A major American conference will hear this week of the contemporary initiatives and leading technology being used by the University of Aberdeen to communicate with students.
Representatives from the University's Student Recruitment and Admissions team will present to an audience of an estimated 300 international delegates from 120 institutions, at the Connect University 2008 conference which takes place from 14-17 July in Phoenix, Arizona.
The University is the only Scottish institute invited to speak at the event which will showcase examples of best practice in student admissions and enrolment management.
The conference will see delegates from across the globe gather for four days of training and networking with the aim of highlighting ways in which liaison with students can be improved through the use of various techniques and technology.
Rachel Sandison, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions said: "The Connect University conference provides an ideal platform to showcase the highly contemporary, forward thinking methods the University of Aberdeen has developed to ensure best practice in communicating with students.
"From modern marketing campaigns and e-zines to web portals and blogs the University is dedicated to employing communication tools which allow us to best interact with potential students, new applicants and our current student body. We understand the importance of corresponding with students through the means of communication they would naturally use themselves and the techniques we use reflect this.
The University recently introduced CHAT – a software system which allows potential new scholars to engage in real time web-chats with experts from the University. The CHAT initiative is designed to provide prospective students with advice, information and guidance.
Rachel continues: "Choosing which university to attend is a crucial decision. From degree programmes through to accommodation many different elements have to be taken into account. The CHAT initiative provides prospective students with a forum to discuss their thoughts and fears, and receive sound answers to all of their queries.
"Specific dates and times are scheduled by the University when a real time web-chat will be taking place and applicants can then log on and speak to our team of experts - which includes current students, graduates and University Student Recruitment and Admission staff. At the same time, students can also talk to one another through the forum providing them with the opportunity to begin to get to know each other before they have even officially matriculated at the University."
The Connect University 2008 conference runs from the 14 – 17 July at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Phoenix, Arizona.
For more information on the CHAT initiative and the range of services offered by the Student Recruitment and Admissions department visit www.abdn.ac.uk/sras