Measurement is Everywhere

In Chapter 14 of Paine’s book “Measure What Matters” she talks about what measurement looks like in the world of higher education. I found this chapter to be particularly meaningful because I am considering working in some aspect of higher education when I graduate. Recently I sat down with Sara Ambroza who is the associate director of enrollment and the director of admissions communication at Ohio Northern and I learned a few things about measurement in higher education. 

Paine talks about how a university must identify and prioritize its audiences because there are so many different audiences involved in higher education. Ambroza told me because of the many different audiences in the realm of higher education, ONU has set up a categorizing system to determine how each target audience is addressed. 

For example, she said in terms of admission there are several different kinds of students and each category of student is defined in a specific way. The categories of students include: perspectives, potential, applied, accepted and enrolled.  Depending on what a student is categorized as determines how admissions reaches out to them. A perspective student might receive an email from admissions where as a potential student might receive a print piece in the mail. 

 

Paine also talks about how universities must measure people’s behavior by using analytics to judge engagement and participation. Ambroza explained to me that ONU is trying to figure out a better way to use video footage. Analytics show when people read stories posted by ONU communications and marketing, they rarely click on the video link included in the article or watch it all the way through. However, analytics have shown that people click on the virtual tour video, and watch it for an average of seven to eight minutes. ONU’s communications and marketing team have been trying to figure out how it can get people to watch video clips imbedded in articles for as long as people watch the virtual tour. 

These serve as a few examples of the importance of Paine’s concepts for measuring higher education, and, for me, these ideas are especially interesting because of my interest in working in admissions or marketing for a university after graduation.

Don't be the Next Elizabeth Lauten

It’s time for another example of how someone epically screwed up on social media and lost their job because of it. Up until Monday, Elizabeth Lauten was the communications director for Rep. Stephen Lee Fincher of Tennessee. However, Lauten resigned from her position after uproar caused by her comments on Facebook concerning the first daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. 

Following the president’s customary turkey pardoning event last Wednesday, Lauten posted rude comments on Facebook about the appearances of the first daughters. She expressed the Obama daughters should try “showing a little class” and avoid dressing as though they wanted “a spot at a bar.”

Shortly after posting to Facebook, Lauten issued an apology, but it was too late because the damage had already been done. Bloggers and those on Twitter started writing about Lauten’s post creating buzz and causing word to spread quickly. Because of Lauten’s insensitivity and, frankly, her stupidity she confirmed resignation from her position as communications director on Monday. 

Press secretary Josh Earnest summed up the situation pretty well saying, it’s “pretty much common sense” to know attacking the president’s children on social media is out of line. I completely agree with Earnest’s statement. Not only is it common sense, it’s one of the first things you learn about professional social media etiquette: If you are a spokesperson or a public figure you can’t post your personal opinion to social media if it could be used against you and put you in a compromising situation. 

However, Lauten did exactly what they teach you to do if you create a crisis for yourself, and that’s to admit your mistake and apologize. But, it was too little too late. Because of citizenship journalism due to the rise of blogs and Twitter, the world had already condemned Lauten for her actions. I think she deserved it. If you are in a position of authority like Lauten and you choose to be careless with your words on social media then you deserve to deal with the repercussions. 

Let this be a lesson to us all about the power of words and the power of social media: both are weapons that can be used to your advantage or get you into trouble.

My Must Sees of the Season

Every year around this time TV stations begin showing everyone’s favorite holiday specials. ABC Family begins its "Twelve Days of Christmas," and I have already watched “Frosty the Snowman” on television this past weekend. Since it is now Dec. 1 and officially acceptable to do all things Christmas, I would like to share with you my personal favorite Christmas TV specials.

5. “Christmas with the Kranks”- This Christmas favorite starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis has been around for a decade now. I have to admit this isn’t a movie I have been watching faithfully every Christmas since it came out in 2004. I just happened to stumble across it a few years ago. However, this movie is everything you could want in a Christmas special.  The stunt Nora and Luther Krank attempt by boycotting Christmas to go on a cruise sounds like something my parents might try and do! But, my favorite part of this film is at the end when Luther Krank gives away his cruise tickets to the old couple next door.

