The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) 2017 What: Survey measures the degree of engagement in academics and social activities which are linked to positive educational practices, outcomes and success Who: All First-year and Graduating Students are eligible to participate When: February 9 – April 4, 2016 Why: Student feedback is how we move ideas into action. Results included in the strategic plan, program reviews and other government reporting. Process for students: Check @UWaterloo.ca e-mail account on February 9th for the invitation. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) 2017 Students will receive: $5 on their Watcard Chance to win $500 Chance to win weekly prizes Additional Outreach: Postcards in all residence mailboxes Residence booths Lunchtime Consultation Session

Creating a communications plan: a practical guide 02/01/2017 Presented by: Lisa Brackenridge and Luke Balch Student Success Office

INTRODUCTIONS LISA LUKE Lisa: SSO since May in the Communications team Leading print and digital communications to support New Student Transition, SSO programs, and cross-campus initiatives under Chris Read’s student portfolio Previously worked in MUR in a similar role supporting communications with prospective students including web, email campaigns, and digital initiatives (video, etc.) 15+ years in communications, marketing, community relations, and public relations Volunteer on campus Board at daycare Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

AGENDA Writing appreciatively - webinar Waterloo student communication preferences Advisor Communications Plans - webinar Small group discussions Lisa Walk through the agenda… Then, we’ll show you a portion of a webinar from academic impressions about writing appreciatively when it comes to emails to students We’ll take a break from the webinar to provide a refresher of the Student Communications Survey and what we know about Waterloo student communication preferences Then we’ll show you another portion of the webinar specific to communications plans And finally, in small groups, you will be able to chat with colleagues about email communications Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

WEBINAR – writing appreciatively Luke Academic Impressions (AI) serves higher ed professionals by providing education products and services that help institutions tackle key, strategic challenges. They offer webcasts, conferences, and newsletters. This webinar – Benjamin M. Forche - Director of Student Affairs at Ohio University - Also worked at Ohio State - Background in design and technology The first part of his webinar that we want to share is about writing appreciatively. Specifically when it comes to emails to students… START: 7:25 – WRITING APPRECIATIVELY STOP: 11:22 – Let’s Practice Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY Lisa: Students were presented with different types of information and asked to indicate any of their preferred communications channels for that type of information. *the results presented here reflect the percentage of all students who identified a particular method of communication as a way they would like to receive specific type of information. At the time of this survey, student portal was not rolled out to all faculties and consequently not included as an option. Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY Important sources of information: 76% Professors 55% Program co-ordinators/ academic advisors Lisa Students were asked to indicate any sources they were “always likely’ to consider an important source of information on campus (across any channel). The top were: 49% Registrar’s Office and Graduate Studies Office Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

What encourages a Waterloo student to read an email? Subject line 90% indicated that the subject line helped them decide whether or not to read an mail Sender line Lisa And when asked which sender lines would motivate them to read an email? 83% Faculty or program 81% Someone they have a relationship with (i.e. Advisor) 76% indicated that the sender line helped them decide whether or not to read an email Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

WEBINAR – creating a communication plan Start @ 16:00 (Create Multiple Plans) Stop @ 26:44 (Communications Plan Overview) Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

WEBINAR – creating a communications plan Key Takeaways: Multiple plans – identify various groups to help with student success, retention Develop categories and priorities (i.e. academics, student involvement, global experience, finance) Avoid “spamming” – customize information by channel Use appreciative wording Engage with others – campus partners Review, revise, review – constantly evolving List campaigns in priority order Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

GROUP DISCUSSION Who’s the author? What is the content? Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Who’s the author? What is the content? Methods of delivery? Brainstorming Luke Discuss the 4 questions in small groups of 3-5 Make notes on the handout Leave them behind with us, or if you prefer – take them and email us later Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

Leave your group notes behind OR Email notes to lbalch@uwaterloo.ca WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave your group notes behind OR Email notes to lbalch@uwaterloo.ca Luke Discuss the 4 questions in small groups of 3-5 Make notes on the handout Leave them behind with us, or if you prefer – take them and email us later Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

Email “Overall, email is the best way to receive official information. Social media is more for social or student life information.” Student Creating a communications plan: a practical guide