THe monarch nation Communication plan

The Four phases

Incoming students are unaware of the campus academic culture. Students arrive expecting support similar to their high school counseling experience where one office addressed their academic and individual needs. Upon arrival at ODU, they experience the opposite. We found that “Students don't know what they don’t know.” In response to findings of fragmented or non-existence communication pertaining to advising and major exploration, The Monarch Nation Communication Plan was developed. This plan includes a 4-phase approach to address the advising needs of our incoming students.

Phase 1 - chat box

Incoming students are unaware of the campus academic culture. Students arrive expecting support similar to their high school counseling experience where one office addressed their academic and individual needs. Upon arrival at ODU, they experience the opposite. We found that “Students don't know what they don’t know.” The base of our plan is to provide a Chat Box to assist and give answers to any and all questions.

Features Include:

Located On the main ODU website (Spanish version available) to ensure easy access and an immediate response to advising and major exploration information.

"How Can We Help You today?”

Phase 2 - student READY

Information for advising, major selection, or changes are scattered and fragmented throughout different ODU web pages. Students find it challenging to locate exploration tools and processes for support.

Features Include:

Monarch Nation Video Series: Designed to prepare incoming students for the ODU academic culture as it relates to major selection and advising. This video series will reflect - ‘An Advising Day in the Life of a Student” and go through various scenarios. (The video will include subtitles and a Spanish version. Spanish options.)

- The videos will be sent in the welcome packet and shown during the 1st Year Course.
- VIDEO Footage:
  - Designed to address common barriers, through a step-by-step process, by answering: “I'm an incoming student at ODU, what do I do next?”

Monarch Nation 1st Year Course: Tuition-free -- Designed to address college readiness and orientation needs for incoming students to explore majors, advising, careers, policies, procedures, etc. during their first year of adjustment to the University.--

- Videos shown during the orientation class.

Welcome Information: helps inform some of the students’ major support systems, their family or guardians, who oftentimes have a major interest in the learning process. These interactions can lead to better communication between these stakeholders leading to a happier and, even with parental advice, a safer experience. The information provides a way for parents/guardians to somehow connecting with the University process.

- WELCOME PACKET -- To prepare students for the academic culture to include the following:
  - Checklist
  - Academic time schedule
  - Important dates/deadlines
  - How to pick a major
  - The advising process
  - Video links to review

WELCOME LETTER: Once a student declares and is accepted in a major, they receive a welcome letter from the dean. This letter will explain major and advising expectations and processes.

Phase 3 - Portal/Website

Students have difficulty navigating the website and finding information. They are not aware of what specific resources are available to them. .

The website portal will lead to:

More efficient information and communication flow for students to engage in the process of choosing majors
Quicker and transparent access to resources available and related information to choosing majors
Relevant information for advising/major exploration in one space

Phase 4 - kiosk

Students have difficulty navigating the campus and are not aware of what resources/ departments are in campus buildings.

Physical digital information stations located around the University campus near heavily populated student areas (ie. Webb center, dining halls, Student Recreation Center, library, and colleges) that informs the student of resources and offices within the building
Ability to provide direction and navigation
Accessible on phone via App or text messaging

monarch nation = great communication!

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