The Division of Graduate Studies is excited to partner with academic programs to bolster graduate student recruitment.
What website improvements can we expect?
The division will make it easier for prospective students to find UO programs when searching the internet for graduate study. Planned improvements to the division's admissions webpages will include content refinement, targeted keyword integration, and FAQs to engage more prospective students, effectively guiding them to information about your program and the application portal.
Do RFI forms improve enrollment numbers?
Many of our peers have been using RFI forms for many years and others are beginning to use them. With the multi-year process of switching out of GradWeb into Slate, we are now able to optimize Slate recruitment functionality, like building RFI forms. Research shows that universities that started using RFI forms, and responding to prospective students in a timely manner, saw significant increases in submitted applications and yield.
Where will RFI links be added?
RFI form links will be added to the division’s homepage, admissions page, and every graduate academic program description page accessed through the division website. Programs also may choose to add the RFI link to their program webpages.
Who will write the three automated Slate emails?
When a prospective student submits an RFI form, they will receive three automated emails via Slate, sent over a specified period, that provide them with more detailed information about the admissions process, as well as your program. Our team will offer you templated email text that is aligned with best recruitment outreach practices and work with you to customize the email wording slightly. Our team also will discuss at what intervals the emails should be sent.
It will be important to work together to create email content that is engaging and responding to students’ inquiries quickly to build their interest.
What comes after the three automated emails?
The final automated Slate email will direct the prospective student to your program contact, allowing us to direct better-informed prospects to your staff for more in-depth questions that you can best answer.
How can Slate data help our program?
After an individual completes an RFI form, you will be able to see in Slate basic demographic and contact information. You will also be able to track your interactions with them (e.g., staff emails answering their questions, their attendance at a program recruitment Zoom meeting) and see how they move through the admissions process.
We hope these data promote further strategic thinking about what recruitment content and communication practices are working for your program.
What staff support will the division provide?
The division admissions team will increase their outreach and collaborative work with campus partners, offering the following services this year:
- Drop in 'office hours' for all admissions topics on alternate Tuesdays and Fridays, starting 10/10. Attend using this Zoom link. Bring any admissions topic or question you need assistance with.
- Graduate coordinator and communications staff meetings to review best practices in prospective student outreach and engagement.
- International transcript evaluations and increased recruitment efforts in targeted international markets.
Who do I contact with more recruitment and admissions questions?
Contact the division anytime at graduatestudies@uoregon.edu. Your question will be routed to the person who can help.