Telephone Campaign - FAQs
FAQs 2022
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions relating to the Annual Fund Telephone Campaign. Thank you for your support.
For answers for any other questions, please email Lisa Capell, Regular Giving Officer, at annualgiving@le.ac.uk
What is the Telephone Campaign?
The Telephone Campaign is an annual fundraising appeal organised and overseen by the Development and Alumni Office (DARO). During the campaign, a team of current University of Leicester students will call alumni supporters and speak to them about their time studying at Leicester and what they have gone on to do since graduating. It is also an opportunity for alumni to hear about what is going on at the University and how they can support the University's Greatest Need and Student Support Funds.
Through their paid roles as part of the calling team, the students gain valuable work experience which can be added to their CV, speak to alumni about their experience during and after University and practice communication skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in their career.
Do all alumni receive a telephone call?
We have nearly 200,000 alumni on our database. Each year approximately 5,000-6,000 alumni are called by our students.
Why are the students calling me?
The students are calling you because you are a former student (alumnus/a) of the University of Leicester. They wish to update you on upcoming events, to ensure you receive our communications and to make you aware of any current appeals.
I do not wish to make a gift over the phone. How else can I give?
We can accept gifts in various ways. You can give online, or alternatively you can download our paper donation form if you wish to make a gift by credit card, cheque or by CAF voucher.
How will my donation be acknowledged?
A letter or email of thanks will be sent out to you.
I didn’t receive my pre-call postcard or email?
You should have received a postcard via email or in the post. Please double check your spam folder in case it has been sent there by mistake. If you did not receive it then you can update your details using our Stay In Touch form.
How can I request a student telephone call?
If you would like to request a call from one of our students, please email annualgiving@le.ac.uk.
Can I call the students back?
You cannot call the students back directly, however if you would like to request for somebody to call you at a convenient time during the evening and weekend please email annualgiving@le.ac.uk.
Do the students get paid?
Yes, our students get paid an hourly wage to call our alumni.
Who pays for the students to call me?
The students' pay comes out of a centrally-administered budget. 100% of all the donations we receive go directly to the causes. None of the income generated from your donations is used to pay for fundraising at Leicester.
What telephone number should I expect a student phone call from?
The telephone number 0116 252 5900 or 0116 402 1933 will be displayed when our students call. Please note you cannot call our student callers back directly however you can leave a voicemail for one of them to return your call.
On what days and at what times should I expect a telephone call?
Our students work around their studies and call Monday to Thursday from 6.15-9.30pm. We also call during the day on weekends between 9.45am and 5.00pm on Saturdays and between 1.45pm and 8.00pm on Sundays.
Why do I get a telephone call so late?
Our students work around their studies and call Monday to Thursday between 6.15pm and 9.30pm, on Saturdays between 9.45am and 5.00pm and on Sundays between 1.45pm and 8.00pm. We have chosen these times as this seems to be the most acceptable time to call. We do not want to interrupt your working day and, as our callers are all students, they are usually busy with their studies during the daytime.
Why am I getting a telephone call from Leicester at the weekend?
Our callers are all current students who have classes and lectures during the week, so they carry out the calling as a part-time job during evenings and weekends.
Are the students just calling to ask for money?
The financial aims of the campaign are important as the money we raise goes to help a variety of important causes, but the calls are also important for our students to update you on the latest news from the University and check we have the correct contact details for you. The students really love talking to our alumni and hearing about their experiences.
I have been called as the University has a parental phone number registered to me. How can I update my child’s/family member's details other than over the phone?
Please direct your child/family member to the website where they can update their details using the Stay In Touch form.
How can I stop receiving telephone calls?
If you would like to opt out of receiving telephone calls, or would like to change how we contact you, please email annualgiving@le.ac.uk.