#RU Prepared
#RU PreparedCreating an Integrated Advising Message Across Social Media and Online Platforms
School of Arts & SciencesRutgers UniversityWho we areJulie Traxler, Ed.D.Assistant Dean and Director of First Year Advising
Courtney Stanzione, Ed.M.Assistant Dean and First Year Adviser
Iris Zipkin, Ed.M.Assistant Dean and First Year Adviser
Our StudentsSchool of Arts & Sciences (over 70 broad major programs)
4,000 Undeclared first-year students (20,000+ total undergraduates)
Fall schedule: students select courses and advisers finalize registration
Spring schedule: students register online3Our Shared ChallengeRegistration Preparation
HOW:Online Systems
WHAT:Course availability and registration policies
WHY:Advising toward exploration
WHEN:Registration by credits earned
4The ProblemDay-of:
LiveChat Advising: 10pm-12am to triage problems
Prep: October 20 - November 20
Individual Advising Appointments Approx 2800 appts = 11%
Residence Hall Advising14 programs run by advisers, 400-450 students reached
Registration WorkshopsComputer labs, hosted by staff and graduate interns10-20 students reached
Online registration tutorial video
THE PROBLEM:Numbers/ratiosAdvising not mandatoryResource-intensiveQuickly outdatedDifficulties at the advising counters
5Proposed SolutionMeet the students where they are: ONLINE!
Design comprehensive social media plan
Utilize the best aspects ofmultiple platforms
Anchor with #RUPrepared
6Step 1: Design AnchorResearch hashtag and consider:UtilityLongevitySearch-abilityWacky hijinksRead it out loud. Read it again. Out loud.
Visual identity of campaignConsider level of formality/informality Stock photos with University identity markers = formal communication styleMemes are a more recognizable = casual outreach
#Cowboysuk = Cowboys UK#WTFF = What the french fry#Hobbitch = Hobbit CH#nowthatcherisdead = Now Thatcher is dead, NOT Now that Cher is dead
All would benefit from capitalization or underscore!
7Sidebar: To Meme or Not To MemeFair usePurpose and characterNature of the workPortion used vs. wholeEffect of use on value/ marketPermission & AttributionResources
Content, Images & Copyright Issues8Step 2: ToolsConsider the strengths of available platforms
Blog: Narrative, ability to expound and discuss, embed images, link to relevant sites and other content
Facebook: More detailed descriptions and increased opportunity for dialogue, connection to student groups
Twitter: Quick links and promotions; links to Facebook and other U. offices
Step 3: Content + Platform10MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday10/21Premiere meme and hashtag & promote Major Fair10/2210/2310/2410/27
10/28#RUPrepared teaser on blog & signage in offices and Major Fair10/2910/30Determine your registration date w/links10/31Reminder to schedule Advising Appointments11/3
11/411/5Introduce Degree Audit Tools11/6SAS Core discussion & promote LiveChat11/711/10Course Schedule Planner tutorial11/1111/12Promote CSP post11/1311/14Rate My Professor post11/17Registration BuzzFeed memes11/18Students begin to register online 11/1911/20
Step 4: Create CalendarMaking it WorkExample: Twitter (static)
Post content directlyAutopost to FacebookHashtagExample: Twitter (lead in)Lead in
Link to further content
Hashtag
Example: FacebookPreview
Description
Link
Hashtag
Shares
Example: BlogSasfroshblog.blogspot.com
#RUPrepared by the numbers
17Moving Forward: F15F15 #RUPrepared PlanBuild on F14 effortExpand contentWiden hashtag promotionCoordination with offices for shares, retweetsMore Assessment!Survey instruments for Res Hall programs, social media users, incentivesAssess student use, recognition of hashtag18Thank you!FB: SAS Office of Academic Services
Twitter: @SAS Advising
Blog: SASfroshblog.blogspot.com
Julie Traxler ([email protected] @Jtrax_RU)
Courtney Stanzione ([email protected])
Iris Zipkin ([email protected])