the evolution of a communication strategy in financial aid...• public land-grant, research i, big...
TRANSCRIPT
The Evolution of a Communication Strategy in
Financial Aid
Karla Weber, Communications ManagerOffice of Student Financial Aid, UW-Madison
UW-Madison Profile• Public land-grant, Research I, Big 10 Institution
• 200+ Undergraduate Majors/Certificates, 250+ Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional programs
• Spring 2018 Enrollment – 41,520• Undergraduates: 28,365• Graduates/Professionals: 11,102• Specials: 2,053
• 2015-16, submitted FAFSAs• 54% of Undergrads• 27% of Grad/Prof
My Profile• Bachelor of Science – Human Development & Family Studies
• Information Guide, Supervisor, Coordinator for the Campus Information & Visitor Center
• “The Plan” = Graduate School, Master of Social Work• Student Financial Aid…really?• From the Front Desk to Communications• TBD = Master’s Degree Program
• Higher Ed Admin?• Communications?• MBA?
Audience Profile• Do you have any single person in your office
that has a position similar to mine?• How does your office set communication
strategy? One person? Or a team of people?• What are your typical methods for
communicating with students?• Do you collaborate with other campus
offices?
The Past - DiscoveryWho did or didn’t do what? And how?
• Emails – 4 Methods• Increasingly archaic website• What’s social media?• Print Material – people still want things in print?• Media Relations• Consumer Info Compliance
Is this the same office?Federal Direct and Private Loan Office, UW-Madison (Stafford, PLUS, and Private Loans)333 East Campus Mall, Ste #9701Madison, WI 53715-1382Please use the ZIP+4 to ensure proper delivery!Phone: 608-262-4987Fax: 608-262-9068Office Hours: M-F 7:45am-4:[email protected]
Office of Student Financial AidUniversity of Wisconsin – Madison
333 East Campus Mall #9701Madison, WI 53715-1382Ph: (608) 262-3060Fx: (608)262-9068Email: [email protected]: www.financialaid.wisc.edu
UW MadisonOffice of Student Financial Aid333 East Campus Mall #9701 (Office open from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm)Madison, WI 53715-1382608-262-3060 (phone)608-262-9068 (fax)Email: [email protected]: www.finaid.wisc.edu
Special Awards UnitOffice of Student Financial Aid 333 East Campus Mall #9701 Madison, WI 53715-1382 Phone: (608) 262-3060 Fax: (608) [email protected]
Creating Templates
The Present – “Quick” WinsGetting/gaining support
Keeping with UW recommendations:
• Establish a BRAND
• Rethink voice & tone• Did you know that…
Most sources recommend writing anywhere from a 3rd
to 7th grade level in both emails and on websites?!
Track request for comments, data, quotes, etc
Prioritizing all the things!
Coming Soon – Chat Bot!
Purchasing TimingIT Project Intake
Follow Us!
@UWMadFinAid
@UWMad_FinAid
Does your office have social media accounts?If no, why not?!
Who runs our accounts?
Targeted Communication PlanningComplete:• Pell Census Date Change• The End of the Perkins Loan• 2018-19 FAFSA Availability/Priority Date• Badger Promise• Bucky’s Tuition Promise
Coming Soon:• Newsletter for graduating students• Summer eligibility
The Future – as I have time…• Media Policy• MORE Print Material• Metrics/Data/Research• Division/Student Services Communication Collaboration
• What can we combine• How do we send info more strategically - TOGETHER
• Exploring new avenues• Text messaging? Videos?
• Accessibility Concerns• Continuing Education
Don’t Forget!• It’s OK to be reactive while you plan proactivity
• Change doesn’t (and shouldn’t) stop
• If it doesn’t work - try, try again!
• Use your easiest resource, STUDENTS!
• Arm your team!
• Images and infographics are the COOLEST!
• Use what’s already there
