I already left one comment, but misread your statement above! Threefore THIS is the important response: I DEFINITELY am on Facebook; however, I was one of the students not on TWITTER. I just joined today because of the things you said during your presentation–you convinced me! In other words, I loved what you had to say–100 percent. I’m a Junior in public and interpersonal communication and work at the call center for annual giving on campus. Not sure if you saw on Twitter, but I met with Nevin Kessler at work tonight; he said he knew you! Anyways, he was asking for suggestions on how we could possibly work to build donor base at the bottom level with cold calls. The biggest complaint I receive when I’m cold-calling is that the alumni, or parent, or whomever I’m speaking with “doesn’t feel connected to the university any longer.” They say they don’t know things that are happening here, so why should they donate? The only things they hear are negative–especially with the Chancellor Oblinger situation and other negative publicity in the news. Therefore, my suggestion is to include a statement at the end of every call… “Have you found us on Twitter yet?” Or, “Have you been to the NCSU homepage yet?” Anything to let the person know how to stay in touch with the university at all times!

Basically, I think what you’re doing here is an amazing thing! Not only is it a GREAT way for students to stay up to date with different organizations on campus, but it’s a great way for alumni and parents to keep up, as well.

Oh, and about the iPad–I’m not a fan; none of my friends seem to be interested either! From a student’s perspective, it doesn’t seem to do much more than the iPhone (like someone said during the presentation); therefore, it doesn’t make much sense to us to buy something we don’t need UNTIL it’s been perfected. Years from now, even as soon as next year, a newer release could come out that actually DOES everything–then, I think your ideas about tutoring via the iPad could be workable; until then, I’d say it’s probably not going to be too popular with students.

I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation today, and I wish you the best here at our university! I send you a warm NC State welcome:)

Stephanie Raney
Communication–Public and Interpersonal
North Carolina State University
snraney@ncsu.edu

I was one of the 2 students who wasn’t on Facebook during your presentation! I loved it–100%. I’m a Junior in public and interpersonal communication and work at the call center for annual giving on campus. Not sure if you saw on Twitter, but I met with Nevin Kessler at work tonight; he said he knew you! Anyways, he was asking for suggestions on how we could possibly work to build donor base at the bottom level with cold calls. The biggest complaint I receive when I’m cold-calling is that the alumni, or parent, or whomever I’m speaking with “doesn’t feel connected to the university any longer.” They say they don’t know things that are happening here, so why should they donate? The only things they hear are negative–especially with the Chancellor Oblinger situation. Basically, I think what you’re doing here is an amazing thing! Not only is it a GREAT way for students to stay in touch with different organizations on campus, but it’s a great way for alumni and parents to keep up, as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation today, and I wish you the best here at our university! I send you a warm NC State welcome:)

Stephanie Raney
Communication–Public and Interpersonal
North Carolina State University
snraney@ncsu.edu