A week ago, Knox announced the upcoming launch of the new KNect Alumni Networking Community smartphone app.
Over the last week, many of you downloaded the app through the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). You contacted us about what you like and what concerns you—including important concerns that hadn't been raised by the alumni volunteers and current students who helped us test the app as it was being developed.
We listened, and, over the past few days, we have addressed many of the concerns raised. Here's how we have modified KNect in response:
- All phone numbers have been removed from the directory.
- The map pins now point to the center of the users' zip codes, not their actual addresses.
- Users' profiles include their name, city/state/zip, class year/major, e-mail, and place of employment on file with the College. If you link your LinkedIn profile, it also pulls in the information you've posted there, which may be more current.
One of the most frequent questions we received was about the decision to make KNect opt-out rather than opt-in. Alumni communities aren't useful without a robust set of engagers. Opt-out is the standard for these types of network apps. KNect usefulness depends on connecting you with the widest possible network of people.
Our intention with this app is to provide an easier way for you to connect with one another—primarily for the purpose of professional networking, but also to find classmates or other alumni where you are now. We think it represents a significant improvement over previous alumni directories Knox has provided, from the printed directories we used to send to alumni's homes (and which were often out of date before they arrived) to our website directory, which few alumni have chosen to opt in and use.
We've posted a FAQ with responses to many of the messages we received last week if you want more information.
If you still do not wish to be listed on KNect, we are happy to accommodate you. You can opt out by completing the KNect Mobile App Opt-Out Form.
If you've already requested removal from the KNect directory, your request has been processed and you are no longer listed. If you have submitted an update to your profile, we are continuing to process those requests; many have been completed but there are still a few outstanding.
If you have any additional questions, we want to hear them. Please e-mail knect@knox.edu for the fastest response.
alumni@knox.edu | 888-566-9265
