The Division of University Relations is composed of three departments: Alumni Relations, University Communications and University Development. The following report summarizes key accomplishments throughout the division as they relate both to the university-wide value/goal statements and to other goals that support teaching and learning at Weber State University.

Initiative #1 - Communicate WSU message to internal and external audiences

Objective: Conduct public opinion research

1.      University Communications collected data in summer 2004 through telephone surveys of 200 households each in Weber, Davis and Salt Lake counties. Reported public opinion research results to campus September 2004.

2.      Revised ad campaigns and messages based on feedback. The results showed that “quality,” as perceived by the external public, is the most important variable in choosing a university. We also found that small class size is rated much farther down the list. We began emphasizing quality messages in the WSU Magazine, website, and ad campaigns.

Objective: Develop and administer an attitudinal survey to determine alumni perceptions about the value of their educational experience and the quality of WSU today, as well as their current and desired connections to the university

Alumni Relations conducted an online survey of alumni with 1,433 respondents. Results from the survey have focused the department in several areas:

1.      Alumni interest in life and career preparation prompted a partnership with Career Services to offer day long seminars on career advancement with follow-up workshops on specific job search skills. The WSU Alumni Association has dedicated funds to develop an ongoing program.

2.      We are making a greater effort to engage out of state alumni by identifying new membership benefits that are equally available to alumni wherever they live.

3.      Increasing awareness of WSU and the Alumni Association. The Student Alumni Association placed a greater emphasis on community service, helping the Kaysville Family Center, the Ogden Nature Center, the Tree House Museum, and the Muscular Dystrophy telethon. In February, 16 members of the Emeriti Council traveled to the Utah Legislature and made a strong show of support for WSU on the political front.

4.      According to the survey, expectations for communication with our alumni were met or exceeded; more invitations to events and information about benefits would be welcomed.

Objective: Develop an integrated marketing strategy for recruitment that supports the enrollment management strategic plan

1.      Formed integrated marketing committee in fall 2004 with participation from University Relations, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs

2.      Gathered examples of marketing materials from across campus to assess message and design

3.      Retained consultant Bob Johnson of Hawkeye Communications to conduct a branding/image study in June 2005. He will report his findings to campus in August 2005.

4.      Ran three major awareness campaigns during 2004-2005, including a multi-message campaign running from May through August 2005.

5.      Worked toward better integration of view book, early college and concurrent enrollment material.

6.      Designed new view book for 2005-06 aimed at the interests of the “millennial” generation.

Initiative #2 - Enhance institutional culture by recruiting, recognizing and supporting faculty and staff

1.      Created WSU brochure for use in job searches

2.      Published at least one article on faculty research in each issue of Weber State University Magazine

3.      Proactively sought news of faculty/staff accomplishments and publicized them in press releases, the university home page and University News

4.      Created ads, posters and program for faculty forum

Initiative #3 - Improve student preparation, development and retention in their first year

1.      Prepared recruitment materials for the FYE program

Initiative #4 - Provide students with opportunities for collaborative scholarly activities with faculty

1.      Produced general video on undergraduate research to publicize the program with internal and external audience

2.      Produced stewardship video for undergraduate research donor which resulted in a new $50,000 commitment

3.      Created website template for undergraduate research

Enhance technology support for faculty, staff and students

1.      Developed publicity campaign to educate students about the new Banner registration

2.      Web management committee created guidelines for communicating through e-mail and portals

Implement capital facility development projects consistent with master plans

1.      Solicited a $1 million gift to repair and enhance the soccer field. Decision by donor pending.

2.      Solicited and received $100,000 gift for the new nursing laboratory at WSU Davis

3.      Currently producing a video to help legislators understand the need for a new humanities building

Other 2004-05 accomplishments

1.      More than $10.2 million was given to WSU from 3,976 donors. Of that total, $798,051 was for annual scholarships and $779,125 was for endowed scholarships. Annual support for the seven academic colleges and Stewart Library totaled more than $3.8 million. The remaining funds supported a variety of areas across campus, including the Stewart Library, athletics, gifts in kind, and capital facilities.

2.      Outreach programs continue to expand and the alumni travel program is attracting increasing numbers of alumni and friends. A series of three history bus tours, in particular, have proven popular and demonstrate successful partnering with faculty in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Alumni Relations and University Development.

3.      Seven “Classes Without Quizzes” were held with alumni or faculty speakers, with attendance ranging from 40 to more than 80.

4.      Washington, D.C. alumni were invited to numerous events in the D.C. area, including the opening of a Utah art show and a baseball game. D.C. alumni also hosted a reception for President Millner when she visited the East Coast. Seattle area alumni attended a Mariners game together.

5.      The Class of 1964 reunion (70 participants), the Wildcat Alumni Band reunion (120 participants) and the past WSUAA and student body presidents reunion (50 participants) were held in conjunction with Homecoming 2004. The 50-year class reunion, hosted by the Emeriti Council in June 2005, was attended by 104 participants with 63 alumni from the Class of 55. Faculty who taught during these years were also invited to attend the reunions.

6.      The Weber State Alumni Singers reunion was attended by 250, where current and former members of the Weber State Singers honored former directors Lyneer Smith and Evelyn Harris. A free concert at the Egyptian Theater following the reunion attracted an audience of 600.

7.      Forty one students were selected by the WSU Alumni Association to receive scholarships and book awards totaling $29,553 in the 2004-05 academic year. The Alumni Classic golf tournament (132 players) and 5K race (150 racers) raised more than $10,000 that was awarded during the year.

8.      The Take A Wildcat to Lunch mentor program matched 100 alumni mentors with current students. 294 alumni mentors have volunteered to assist WSU students.

9.      An outstanding WSU Salutes program was held in Fall 2004 with 300 in attendance. Video profiles honored Richard Richards, Brig. Gen. David C. Ralston, Dick Walker and Curtis Roberts with Distinguished Alumni Awards; Leola Davidson, Lewis W. Shurtliff Award; and Scott Parson, Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Rod Julander was selected as the recipient of the H. Aldous Dixon award and was honored at a luncheon attended by 120 individuals.

10.  Throughout the course of the year, the University Relations/Continuing Education Diversity Action Team (DAT) continued to be active both in organizing events specifically for UR and CE staff and in encouraging staff to attend campus activities. Highlights include:

•         A UR/CE DAT retreat in August 2004 to come to a consensus on future goals, to identify gaps or barriers to success, and to discuss solutions. The UR/CE DAT also participated in September 2004 in the campus action teams retreat.

•         The DAT kept up communication efforts to staff throughout the year, via e-mail, to educate, promote and highlight the WSU 6^th Annual Diversity Conference, the Holocaust Commemoration, and various emphasis weeks: African American, Hispanic, Native American.

•         Hosted sessions for staff about Ramadan in the fall and about the early Catholic Church in February. Hosted two community building forums and discussions: “Popcorn and a Move,” with a 1970s PBS documentary titled “A Class Divided,” discrimination, and a session titled “The Color of Ethics,” with a discussion about how we each bring our own set of ethics to the work place and how each decision we make has an impact on those around us.