The student communications survey continues to inform how we communicate with UWaterloo students, making sure that we reach them through the channels they use with the information they are looking for. We have seen changes in some of those preferences during a unique time in our lives, and by continuing to ask for their input, we can be assured that we are delivering content effectively.
We know our students:
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Are motivated to read an email based on a subject line that is relevant to them, and if the sender is someone they know or trust.
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Are motivated to read an email from their professor or academic advisor/program coordinator.
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Trust their professors and the Office of the President as important sources of information.
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Prefer email as a communication channel and want to receive emails 2-3 times a week.
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Skim their email rather than read every one.
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Prefer Instagram as a social media platform for university information.
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Feel the University demonstrates care and concern in their communications.
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Are satisfied with university communications.
We also know that these best practices continue to be true:
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Keep content short and straightforward – simplify communications where possible.
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Use language and tone that demonstrates care and concern for students.
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Align with concepts from the Student Communications Framework and use language that is approachable, constructive, and clear.
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Only send students information that they want to receive or that they would consider relevant.
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Coordinate the delivery of urgent campus updates to students through multiple channels.
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Consider utilizing centralized accounts for content that is applicable to all students.
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Consider how different student audiences prefer to receive information and the type of information being shared when choosing how to communicate with students.