USI Today survey results prompt several changes

University Communications would like to thank all employees and retirees who completed the USI Today survey in November. As the department continues efforts to inform and engage the campus community, your feedback is highly valued, and much appreciated.

Summary of Survey Major Findings

• 370 faculty members, administrators, support staff, part-time employees and retirees completed the survey.
  
  
• 92% of respondents "sometimes", "always" or "usually" open USI Today.
  
  
• Feature stories and announcements topped the list of content viewed through the USI Today website and/or emails.
  
  
• 80% of respondents "agree" or "strongly agree" that the USI Today website and emails keep them informed about what's happening around campus.
  
  
• 69% of respondents say the USI Today email and website help them feel more engaged/connected with the campus community.
  
  
• 74% agree that USI Today is their primary means of receiving news, information and updates about the University.
  
  
• 38% of survey participants requested USI Today delivery once a week. 33% would like to receive the email twice a week, and 26% wish to continue receiving USI Today three times a week.
  
  
• Of the dozens of suggestions and comments offered, recurrent themes/requests included:
  
  
  • Shorten the newsletter
  • Send the newsletter less frequently
  • Reduce repeated information
  • Include more data and analytics/"hard news"
  • Strengthen the focus on learning and how it is taking place on campus

Moving Forward

With this feedback in mind, University Communications is in the process of making several changes to USI Today emails:

• Beginning Monday, February 24, USI Today emails will be delivered twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
  
  
• USI Today emails adopted a more condensed format at the start of the spring semester. Links to events, deadlines and stories at the bottom of the newsletter have been replaced by one link which directs readers to a weekly listing of campus events and happenings.
  
  
• Discussions are underway about how to best provide more frequent updates about campus issues (i.e. strategic plan, budget, University vision, employee governance, etc.) from University leadership via USI Today. We are also looking at ongoing ways to collect information about what readers want to know.
  
  
• University Communications is working closely with representatives across campus to share more stories about learning and academic successes taking place at USI. Please pass on these stories happening in your area by submitting them via https://www.usi.edu/news/send-news-tip. University Communications cannot publicize these successes without your help.
  
  
• We are also beginning the process of looking at visual and functionality redesigns for both the USI Today email template as well as the USI Today website as we transition to the new TerminalFour content management system.

Thank you again for providing important feedback that helps University Communications continue to adapt in ways that keep our campus community informed. If you have any questions or concerns about the USI Today survey, please contact Erin Meyer, internal communications specialist, at emeyer@usi.edu.