Alumni Liaison Program:
Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say when I contact my liaison?  First, introduce yourself!  Let your liaison know that you were selected to visit their workplace.  Next, confirm all contact information and ask for the best time, day, and method to reach them. Have your calendar handy and if possible schedule a day for your visit. (Remember, you must first speak with any professors whose class you may miss during your visit)  Be sure to clarify your transportation options. Finally, thank them for participating!

When is the best time and method to contact my liaison?  Refer to your liaison contact sheet to find out what method is preferred by your liaison.  If you are sending an email, be sure to include, "Alumni Liaison Program" in the subject line.  If you are calling your liaison at home, it is best to wait till after 6PM.  As a general rule, do not call past 9PM.

How do I dress when I visit my liaison?  Please follow the dress code located in the School of Nursing handbook.

What are my transportation options? Your liaison will know best, always ask for his/her suggestions. Depending on where their work location, these are some helpful links:

SEPTA.com: Public transportation is recommended. It is the most convenient, most affordable way to get around. Explore this site; it includes schedules, fares, and contact information if you would prefer to speak with someone at SEPTA. University City is the closest station to Penn's campus and is located east of Penn Tower on Convention Avenue, across from Franklin Field.

As a last resort consider Quaker City Taxi (215-728-8000), although this is generally an expansive option.  If this is your only option, we can reimburse expenses over $20 and under $40 with a receipt (you must request a receipt from the driver).  Call 15 min. ahead of your departure time and be sure to arrive at the pickup location early. 

Google Maps: You may find this helpful if you are driving to your liaison's worksite.  Be sure to check on the availability and cost of parking.  Your liaison may be a good source for information on this.

I've lost my liaison's contact information.  Contact Liaison Help and be sure to state: your name, your liaison's name and what information you are missing.

I cannot reach my liaison.  Be patient. Our alumni can be very busy at times and may not have the opportunity to return your call.  Consider the methods, time of day, and message you left.  For example, if you sent them an email first, you could try calling them instead.  Be sure to leave clear information; name, purpose for calling, best time to reach you, and preferred contact information.  Don't flood email boxes, two emails is plenty. Try calling your liaison instead.  If you still cannot reach your liaison, or if you think their contact information is incorrect, contact Liaison Help. 

Our schedules conflict. What should I do? First, try to be more flexible with your schedule.  As a last resort, some professors will excuse you from their class but you should always speak with them first.  If your liaison's schedule is non-negotiable, try to find a way to juggle your schedule to fit theirs.  Most alumni will do their best to accommodate you.  If you still cannot schedule a time to meet contact, Liaison Help.

What if my liaison's specialty isn't my primary interest?  The purpose of the liaison program is to give students who will be entering the nursing profession the opportunity to see the variety of roles nurses play.  If your assignment is not in your field of primary interest, keep an open mind.  There is a lot you can learn from your liaison; such as how they found their first job, their stories or experiences in nursing, and what advice they have for future nurses.  The best thing you can do is ask questions and learn from their expertise. 

How much time do I have to visit my liaison? Dates are as follows:
9/22 - deadline to have contacted your liaison and scheduled your visit
11/17 - deadline to complete your visit

I have questions or concerns about my liaison visit, who should I talk to?  Talk to your professor.  Your comments/questions will be kept confidential and will help us improve our program in the future.

Anything else you would like to see here? Let us know!
Monica LoRusso
Assistant Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
Phone: 215-898-9773
Email: nursalum@ben.dev.upenn.edu