Alumni Association trying to sell me magazines?
Our partner, Harris Connect, is pleased to offer you the chance to select up to three of your favorite magazines for three months absolutely free. It's their way of saying "thank you" for participating in the alumni directory project.
Is it really free?
Yes! The first three months of each subscription are completely free. If you wish to continue your subscriptions beyond the free period, your credit card will be automatically billed at the lowest annual price.
Prior to billing, you will be mailed an order confirmation postcard advising you of the upcoming charge and giving you the chance to cancel your subscriptions and avoid a charge of any kind. Of course, the three-month subscriptions are yours to keep. Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed and a full-money-back refund can be requested at any time during the first six months of the annual subscriptions.