best practices for developing a successful rutgers day program the most successful programs are...
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Best Practices for Developing a Successful Rutgers Day Program
The most successful programs are simple, informative, interactive, and fun!
Keep the following information and tips in mind as you collaborate with colleagues to come up with ideas. You can always contact us at [email protected] for help.
Rutgers Day Goals Instill pride in New Jersey residents and the Rutgers community by
showcasing the exciting things happening at their state university through an enjoyable experience
Give a human face to the university by showcasing engaged students, faculty, and staff
Provide new ways for alumni to connect with their alma mater Engage local communities by inviting their participation
Demonstrate Rutgers’ value to the state
What does Rutgers Day look like?
More than 500 programs are clustered into high visibility areas on the Busch, College Avenue, and Cook/Douglass campuses.
Some programs are indoors, but most are under white-peaked tents and at tables.
Each campus has at least one performance stage.
Food vendors are strategically placed around campuses.
Directional and “factoid” signs lead visitors to program areas.
Information tents are placed in key locations.
Types of programs
Performances: music, dance, theater
Mini-lectures; Demonstrations; Experiments; Info sessions
Hands-on activities
Exhibits
Information / display tables
Where do you fit in?
• Schools & Departments– Tell your story with a game or interesting display. Engage
the audience. Make it kid-friendly, and parents will learn too. Get faculty involved. Professors make a great impression on prospective students, parents of current students, and alumni.
• Student Organizations– Visitors love interacting with students. You can ask for
donations, but DO NOT CHARGE MONEY to participate in an activity. Rutgers Day is FREE.
• Performers– Students, faculty, and staff are invited to perform solo or
with their group on a mainstage (Big R or Scarlet). Dancers, singers, musical groups, and theater groups are encouraged to submit
Tips For Rutgers Day Success!
• Know your audience. They are mostly alumni with young families, but senior citizens, and local residents enjoy the day too.
• Keep your program ‘G’ rated• There’s a lot to do at Rutgers Day.
People won’t hang around for long, so keep your activity short.
• Be friendly and welcoming. Engage visitors as they pass by.• Find a creative way to show the mission of your school, department, or organization.
More Tips Focus on ‘friend-raising’ not fundraising. Plan for inclement weather. Consider load-in and load-out plans. Go ‘green’ by limiting handouts. Build in time and coverage for lunch breaks; check out
our food vendors and student run BBQs. Schedule time to enjoy Rutgers Day with your family
and friends; work in shifts. Use social media during the day to get people to
campus and to your program. Bring a camera; post photos on the Rutgers Day
Facebook page or other social media. Survey your visitors for feedback.
Marketing Tips Start marketing your program NOW. Use materials found on the Rutgers Day website (flyers;
signs; templates; Save-the-Date card). Include Rutgers Day and your program information in
newsletters and general emails. Add a Rutgers Day link to your email signature, Facebook
page, or YouTube channel. Become a fan on Facebook, and encourage friends to
become fans as well. RSVP to our event. Share our flyers, ads, and bookmarks with others. Encourage your friends and family to attend!
Spread the word about Rutgers Day!
Give-Aways & Sponsors You don’t need to give something away to attract people
to your program. If your activity is fun…they will come.
If you do give out items, be sure they come from approved vendors (check with Trademark Licensing).
No corporate logos or names should appear on giveaways. This day is about Rutgers, not corporations or businesses.
If someone wants exposure to our visitors, direct them to our sponsor page.
What does Rutgers Day Provide for You?
Promotion in ads, billboards, radio announcements, mailings, Targum wrap, etc.
Program listings on website, booklet handout, and mobile ap Free parking and special Rutgers Day bus route Information tents and campus greeters Signage on roads; around campuses; at program locations Staff assistants in program areas Tables, chairs, and tents where appropriate Rutgers Day t-shirts Public safety and facilities management
What to Expect Leading up to Rutgers Day
• Notification emails about submitting your program• Responses to your phone calls and emails for help
planning your program• Information updates on our Facebook page and
website• Mid-March: Confirmation email with information about
your program requirements, location, and t-shirts• April 1: Downloadable program listings on our website• Weather alerts/rain plan if necessary
Need help?
Web: rutgersday.rutgers.edu
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 732-932-7823Programming questions: ext. 672
Logistical questions: ext. 649Student organizations or performance questions: ext. 675