Developing a comprehensive communication strategy to meet the needs of various stakeholder groups

Abstract

Instructional and Research Technology Services (IRTS) at Indiana State University, through input from various stakeholder groups, has developed a comprehensive communication strategy for the Office of Information Technology (OIT). This plan covers communications to internal OIT staff, Indiana State staff, faculty, and students, as well as the general public. This plan created mechanisms to market OIT services, publicize OIT accomplishments, support other OIT units in their documentation of operational services, and to support the CIO's goal of enhancing customer service. In working on this strategy IRTS has been identifying and implementing best practices for communicating to its campus constituencies.The plan was based around three communications and marketing channels (print, electronic, and events/presentations). During the first year of the plan IRTS has created and distributed:The ISU Technology Profile - The information for this document was collected from various units across campus. It details, in charts and graphs, the resources, personnel, and outputs from OIT.Technology @ Indiana State: Faculty/Staff and Student Guides - These guides provide basic, yet useful, information to help the university community to use the tremendous technology resources available at Indiana State.Sycamore.Net Newsletter - This bi-monthly newsletter was created to enhance communication across campus by informing the campus of technology-related activities and providing information to augment users' technology experience.Technology Infomercials - Short, 30-second to 3-minute, videos highlighting information technology services on campus.Other Communication Vehicles - Brochures, ads in the campus student newspaper, updated OIT Web site, scholarly publication centered on faculty use of technology, creation of a campus wide message board system, documentation of new initiatives, and monthly meetings with the local media to publicize new project and initiatives.