Andrea Golato, Dean & Paula S. Williamson, Associate Dean The Graduate College, Texas State University National Graduate Student Appreciation Week as a Marketing Tool Contact information Andrea Golato: Paula S. Williamson: Why do it? Brings visibility to graduate education Visibility helps with recruitment and donations Involves the entire campus community Allows for networking with units across campus It is fun for students and organizers! What is it? Created in 1993 by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students Since then celebrated widely by Graduate Colleges across the United States Supports and appreciates graduate and professional students Celebrates the contributions, impact, and value of graduate and professional students When is it? April 7-13, 2014 Logo / Graphic for Your Event? Campus Design Contest Work with University Marketing Hire design student or involve students in a design course Use the graphic on website and all other promotional materials How to do it? Start planning early – minimally a semester before Check out the website of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students for helpful tips on organizing a successful appreciation week Get buy-in from university administration Designate an assistant or associate dean as the lead Work on graphic / logo first Reserve many rooms across campus to hold for potential events by your office and those of participating units (dont forget to release unneeded rooms) Contact on-campus and off-campus partners, provide ideas for what they may want to do Create a master plan of the week and note all events – dont create competition for your own events Create a website for the event Maintain a list of contributors and sponsors and include them on your website Attend the events After the event, write thank-you-notes. Try to get commitment for the following year! What Types of Activities? Social Events Graduate student socials Wine and cheese reception Films of interest to students Receptions for students on fellowships and donors who funded such fellowships Sports- and wellness activities Recreational activities for students and families Academic Events Lectures Research conference 3MT competition Awards ceremony Professional Development Activities Career exploration workshops Brownbags Fellowship and grantsmanship workshops Financial literacy workshops Work-life balance workshops Stress management sessions Discounts: Campus food vendors Local coffee shops Local attraction (for students and their families) Local merchants Gift certificates / coupons / gifts as door prizes at events Which On-Campus Units are Partners? Alumni Association Career Services Center Community Relations Office Counseling Center Dean of Students Office Equity and Access Office Financial Aid Office Housing Office International Student Office Library Recreational Centers Provosts / Presidents Office Sponsored Programs Office Student Affairs Office Student Government University Advancement University Marketing / Communications Officer / News Services Wellness Center Writing Center Which Off-Campus Units are Partners? Chamber of Commerce Governors Office Individual Companies as Sponsors Local Businesses Mayors Office (Mayor Proclamation) Tenants Union What Materials are Useful? Create text that can be used for soliciting donations / discounts Create a display that vendors can put in windows Create a website that lists all activities Maintain a list of sponsors and donors – display their logos on the website Create a press release text Have photographer on hand during the week Advertise early and continuously Use social media to advertise events Provide give-aways and door-prizes to graduate students attending events Graphics printed with permission from: Boston College, The University of Oklahoma, Fordham University, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Texas State University