Well, guys, I’m finally out of your hair.
But not before I have one last opportunity to try to make a point. So, with one final battle cry, here it comes.
I know I’ve already argued this, but some topics just need a little more emphasis. Something this university hasn’t made a habit of, though, is emphasizing what deserves extra attention.
The marketing of this campus has improved over the last year or so, but I can’t help but feel it’s misguided.
Last week, I talked about how no one really cares about the Core Values, Mission and Vision Statements plastered all over campus. They’re the same droning words every university has and they mean just as little abroad as they do here.
There’s nothing unique about these concepts, which makes them easy to miss when choosing a college.
Sure, the university has grown with residence halls and the improvement of some of the buildings here, but all that says to me is there was more money coming to the school. Big deal.
Even with the fun aspects they try to advertise, it all seems off-target. Last Friday, some students were video taped playing Frisbee for Public Relations. They’re not even the ones who actually play the game from week to week, and it shows.
I’ve spent six years here [yes, six], and nothing pumped out of the school’s various incantations of Public Relations has inspired me in the least. Never have I recited the Core Values when I talk about IU Southeast. I don’t talk about how the Mission Statement has affected my education, nor do I mention how the Vision Statement gives me hope for the direction of this campus.
Rather, I always talk about how the faculty has an unbelievable willingness to help students succeed in the real world. If it weren’t for my professors and other staff members here, I wouldn’t have a portfolio of real-world work. They’ve helped me get in touch with professionals and put my skills to work before I ever thought about wearing a cap and gown.
Other students who have done the same have helped me to bounce ideas around and develop concepts for what I’m going to do when I leave this campus. None of that had to do with a Mission Statement.
Administrators who have worked in my field have offered perspectives I couldn’t have imagined as an amateur in the journalism business. Maybe that ties into a Core Value somewhere, but that doesn’t really matter.
The schools on campus need a little more press, too. They’re not recognized for their achievements or celebrated for having unique degree programs in this region.
Only a couple of schools get any significant notoriety, and it’s a real shame the focus isn’t spread out more. The School of Business and the School of Education get plenty of exposure.
I’ve always loved the art shows put on by students in the Barr Gallery. Students in Social Sciences come away with awards from conferences across the state consistently, and the most they get is a mention in the PR section on the IUS Web site, or a few pictures on screensavers.
We had a story in last week’s issue about an advertising student who graduated, began to work in one of the biggest advertising firms in the world, then was nationally recognized for being one of the best in his field.
Of course, I have to tout the journalism program a little. The University of Louisville’s paper might be prettier, admittedly, but it’s certainly not better. It’s run by communications and English majors because U of L doesn’t have a journalism program.
Students who have graduated from our journalism school have gone on to become corporate figures in national news corporations and secure the spot of LEO’s editor in chief. I didn’t learn about any of this until after I came to school here.
Promoting these points about all of the different programs on this campus will not only make students want to attend this university, but make parents feel more secure about spending thousands on tuition at this school. IU Southeast has consistently advertised competitive tuition rates. cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
Well, it’s been a good run. I hope this school continues to grow, and I hope it takes more of an interest in the people who make this place wonderful. Without them, we’d genuinely be another community college.
Jerod Clapp
Senior Editor
jlclapp@ius.edu
