Call-A-Coug Frequently Asked Questions
Who is calling me . . . is this a telemarketing
company?
The Call-A-Coug staff, made up entirely of current WSU
students, makes calls on behalf of WSU and the WSU
Foundation. Call-A-Coug offers its student callers
valuable on-the-job experience, the opportunity to build
communication skills, and a chance to talk with Cougar
alumni. The program gives YOU an opportunity to share
Cougar stories and experiences, ask questions, voice
concerns, give feedback, and pledge your support to your
favorite college, program or priority area at WSU.
Why are you calling me?
Call-A-Coug's objective is to touch base with each of our
alumni, parents, and friends annually. We want to make
sure you are receiving Washington State Magazine and your
college or department newsletter. We also want to share
news and information about the University, its needs, and
how your gift to WSU can help.
Why can't you just send something in the
mail?
The WSU Foundation does try to contact WSU alumni,
parents and friends through the mail. However, we focus
on making most of our contacts through our Telephone
Outreach program because the majority of the alumni enjoy
having the opportunity to speak directly with a WSU
student.
Why do you ask for so much money?
Each college, department, and program works with
Call-A-Coug to determine how much support to ask for from
its graduates. The amount truly reflects the need of that
area.
Why do I get so many calls from
WSU?
We do our best to call each household not more than twice
a year. If you do receive multiple phone calls, it is
only because each of the colleges or departments where
you are affiliated is trying to ensure you have an
opportunity to touch base with their unit and that they
have an opportunity to share information with you.
Why do you ask me to increase my gift every
year?
Any increase in your annual support helps tremendously
with the area or project you choose to help.
How does my gift make a
difference?
Gifts of any size make a
difference. It is your participation that is important to
us. Alumni giving participation plays a big role in
determining school ranking and grants made to the
University by outside sources. It is also one of the best
measures of how graduates feel about their school and the
education they received. Your participation is a great
way to demonstrate your pride for WSU!
For what program are you
calling?
Call-A-Coug calls on behalf of
every college and academic department at WSU, as well as
Athletics, the Parents Program, Northwest Public Radio
& Television, WSU Museum of Art, and the WSU
Libraries. Each program or department attempts to contact
Cougars who have an affiliation with that area so you can
update your information and find out about new
developments within your college or unit.
What happens after I make a pledge through
Call-A-Coug?
After confirming with the student caller the dollar
amount you wish to give and the area you wish to support,
you can either complete your gift over the phone by
credit card or you may request a pledge confirmation
letter be sent to you. If you choose to make a pledge,
you will need to return the bottom portion of the letter
with your payment. If you prefer to fulfill your gift
through multiple payments, please send your first payment
to the WSU Foundation with the bottom portion of your
pledge letter. We will then send you 30, 60 and 90 day
reminders. You can use these reminders to make additional
payments. You will receive a gift receipt when your
payment has been received.
When can I expect my call?
Calls are made Sunday-Thursday in the late afternoon and
evenings because that is when we reach most Cougars.
Call-A-Coug will try to reach everyone between late
August and the end of December. If we cannot reach you
during that time, we will try again during our Spring
semester (January-May).
Where are you calling from?
Call-A-Coug is located in the Lewis Alumni Centre on
WSU's Pullman campus.
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