UM-Flint University Relations

In nearly every meeting I attend at UM-Flint, the topic of the “student experience” is discussed.  This is a good thing–clearly it is a concern and perspective that is considered at every level of the university.  Lots of time and energy is devoted to this issue. But, there is a huge chasm between the talk […]

First day back to work in 2011 and, of course, I’m thinking about a new year’s resolution–one that doesn’t involve abstaining from dessert. First, a bit of background: When I shop, I am a brand loyalist. For laundry, it’s Tide.  For shampoo, it’s the pretentious-sounding Systeme Biolage.  Skincare is Clinique and Origins. I only buy […]

Focus groups are just one tool in the evolving world of figuring out a company’s brand, image, and potential direction for projects and campaigns. They require time to truly review, analyze, and adjust the structure of the focus group sessions to achieve: 1) clear set goals; 2) the best time of day/year for attendees; 3) […]

For the five of you who are regular readers of this blog and not related to me by blood, I want to extend my sincerest apologies to you. We have failed.

Where do we get our inspiration from in University Relations? It turns out we all have different resources that help us to think creatively, strategically, or just make us laugh out loud.  Here’s our list of things we find useful, and they are categorized for your convenience.  Happy clicking!

Ever wonder what goes into designing a brochure, laying out a billboard, or creating a website? Believe it or not, there’s no “Easy Button” when it comes to effective and strategic design. The process is often long and always well thought-out. Here are the steps to producing a successful design project:

Coming to a computer screen near you…. The University of Michigan-Flint is proud to launch the new Leadership Video Series on the official UM-Flint You Tube site. This set of eight videos features the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and Deans of UM-Flint, speaking about their particular areas of oversight.  These videos give viewers a bit of […]

I have never cared much about cars. It’s an odd dichotomy. I owe so much of my comfortable middle-class life to the automotive industry, where so many of my family members spent long hours on an assembly line, and yet, I barely notice anything about cars. As Alanis Morrissette might say, “Isn’t it ironic?” The […]

How many meetings have we all been in when someone talks about promoting an initiative, an event, a program, etc., and the first thing people usually talk about is print materials?  Website marketing is usually mentioned much farther down the list. In University Relations, we have flipped the paradigm.  Web is first.  Web is foremost. […]

I am helping my husband plan his family reunion.  We have immersed ourselves in nostalgia, going through old photo albums, connecting with Aunt Hazel’s kids on Facebook, and remembering the unique family history that only members in that exclusive club can appreciate. As part of the fun, we are trying to create a feeling of […]