The Idea

Provide a structured opportunity for first-year students to reflect on their experiences at the

University of Iowa.

The Preparation

• Selecting the method: photography• Researching other institutions• Deciding on audience: all first-year students• Student submissions: utilize social media

(student friendly)

The Initial Plan

• Ask students to respond to various prompts• “Submit a picture of yourself studying on the

Pentacrest.”• Include reflection in caption• Use the hashtag #captureiowa on

Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to submit photos

• Market just to first-year students (Class of 2017)

The Realization

• Original plan was too restrictive• # of photos submitted

• Target the process to audience• Make the submission process as straight

forward as possible

The New Plan• Ask students to submit photos capturing their

experience at the University of Iowa• Use the hashtag #captureiowa on Facebook,

Twitter, or Instagram• Market openly but focus on certain

avenues that have a large number of first-year students

The Message

Submit your photos using the #captureiowa hashtag

The Marketing

• Posters around campus• Table tents• Digital signage• Facebook messaging• Outreach to certain staff

members and groups

The Software

• Social media• Storify• Pulls social media posts into a ‘story’• Search using the hashtag: #captureiowa• Embed story on any site• Our site: http://captureiowa.uiowa.edu/

The Logistics

• Refresh the story consistently• Contact students to encourage• Contact students to determine classification

and receive permission• Select photos for gallery and design the

display

The Next Iteration

• Outreach to more individuals on campus• Market during Orientation and On Iowa!• Attend more events/activities• Market consistently throughout the year• Determine new avenues for outreach

Lessons Learned• Establish your message• Simplify the process• Don’t be married to your initial idea • Listen to the experts!• Implement change the next iteration

?