“Elluminating” Technology:Virtual Outreach Strategies for

Recruiting on a Budget

Julie VultaggioAssistant Director of Admissions

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Julia Bourquin Associate Director of Admissions

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Presented at the NAGAP National ConferenceApril 8, 2011

I. What is Web Conferencing?

II. An “Elluminating” Demonstration

III. Elluminate as a Recruitment and Yield Tool

IV. Planning and Executing Elluminate Events

V. Examples from Appian Way

VI. Questions & Discussion

Agenda

1. Understand the potential of web conferencing programs and online recruitment tools to reach prospective students, both domestic and international

2. Gain familiarity with Elluminate online recruitment technology

3. Become knowledgeable about non-traditional recruitment techniques that can increase outreach opportunities in cost-effective ways

Learning Objectives

Part I: What is Web Conferencing?

Pros: • Real time

conversation• Good for Q&A• Limited training

Cons: • Mainly text• Participant

driven

Pros: • Host driven• Allows for audio/

visual presentation• Recording capability

Cons: • Limited interaction• Planning required

Pros: • Highly interactive• Allows for presentation• Good for Q&A• Recording capability

Cons: • Planning required• Training required

Online Chats Webinars Web Conferencing

Choosing Your Web Conferencing Tool

Numerous technologies available Elluminate WebEx GoToMeeting

Factors to consider Business purpose Target audience(s) Usability Contract length Cost

Part II: An “Elluminating” Demonstration

Part III: Elluminate as a Recruitment and Yield Tool

Events Program/office/content/demographic-specific International hybrids Small group sessions

Other Uses Student/Alumni Ambassador training Student chats Faculty speakers

Part IV: Planning and Executing

Elluminate Events

Planning Considerations Purpose Audience(s) Content Staffing Scheduling Technical Support

Logistical Considerations Physical location

Technology/equipment Set-up and testing Training

Marketing Catering Feedback

The Effectiveness of Elluminate: Examples from Appian Way

Doctor of Education Leadership Virtual Information Sessions• Target audience: Prospective applicants interested in Ed.L.D. • Support: 5 staff (admissions/program); 2 faculty• Attendees: 445 across 2 sessions

International Hybrid Session in Bogota, Colombia• Target audience: Prospective applicants in Bogota (all programs)• Support: 1 HGSE alum on-site; 1 admissions staff (virtual) • Attendees: 45

Virtual Information Session for Prospective Students of Color• Target audience: Prospective students of color (all programs)• Support: 2 staff (admissions/student affairs); 3-5 current students• Attendees: 62

Questions and Discussion

Thank you for joining us!

Julia Bourquin, Associate Director of AdmissionsHarvard Graduate School of Education

julie_bourquin@gse.harvard.edu

Julie Vultaggio, Assistant Director of AdmissionsHarvard Graduate School of Education

julie_vultaggio@gse.harvard.edu