4. “Holiday in Handcuffs”- Next, there is “Holiday in Handcuffs.” This is an ABC Family movie from 2007 my family found on Netflix several years ago. Honestly, what’s NOT funny about this movie? It’s hilarious and Mario Lopez isn’t hard to look at either. If you haven’t seen this holiday special I highly suggest it because the antics of Melissa Hoan Hart will keep you entertained.

3. “Frosty the Snowman”- Now it’s time to throw in a classic. “Frosty the Snowman” has always been a favorite of mine. As a little kid, I always loved the part at the beginning when Frosty comes to life and the kids march him through town. There’s just something very lovable about Frosty, and I am glad I got a chance to catch this holiday favorite while I was home for Thanksgiving break.

2. “A Garfield Christmas Special”- This TV show has a special place in my heart. Some of you have probably never even seen “A Garfield’s Christmas” because it is no longer shown on any broadcast network, and I DON’T KNOW WHY BECAUSE IT’S PERFECT. I grew up watching this cartoon special, and I was extremely disappointed when it no longer appeared on television. However, I am the proud owner of “A Garfield’s Christmas” on DVD so I still get to watch it every year. If you are curious about what you are missing, I will gladly loan you the DVD if you PROMISE to give it back in mint condition because I might cry if I never get to watch “A Garfield’s Christmas” again.

1.“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”- Finally, my number one favorite Christmas special of all time is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey. My family has been watching this movie every year since 2000, and I am surprised we haven’t worn out the VHS (yes, we still watch it on VHS). There are so many quotable lines in this movie, and I love watching it with my siblings because between the three of us I think we could quote the entire thing.  

So there you have it: my top five favorite Christmas movies. I hope you will check them out if you haven’t seen them, and feel free to leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas specials.

Why "Holiday" is "Spectacular"

Even though it is almost Thanksgiving, I had to make this post about “ONU’s Holiday Spectacular.” If you spent any amount of time around The Freed Center this past week you probably heard someone mention “Holiday Spectacular.” “ONU’s Holiday Spectacular” is a Christmas themed musical that hits the stage every year right before Thanksgiving. Working in the box office at Freed, I can tell you there are four shows at ONU and four additional shows in Lima after break, and they all sell out every year. 

This year marks 20 years running for the “ONU Holiday” show. It’s a show not only popular among students on campus but largely popular with people in the Lima and surrounding communities. The show draws in crowds of all ages: retired couples who have been coming since the show’s inception, college couples looking for a fun date night and families with their young children. 

I look forward to “Holiday Spectacular” every year. I was genuinely anxious about seeing the show two whole weeks in advance because I love it that much. It truly has everything you could ask for in a holiday show: snowmen, toy soldiers, elves, the Nativity story, small children and everyone’s favorite, SANTA CLAUS! But what’s my favorite part…

I love the show for three reasons. First, the cast is beyond talented. I have class with many of the students from the cast so I see them on a regular basis, but I love being able to see them shine on stage outside of the classroom. It almost makes me feel like I have class with celebrities, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t envy them and their roles in “Holiday.” 

Next, I love the show because it’s beautiful. The set, the costumes and the lighting of this show make it seem as if an old holiday greeting card came to life. Everyone looks so well-dressed and warm in their coats, hats and scarves. And, I found myself tearing up when snow begins to fall softly from the sky while everyone sings with smiling faces and rosy cheeks against a starry backdrop. 

But, my all-time favorite part of “Holiday” is when the sleeping toy soldier awakes and begins singing about being a Radio City Rockette and is joined by a fleet of other toy soldiers who do an intricate tap number modeled after the one done by the real Radio City Rockettes.  I love this number because I have always dreamed of being a Radio City Rockette, and I never pass up the chance to see great tap dancing. It just makes me so happy inside. If there is any part I would kill to play in “Holiday” it’s the role of the Radio City Rockette toy soldier. 

