Educating Educatorsthrough

Enlightening Experiences

STEMtech Conference Oct. 31, 2010 – Nov. 3, 2010

Presented by: Jennifer Thomas, M.S. & Gayle Davis, M.S.

Critical Issue

• Change the community IMAGE of Santa Fe College & Increase Enrollment

In-District Student Opinions

• “Santa Fe College is just like high school, it’s 13th grade.”

• “It’s just my back up plan.”

• “I didn’t get into UF so I guess I’m going to Santa Fe.”

Research Findings•Word of Mouth Advertising:

“My favorite example is a review of a book I found on Amazon: ‘I haven’t read this book, but judging from the

online reviews below, I don’t think it’s a very good book.”Emanuel Rosen, Brandweek, April12, 2010

•Social Networking (Facebook and Twitter):“The impact on enrollment will come from what people can learn on social media sites from other students about the actual experience of attending a particular institution”Bob Johnson, Recruitment & Retention in Higher Education July, 2010

Solution• Get others in the community that have an

interest in students to know us better…

Dr. Jackson Sasser, President of Santa Fe College personally invited all Middle and High School Guidance

Counselors in our districts to visit our campus for a 3 day training

Cost

• Attendance = $6480.00 $270 paid to each Counselor in attendance for all 3 days

• Promotional Items = $• Food = $2253.54 Supplied breakfast, lunch & waters for all 3 days

• Total = $

Implementation• College-wide BUY-IN (requested by VP’s)

– Continued personal and electronic contact• Develop Schedule/Agenda

– Engaging Activities and Presentations– Entertainment– Eating

Outcome…Student Opinions change to:• “I didn’t apply anywhere else, I knew

Santa Fe was the right choice for me!”• “I heard this is a great Institution!”• “Professors are engaging and there are a

ton of great opportunities at SF!”• “It’s a great place to start your academic

career!”

25+ New Recruiters…

The proof is in the data…

2/22/0

94/2

/09

5/11/0

9

6/19/0

9

7/28/0

99/5

/09

10/14

/09

11/22

/09

12/31

/092/8

/10

3/19/1

0

4/27/1

06/5

/10

7/14/1

00

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000Facebook Results

Total LikesPage Views

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The proof is in the data…

April

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Augus

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Septem

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Octobe

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20092010

Student Enrollment