Student Affairs Communications Group Minutes
January 13, 2016
Attendance: Kami Hammerschmith, Michele Ribeiro, Lisa Hoogesteger, Sarah
Payne, Nancy Raskauskas-Coons, Carolyn Boyd, Bonnie Hemrick, Kent Sumner,
Sarah Norek, Tram Hoang, Michael McDonald, Majeed Badizadegan, Tracy Getz, Sal
Miramontes Jr., Jennifer Rouse, Jennifer Viña, Matt Fenstermaker, John McQueen,
Linda Howard
Next meeting of the Student Affairs Communications Group will be Wednesday,
February 3, 2016, 10 a.m. -Noon, Autzen Classroom, Valley Library. Topic: Learn
how to increase web accessibility. Gabe Merrell from the Office of Equity and
Inclusion will be providing guidance on best practices.
Today
Carolyn welcomed the group back for winter term. A small group of students were
invited to share information about how they find out about campus events, their
social media practices, etc. Four students were present – Olivia, senior in sociology,
Travis, junior in Business, Matt, junior in Business, and Dennis, senior in finance.
The students were asked how they find out about events. Answers included:
through friends, word of mouth, they see posters on campus, Facebook (friends
sharing and OSU events page), Greek chapter announcements, signs on campus,
posters in College of Business with relevance to COB.
The students present are involved in Greek Life, ASOSU, MUPC and the Student
Visitor Center.
They were asked what makes a poster stand out? Most recently they noticed the
Waste Watchers poster and the Active Shooter posters. Use of color, simple
graphics, 1-2-3, catch phrases and big words catch attention. They cautioned against
using orange.
They were asked how likely they are to register on Facebook for events? They
responded that it depended on their interest in the event and that they are likely to
register last minute.
They were asked about seeing announcements on their phones or desktop
computer? Three said phone was most likely, one said desktop. All social media is
accessed through their phones and Fraternity communications through Facebook.
Facebook is not as popular as it was, but is not going away. They look at posts on
Twitter and SnapChat’s news feed. SnapChat is not good for promoting events.
Every third or fourth post, SnapChat throws in an ad that must be watched.
International students start Facebook pages when they come to the U.S.
Students get lots of email. One doesn’t read it. One loves it. They get good
information from their advisers. Email is used for work and formal communications.
A lot can get lost in the clutter.
They suggested Facebook for events and email for information.
When campus was closed they learned through word of mouth, email, Facebook and
SnapChat.
When outside advertisers come to campus, they appreciate the giveaways, free
shirts, beverages, gift cards and merchandise.
They said it is uncomfortable when people present in classrooms. They like that
they present, but asking if they want a flyer is hard to respond to in a classroom
setting. Also, they lose flyers. You could leave flyers in the front of the classroom to
be picked up.
Personal touch is nice. Talk to people when tabling. Don’t just hand out flyers.
Students recommended a workshop for students marketing in the Quad be held to
make them more effective.
Students said tabling in the Quad can be demoralizing. There is a lot of lack of
interest from those walking by and they don’t like to have flyers shoved in their face.
They said a megaphone grabs attention and can call people out.
You only need to be in the Quad during passing time between classes. MUPC is
trying this with handing out a business card sized flyer.
Students said a quick, fast, short message, such as a business card is good. They also
said they will stop for candy.
They liked it when groups handed out hot chocolate in the Quad. Students waiting in
line engaged with the group while waiting to be served their hot chocolate.
They were asked where they purchase food. They said usually wherever was
convenient. They like to eat Panda Express in the MU. They felt coffee sleeve ads are
effective. Also, soda giveaways with stickers on the cans are good.
Stickers are a good giveaway item. Refrigerator magnets with important
information are also good.
In regards to social media engagement, photos catch attention. You can layer
information on a photo. Videos on an event page are good. Videos should be 1
minute or less and no longer than five minutes. Music is good. They like a little flash,
but don’t overuse. They like 10-15 seconds with main information only and then a 12 minute extended video if they want more.
NewsFeed Social on Facebook has one minute long news videos on what is the HSRC
or what is ALI? They like these videos.
One student felt Vine is dying. It is now translating to Instagram.
It’s good to have themes for your daily posts. Make posts upbeat. Include videos.
Show how fun it is to be at a certain place. Peak interest. Techno music is good. Silly
posts grab attention. Keep a charismatic, upbeat voice in messages. One voice is
good. Have a student write it.
When to hold events? Avoid Mondays, because Greek chapters all have Monday
night events. Tuesday and Thursday tend to be more open. The middle of the week
(Tuesday-Thursday) is good. After 7 p.m. was suggested as that is when classes end.
Hashtags? – It was suggested to limit hashtags to one line. Two lines is pushing it.
Incorporating the hashtags in your message is best, not just at the end. Encouraging
students to post photos with a hashtag helps draw engagement.
Social media used – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, LinkedIn
When do you use websites? They use “Tools and Services” on the OSU website. They
use OSU Online Services for business matters. They used Netflix and YouTube. They
like it when OSU highlights students on the homepage. They suggested it would be
great if there was one events/activities page.
Use of the OSU calendar was mixed. It tends to be a long list with a lot of recurring
events. They are moderately aware of services and events on campus. They like it
when groups speak at Greek Chapters.
They suggested there be a Campus Compass, similar to a cruise ship calendar that is
an online events calendar. It was suggested the link be shared with academic
advisers.
Only one student was aware of the OSU Today email newsletter. Students all use
Canvas and like it better than Blackboard. If the calendar is in Canvas, it was
suggested it be a separate events calendar and not tied to their assignments
calendar.
Free events are attention grabbing. They like no registration and no ticket. You don’t
need to use the word free, as it is assumed unless otherwise stated.
Students like giveaways – food, candy, drinks, pens with stylist, unique items, free
tickets to events, gift cards, limited availability items, grab bags, sunglasses, old
Benny logo items, draw string bags, t-shirts. They like Wheel of Fortune games and
trivia games.
At the beginning of the term it is good to see highlights of events and know where to
sign up.
They like the personal touch. Highlight what students are doing. Make students feel
special.
Posts should be youthful and appealing – attractive to the college age. Students hear
about things a lot through word of mouth. Get the word out more, so information
can be shared. It’s okay to say, if you think this is interesting please forward to a
friend. It is even better if there is an incentive to share.
Students also thought it would be great if there was a page to self-select from a list
of departments to receive information from. Maybe have a QR code to reach the
page, enter email and then self-select the departments you want information from.
There is a campus relations or PR chair for each Greek chapter. They can help
post/promote information on events/opportunities.
Posters are the least effective marketing tool, unless they have a unique
presentation and placement.
They also like sidewalk chalk.
Carolyn announced the Drupal Open Labs will continue based on attendance. The
next one is Friday, Jan. 22. They will run weekly on Fridays through winter term.
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/webcomm/?tag=open-lab
Jennifer V. introduced University Housing & Dining’s two new employees – Tracy
Getz and Jennifer Rouse. They are working on marketing and communications for
the dining centers and ancillary programs.
At the March 2 meeting, Carolyn will share information on marijuana policies.
Michele announced the Healthy Minds Study and asked for assistance promoting it.
Eight thousand students will be invited to participate.