Your questions answered

Why are the students calling me? What is the telephone campaign? Can I donate over the phone? What are the students raising money for? We answer all your questions.

General

What is the Telephone Campaign?

The University's Development and Alumni team runs our telephone campaign, with the objectives of updating alumni on upcoming events, publications, appeals and fundraising for the Edinburgh Fund. Calls are made by Edinburgh students.

 

Why are the students calling me?

We want to update you on what is happening in and around the University. No one can do that better than the students who are actually living it!

 

Do all alumni receive a Telephone Campaign call?

We have approximately 280,000 alumni in our database and it grows by nearly 10,000 every year. Previously, we called around 20,000 alumni each year. Our campaign this year will be primarily involve those that are current or recent supporters.  

 

Why do you the students call in the evening or at the weekend?

We try to contact people at a time that we think will suit them. If you would prefer a call at a time that suits you, please contact supporter@ed.ac.uk and one of the team will get in touch.

 

On what days and at what times should I expect a Telephone Campaign call?

Our students work around their studies and will aim to call those of a working age during evenings and weekends. We will always endeavour to call at a time appropriate to your time zone. We are trialling daytime calls for those we think are of retirement age.

 

Why has my partner also received a Telephone Campaign call?

If your partner is also a graduate of the University of Edinburgh then they are just as likely to receive a call in our campaign. We have found that partners often prefer two phone calls as they studied different degrees, had very unique experiences and often have specific questions they wish to ask.

About the students

What are students raising money for?

Our students are fundraising for scholarships and projects and areas that most directly affect student life at the University.

 

Do students get paid?

Yes. This is a part time job, and the students get paid an hourly wage to call Edinburgh alumni.

 

Who pays for the students to call me?

The student’s wages comes out of a centrally-administered budget. Their compensation is not related to the donations they raise.

 

Will the student I speak to have studied the same course as me?

Wherever possible we will match you to a student whose interests or course may be similar to yours. We want both of you to enjoy the experience of talking about the University.

About donations

Can I make my donation over the phone?

Yes, our students are trained to set up Direct Debit payments over the phone.  We are unfortunately not able to process credit or debit cards on the phone, though callers can send a donation link and talk you through the process. We have a secure server and all of your details are safely processed.

 

Can I donate in other ways?

You can donate online using the link at the bottom of this page. Alternatively you can send in a donation by cheque or CAF voucher. Donations are made payable to The University of Edinburgh Development Trust. If required, a specific fund can be noted on the reverse of the cheque.

If sending your cheque from the UK (no stamp required), send your donation to:

Freepost UNIVERSITY REPLY

Please note, 'UNIVERSITY REPLY' must be in capitals. There's no need to include our address - it will make its way to us just as it is.

If sending from outside the UK, excluding the USA

Development & Alumni

The University of Edinburgh

Charles Stewart House

9-16 Chambers Street

Edinburgh EH1 1 HT

Scotland UK

 If desired, we can send you a prepaid return envelope to use instead.

 

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a scheme set up by the UK Government that offers tax relief on money donated to UK charities. If you are a UK taxpayer, your gift may be eligible, and this will increase the value of your donation, at no cost to you. The University of Edinburgh reclaims the basic rate tax on donations from UK taxpayers, provided the donor pays enough UK income tax and/or capital gains tax themselves to cover the amount of tax University of Edinburgh will reclaim (currently 25p for every £1).

 

When will I receive acknowledgement of my donation?

A letter of thanks and your receipt will be posted within a working week.

How can I...?

How can I call the student back?

Unfortunately you cannot call the students back, if there is a convenient time for them to call, please email alumni@ed.ac.uk or call 0131 650 2240.

 

How can I stop receiving Telephone Campaign calls?

If you would prefer not to be called, or to request a pause in the calls by our students, please email alumni@ed.ac.uk, or call 0131 650 2240.

 

How can I be sure the call was legitimate? 

If you have received a call from 0131 651 7112 then you have received a call from the University of Edinburgh. If you would like further confirmation, please call 0131 651 1411 to talk to one of our supervising team who can reassure you as to the authenticity of the call.

 

How can I find out more? 

If you would like further information on the Telephone Campaign or discuss a call that you have recently received, please email chris.bobby@ed.ac.uk, or call 0131 650 9734.

Contact us

If you have any questions that are not covered by the information above, please email Chris Bobby.

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