Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pacific Call Center?
The Pacific Call Center is a group of student callers who contact alumni and friends of University of the Pacific. The mission of the Pacific Call Center is to build alumni participation through annual gifts from alumni, parents, and friends by educating them on the needs of the University and involving them in the life of the University.
What year was the Call Center started?
The Pacific Call Center returned to campus in 2010, after outsourcing our phonathon efforts for several years.
What is the mission of the Call Center?
The mission of Call Center is to build alumni participation through annual gifts from alumni, parents, and friends by educating them on the needs of the University and involving them in the life of the University.
What are the calling shifts?
Calling shifts are Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 1:00-4:30 p.m.
How many shifts per week are callers required to work?
The Pacific student callers are required to work at least three calling shifts per week, but may work more.
How many students does the Pacific Call Center employ?
The Pacific Call Center employs 20-30 students each semester. The Call Center also employs three student supervisors who support the Call Center in various administrative duties in addition to calling alumni.
Why should I give through the Pacific Call Center?
Pacific has been the beneficiary of great generosity by alumni, parents and friends. However, Pacific's mission to provide a superior, student-centered learning experience and prepare individuals for lasting achievement and responsible leadership in their careers and communities cannot be achieved through tuition dollars alone. For this reason, Pacific must look to alumni, parents and friends for support to meet challenges and take advantage of future opportunities.
What is the difference between a restricted and unrestricted gift? Unrestricted Gifts vs. Endowment Gifts
Money generated by the Pacific endowment is allocated in advance for specific uses. Gifts to the Pacific Fund, in contrast, are unrestricted, which means that it is disbursed on a current-use basis to meet some of the university's most pressing needs.
What if I can't afford to make a large gift this year? Does my gift even make a difference?
Every gift matters. Donors give from $10 to $100,000; participation at every level is appreciated. Whether large or small, your gift will be joined with the gifts of other donors, and it is the aggregate of all gifts that has the greatest impact. When foundations and corporations consider grant applications, they frequently ask us about the percentage of participation in giving from Pacific alumni, parents, and friends. It strengthens our case when those closest to the University support it. Your participation-at any level-serves as a catalyst for larger gifts and grants.
Does my gift count toward my reunion?
Absolutely. In your reunion year, your gift IS your Reunion Class Gift. During a reunion celebration, we hope that you will make that meaningful "stretch" gift to show how much your Pacific experience meant to you.
I work for a matching gift company. How do I secure a matching gift for Pacific?
If you work for a company that matches charitable contributions from employees, you may be able to double or even triple the value of your gift. Forms are available through your company's human resources department. To ensure proper crediting and distribution of your gift, or if you have any questions regarding matching gifts, please contact: Advancement Services at 209.946.2202
Is it safe to give credit card information over the phone to the Call Center?
Yes. Our callers process your credit card live, over the phone with you using a secure online giving page. You will receive an email confirmation of your gift within 24 hours and an official tax receipt in the mail. The reason we place gifts on credit cards is because it helps maximize your gift! By placing a gift on a credit card, it helps to cut down on the administrative and processing costs of sending you a pledge packet that would include the envelope, letter, return envelope, and postage.
Why does the Call Center call repeatedly without leaving a voicemail or answering machine message?
We work through a computer system that automatically schedules a call back if there is no answer or the call goes to a messaging system. We apologize if this is disturbing. However, once someone answers the phone and we have determined if you will or will not be giving this year, you will be removed from the calling system for the remainder of the campaign.
Why does the Pacific Call Center call Pacific Alumni, Parents, and Friends?
The Pacific Call Center is the single most effective way to reach the largest number of people in the shortest period of time. It is one area within Annual Giving that provides the University with an opportunity to communicate personally with alumni, parents, and friends. The main goals of each call are to keep everyone connected with current students, to promote events on campus as well as around the nation, to thank donors and to increase annual support.
Contact information:
For more information, contact Ray Cleverly, Annual Giving Coordinator at 209.946.7468 or rcleverly@pacific.edu