Alumni and Advancement

I. PREAMBLE

The graduates of Atlas University are living epistles—letters written by the Spirit, testifying to the power of wisdom and holiness through education.
Their bond to the University is lifelong and covenantal, not transactional.
Institutional advancement flows from gratitude, not solicitation; from shared mission, not marketing.
This policy therefore governs how Atlas University cultivates alumni community, conducts fundraising, and manages development in a manner consistent with its sacred mission.

II. PURPOSE

The purposes of this policy are to:

  1. Establish ethical and legal standards for fundraising and alumni engagement.

  2. Protect donor intent and confidentiality.

  3. Strengthen relationships among alumni, faculty, and the University.

  4. Support the long-term financial health and global influence of Atlas University.

III. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

  • PresidentOverall leadership of institutional advancement and donor relations.

  • Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)Directs Alumni Relations, Development, and Communications strategies.

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Manages fiscal accountability for gifts, donations, and endowment funds.

  • Director of Alumni Relations (DAR)Oversees alumni communications, events, and community engagement.

  • Advancement and Development Committee (ADC)Subcommittee of the Board overseeing fundraising ethics, donor compliance, and strategic initiatives.

IV. ALUMNI RELATIONS FRAMEWORK

1. Mission

To unite graduates of Atlas University into a lifelong fellowship that glorifies God through vocation, service, and generosity.

2. Objectives

  • Maintain current records of alumni through the Atlas Alumni Registry (AAR).

  • Organize annual gatherings, mentorship networks, and global chapters.

  • Promote alumni career development, continuing education, and philanthropy.

  • Encourage alumni participation in governance and campus life.

3. Programs

  • Atlas Alumni Association (AAA): Official body representing graduates.

  • Homecoming Week and Atlas Day: Annual reunion and celebration of mission.

  • Mentorship Network: Alumni paired with current students for vocational guidance.

  • Distinguished Alumni Awards: Recognize excellence in leadership and service.

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA

  1. Alumni data maintained in secure CRM under the Information Technology Policy.

  2. Use of alumni information restricted to official University business; no data shared externally without consent.

  3. Communications should maintain tone of reverence, excellence, and authenticity—avoiding commercial appeal.

VI. ADVANCEMENT AND FUNDRAISING PRINCIPLES

1. Ethical Foundation

Fundraising at Atlas is ministry, not commerce. All solicitation must be truthful, transparent, and aligned with the University’s faith and mission.

2. Donor Rights

Atlas upholds the Donor Bill of Rights (Association of Fundraising Professionals), ensuring:

  • Honest communication.

  • Appropriate acknowledgment.

  • Confidentiality of personal information.

  • Use of gifts according to donor intent.

3. Methods of Giving

  • Cash, checks, and electronic transfers.

  • Marketable securities.

  • Planned gifts and bequests.

  • Real property and equipment (subject to approval).

  • Endowed funds or named scholarships.

4. Solicitation Policy

All fundraising campaigns must be authorized by the President and coordinated through the Office of Advancement.
Unauthorized solicitation by departments, faculty, or outside entities is prohibited.

5. Gift Receipts

All gifts acknowledged in writing within ten business days, including IRS-compliant receipts for tax purposes.

VII. GIFT ACCEPTANCE AND MANAGEMENT

  1. Gift Acceptance Review: All non-cash gifts reviewed by the CFO and General Counsel for financial or environmental liability.

  2. Restricted Gifts: Must align with institutional mission; restrictions documented in signed Gift Agreement.

  3. Endowed Funds: Minimum $50,000 for establishment; investment and spending governed by the Finance and Endowment Policy.

  4. Naming Opportunities: Require Board approval; minimum thresholds set by the Advancement Committee.

  5. Donor Recognition: Recognition must be tasteful, accurate, and aligned with theological decorum.

VIII. CAMPAIGNS AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

  1. Capital Campaigns: Launched only after feasibility study and Board authorization.

  2. Annual Fund: Supports scholarships, academic programs, and operating excellence.

  3. Major Gifts: Defined as commitments exceeding $100,000.

  4. Grant Seeking: Faculty and departments coordinate with Advancement to ensure consistency with University mission and intellectual property policies.

  5. Digital Giving: Secure online platforms compliant with PCI-DSS and FIPA standards.

IX. DONOR RELATIONS AND REPORTING

  1. Donors receive annual financial reports detailing use and impact of gifts.

  2. Endowed fund performance reported annually by CFO.

  3. Donor confidentiality maintained at all times; public recognition requires consent.

  4. Donor complaints or disputes reviewed by the Advancement and Development Committee.

X. VOLUNTEER AND ADVANCEMENT PARTNERS

  1. Alumni volunteers and advisory boards operate under the authority of the Office of Advancement.

  2. Volunteer fundraising must follow institutional ethics and reporting standards.

  3. Third-party fundraising events require prior written approval.

XI. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

  1. Employees engaged in advancement shall disclose any personal, familial, or financial interest in potential donor relationships.

  2. No staff member may personally benefit from a gift or contract related to University fundraising.

XII. INTERNATIONAL FUNDRAISING AND COMPLIANCE

  1. All international donations must comply with U.S. Treasury and OFAC regulations.

  2. Foreign gifts exceeding $250,000 reported to the IRS on Form 990 Schedule F.

  3. Conversion of foreign currency handled by CFO at verified exchange rates.

XIII. SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF GIVING

Atlas teaches that giving is worship.
Every gift, however small, participates in divine economy—the transformation of resources into truth, wisdom, and healing for generations.
Advancement is thus a sacred act of partnership in the mission of redemption through education.

XIV. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Policy shall be reviewed biennially by the Chief Advancement Officer, approved by the President, and ratified by the Board of Trustees.