I could go on and on about how much I love “Holiday.” I could watch it over and over again and never get bored. I don’t think I stop smiling during the entire performance. If you haven’t seen “ONU’s Holiday Spectacular” yet, YOU SHOULD. You can still get tickets for shows in December at The Civic Center in Lima. You won’t be disappointed, and you will walk again feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Great job to everyone in the cast and crew, you are all fantastically talented

Reputation Management: PolarBearUp Style

Chapter 11 of Katie Paine’s book “Measure What Matters” discusses how a crisis can damage a company’s reputation and steps to prevent one from happening. That being said, I would like to discuss what I have observed about the way ONU handles crisis situations. Paine says companies need to have a system in place to analyze what is being said, how the company is being positioned and what messages are being delivered. Paine also says if you are doing—or perceived to be doing—something wrong, bad or hurtful, chances are people will report it somewhere in social media. 

Based on the way I have seen ONU handle issues in the past, I don’t think the university is doing a very good job following Paine’s advice, and ONU rarely pays attention to what people are saying on social media. Let me set the scene for you.

Last year when we experienced one of the coldest harshest winters on record, social media EXPLODED with reasons and pleas for the university to cancel class. The student body got so infuriated about having to walk across campus in the freezing weather conditions a hashtag issued by the university was used by the student population to bash the school and protest via social media. The way students rallied together on social media in an effort to have their voices heard was an impressive form of a social community that escalated VERY quickly, and I feel privileged to say I participated in it.

ONU did eventually cancel classes. I cannot say for certain if the cancellation had to do with the posts on social media.  Regardless of why the university decided to close, the damage had already been done. Students had already taken the hashtag “polarbearup” and posted on social media with comments blatantly bashing the school. Certain high profile decision makers at the university were even called out, by name, followed by #polarbearup.  If a potential student (or anyone really) had decided to search #polarbearup or ONU on Twitter they would have gotten a VERY bad impression of the student experience here. 

What is even more impressive is the infamous polarbearup hashtag lives on today. Students still use it when referring to how badly ONU handles student safety in regards to bad weather. The bottom line is ONU’s reputation took a hit because of the way it handled this issue and failed to listen to what was said on social media. 

Let me also say this isn’t the only instance where ONU has neglected to address an issue and then received backlash on social media for it. I could write a whole new post about the time a murderer escaped from prison in Lima and ONU NEVER encouraged students to take extra caution. The takeaway from all of this is ONU has developed a bad reputation among the student body because of the way it handles certain issues prompting students to take these issues to social media without mercy. I think ONU has a thing or two to learn from Chapter 11 of Paine’s book about how a crisis can threaten your reputation.

ONU in Every Season

Campus last year during a record cold winter.

If there is one thing I have noticed after four years at ONU it’s that campus is beautiful in every season. The fresh snow we received this week was a reminder of the beauty of campus despite the chill of Mother Nature. Some people may be complaining about the snow; however, there is something special about walking through campus covered in a blanket of white flakes, and I’m not talking about the slipping and sliding part.

Green grass and sunshine on the tundra in summer.

I love walking through campus and seeing everything that was once green in the spring and red or orange in the fall now covered with snow in the winter. There is something about seeing the landscape I pass every single day turned into a winter wonderland that feels like an inherent part of being a student at ONU. You couldn’t possible say you had the full ONU experience until you have walked across campus in so many warm layers you become unidentifiable.

Orange and red leaves in the fall.

 Even though I think the snowy landscape is part of the identity of ONU, it can’t be overlooked that campus looks gorgeous in every season. Just as the trees look beautiful covered in snow, they also look beautiful in the fall when they turn every shade of red and orange.

In the spring and summer, the green of the grass and the trees on the tundra is almost blinding. After a long cold winter there is nothing as refreshing as walking across campus with the sun on your face.

The grass slowly coming back to life the spring.

Even if you are not a fan of the cold and the snow, at least take time to enjoy how dreamy it makes campus look. Know that drudging through the snow is part of being a polar bear, and reflect on the colors of campus in the fall while looking forward to sunshine in the spring.