1. 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: account on February 9th for the invitation. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

2. 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

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

5. 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, 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

6. 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 s 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 communications
Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

7. 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 s to students…
START:
7:25 – WRITING APPRECIATIVELY
STOP:
11:22 – Let’s Practice
Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 ?
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
Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

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

12. 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

13. 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 us later
Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

14. Leave your group notes behind OR Email notes to lbalch@uwaterloo.ca
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Leave your group notes behind OR
notes to
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 us later
Creating a communications plan: a practical guide

15.
“Overall, 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