This document discusses using blogging technology on college/university websites to communicate with prospective students. It notes that most prospective students use the internet to research colleges. The document outlines many factors that prospective students consider when selecting a college, including academics, campus life, reputation, and costs. It then discusses using student blogs on college websites to provide information on these topics from a student perspective in a format familiar to prospective students. Specific blog post topics that could be covered are listed. The goal is to determine if web content meets prospective student needs and identify best practices for presenting relevant information through this medium.

1. Blogging with Prospective Students to Connect and E-mail is so Old School

2. Topics Rationale for Research Utilization of the Internet by Prospective Students College Selection Criteria Purposes of Study Use of Blogging Technology in the Website Design Communication Themes Why Blogging Technology?

3. Rationale for Research As colleges and universities choose to employ the Internet to communicate with the prospective student during their search for information, it is important that the information provided be of assistance to the prospective student. Electronic media is used by a majority of prospective students in making contact or researching a college or university of interest (Hawkins & Clinedinst, 2006)

4. Utilization of the Internet Utilization by prospective students Today’s students are “informed candidates for admission” (Mentz & Whiteside, 2003). Christiansen et al. (2003) found that the content provided on the website was considered by prospective students to be the most essential element in determining website effectiveness.

5. College Selection Factors Academic major availability Academic program quality Admissions office contacts Athletic program availability Campus activities Campus appearance Campus facilities Campus location Campus safety 10. Career preparation 11. College publications College/university reputation Computer resources/facilities Course offerings (variability)

6. College Selection Factors 23. Recommendations from parents, friends, teachers, counselors 24. Religious consideration 25. Student body size and class size 26. Student body diversity 27. Student support services 28. Tuition and related educational expenses 15. Faculty (contact, qualifications, diversity) 16. Financial aid available 17. Graduate school preparation Honors programs available Housing Intramural sports Laboratory resources and facilities Library resources

7. Purpose of the Study Determine whether the web content provided by colleges and universities is reflective of the information needed by prospective students in making their college decision Identify the current practices being employed by colleges and universities in presenting information of interest to the prospective student

8. Utilization of Blogging Technology Definition of a Blog A weblog or online diary/journal contributed by the college or university’s current students. 34 of 400 (8.5%) of colleges and universities made current student blogs available on the website.

9. Current Student Blog Topics Advice for incoming freshmen Advice for prospective students Application process Athletics Balancing school with family and friends Budgeting for college expenses Campus events (art/photography exhibits and concerts) Campus newspaper Classroom experiences Class assignments (presentations, research activities, and exams)

10. Current Student Blog Topics Clubs and organizations Community service Dining services Dormitory living Facebook (online social networking website) Facilities (navigating buildings) Family interactions Field trips Friend interactions Going home for the weekend

11. Current Student Blog Topics 21. Preparing for graduate school 22. Graduation (commencement exercises) 23. Health services 24. Holiday breaks 25. Homecoming events 26. Introductory information 27. Internships 28. Liberal education program 29. Local area attractions 30. Moving to campus

12. Current Student Blog Topics Pets Preparing for college graduation Program of study (academic majors) Reasons for choosing college Recreational activities (non-college sponsored) Recreational activities (college sponsored) Registration (selecting classes) Returning to campus after a break Roommates Spring break

13. Current Student Blog Topics Stress from exams and presentations Semester-beginning activities Semester-ending activities Serving as a Student Ambassador Shopping for the beginning of school Student employment Search for employment Student involvement (importance of being involved on campus) Student workload Study abroad programs

14. Current Student Blog Topics 51. Studying experiences/tips 52. Summer experiences 53. Summer employment 54. Traditions (of the college/university) 55. Visits from family and friends 56. Weather (local area)

15. Academic life andcampus life Communication Themes

16. Why Blogging Technology? Provides an opportunity to communicate the benefits of the service Communicates information in a format students are familiar with Builds a readership community Adds a “face” to the institution Begins a dialogue with the prospective student

17. Questions?