Question:

Members, We have a student population of roughly 12,000, of which 3,500 live on campus. We do a fairly good job of reaching the on campus students through our University Housing System and Dining Services. However, it is very challenging to reach those students that live off campus. I'm curious as to what other schools do to reach this segment? Does anyone have some effective ways to reach the off campus student market aside from the traditional TV, Print and Radio that reaches the broader community?

Thanks in advance,
- Steve Brummel, Western Washington University

Responses:

One thing we do is email the entire student population and let them know of what promo we are hyping up. I don't do it too often so they just start deleting my email...it tends to work pretty well and it directly hits the entire student body...hope that helps...Matt

Our email database through the students proves to be the most effective tool to reach the greatest number of times at their convenience.

Steve, Northeastern State University has similar demographics (as you are probably aware) and your issue is not uncommon. At NSU, we have attempted to reach this portion of the community through the "Non-Traditional Student Organization" ... an officially-recognized student group that was founded just recently. They call themselves the "NoTSO's" ... and we have found them to be very, very involved with athletics and other events on campus. Many are married and have children, so we've arranged special ticket pricing for their family members, plus our campus dining/concession vendor (Sodexho) has hired them on occasion to sell concessions as fund-raisers.

Getting these individuals to stay on campus, or to return once they have gone, is the dilemma. Check with your Office of Student Services if you don't have a group like this ... get them involved and have them be ambassadors for the Athletic Department. Your marketing and promotional effort may fall in line after this group is established.

Steve-
I run into this problem as well, but I have found the most effective thing is a mass student mailbox drops. I don't know if Western allows that but then you can drop a "student piece".
- Karina Handeland, Loyola Marymount University