LinkedIN presentation

PowerPoint Presentation

Recruitment & Retention of First Year Students in Dalhousie Intramurals

Amr El SherifCampus Recreation Office Intern

1

AgendaAbout MePurpose of studyMethodsSurvey ResultsStudy LimitationsRecommendationsConclusionAcknowledgements

Put a few picture around here at the start2

About Me5th year Recreation Management Student.

Resident Assistant at Howe Hall

Passion for sports.

Recently became interested in body building.

Personal Record = 315 lbs.

3

Purpose of StudyLook into increasing recruitment & retention of first year students within Dalhousies Intramural sport offerings.

4

MethodsPrimary data collection - 3 surveys were created to yield information from the following groups:

1) First year students. (n=21)

2) Sport Representatives & Team Captains(n=10)

3) Intramural Coordinators at other Canadian Universities. (n=10)

*mention how many were spor reps and team captains

*mention how you collected info, word of mouth, emails to team captains and sport reps, emails to 25 universities, and meetings with some participants

*prepare for a question on why the same survey5

MethodsSecondary data collection

Several meetings with the Communications Coordinator and Marketing & Communications Manager. Meeting with Residence Life Managers (RLM).

6

Study Limitations

Time

Howe Hall residents were the only on-campus students surveyed.

Not enough Off-Campus participants in study.

First Year students Survey ResultsFirst Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey ResultsAverage age of Participants M=19.25HousingOn-Campus = 90%, Off-Campus = 10%Biological SexMale = 80%, Female = 20%# Students Enrolled in Dalhousie Intramurals 14# Students Not Enrolled in Dalhousie Intramurals 7Non-International Students13International Students8Fields of Study - MajorBusiness, Journalism, Science, Engineering, Health Promotion, and Arts

Demographics of Survey Respondents First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey Results

What Residence do you currently live in?

Residence BuildingSample Frequency (N)Howe Hall 19 (90.4%)N/A (live off campus)2 (9.6%)

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

10

Survey ResultsWhat do you know about Dalhousie Intramurals?

Almost nothing, only that they exist.Students are able to join recreational sports and activities and compete and play against one another throughout the school year and have fun."They are activities just for fun, not really competitive.First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey Aware of Dalhousie IntramuralsNot Aware of Dalhousie Intramurals19 (90.5%)2 (9.5%)

11

Survey ResultsSample Frequency (N)Word of Mouth9Other4Orientation 3 (14%)Online3Not Aware of Intramurals2

*Other includes Residence promotion via registration tables, Guidance councillor, Residence council, and by going to Dalplex.

How did you become aware of Dalhousie Intramurals? First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

12

Survey Results Did you participate in every game with your team throughout the entire league? if not, why?

ResponseSample Number (N)Yes5No9

Reasons include: SchoolworkWorkLate timings of games (Hockey)Injury Schedule conflicts/other commitments First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

13

Survey ResultsIf you do attend all of your teams scheduled games, what is it that encourages you to frequently participate?

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey N/A7Entertainment5Health5Other5Social4Stress buster2

* Five students had more than one response* Other = Passion for sport

14

Survey ResultsDo you think any changes should be made to the way Dalhousie Intramural staff communicate with first year students (such as yourself)?

Stronger promotion like posters and through social media. Promoting during the o-week is a good idea. Perhaps have a system where teams could find players to fill in spots since I know many first years who are always looking to playFirst Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey YesNo11 (57.9%)8 (42.1%)

15

Survey ResultsWhat would you typically do if you wanted to learn more about Dalhousie Intramurals?

Response Sample Frequency (N)Online/Dal Website10Word of Mouth9RA (Resident Assistant)4Go to Dalplex3

*Several students had more than one response First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

*mention online includes emails sent with the updated intramural schedules.16

Survey ResultsHow often do you visit the Dalhousie Intramurals website? First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey (1=Daily, 2=Weekly, 3= Monthly, 4= Once a semester, 5= Never)Sample Frequency (N)Never (5)14Once a Semester (4)3Monthly (3)3Weekly (2)1Daily (1)0

17

Survey ResultsIs there anything holding you back from registering a team and/or participating in all games in an Intramural league? If so, what constraints to participation are present?

Lack of other first year students in competitive sports. If a game starts at midnight it doesn't end until 1. Which means I'm not getting home until 2am. If I have a 9:30 class I need to be up at around 7am. That's not enough sleep. School work and late times (other commitments)

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey YesNo10 (58.8%)7 (41.2%)

18

Survey ResultsHow helpful was your sport representative (student responsible for signing up teams in your specific residence)?

A friend signed us up as a group, never contacted the sport representativeI dont have one

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey Helpful Not Helpful 1 (7%)14 (93%)

19

Survey ResultsDid your RA provide you with any information on Dalhousie Intramurals? If so, did it assist you with participating?


20

Survey ResultsDoes anyone from your team encourage you to participate on a weekly basis?

Yes, team captain No its mostly your choice Yeah everyone was encouraging everyone to come to the games all the time.


21

Survey ResultsWhat advice would you give to first year students who want get involved with Intramurals?

Get involved as early as possible, and get to know as much about Dalhousie and the resources it has to offer early on.Check online and ask at the Dalplex

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey Positive Neither Positive nor Negative11 (55%)9 (45%)

22

Sport Representative / Team Captain Survey Results First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

23

What is a Sport Representative/Team Captain?

Sport representatives act as an intermediate channel between the intramural coordinator and students. Responsible for recruiting, registering, and distributing intramural information to students in the residence or faculty they represent.

Team captains and sport representatives both recruit students to join a team.


24

Survey Results

Average age of Participants M= 21.4HousingOn Campus = 50%, Off Campus = 50%Biological SexMale = 80%, Female = 20%Non-International Students8 (80%)International Students2 (20%)Fields of Study - MajorBusiness, Journalism, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Health Promotion, Physiotherapy, Marine Biology, Medicine, and Oceanography.

Demographics of Survey Respondents First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey ResultsHow do first year students view Dalhousie Intramurals?

I believe that students were very uninformed about Intramurals at Dalhousie and how they function at the beginning of the year. Currently, I think they view them as a competitive but fun way to enjoy a sport with your friends and escape residence for a while.I remember being pretty in the dark. Didnt realize you had to register so early, or how things really worked.Good way to get involved in the community while also keeping activeFun, Engaging, A break from studying.First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey Positive Negative6 (75%)2 (25%)

2 people put N/A for their response26

Survey Results

(1= Very Good, 2= Good, 3= Fair, 4= poor, 5= Very Poor). Sample Frequency (N)Very Good (1)7Good (2)3Fair (3)0Poor (4)0Very Poor (5)0

Based on your experience, how well does the Dalhousie Intramural staff communicate with you regarding updates, changes, or general inquiries?First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey Results(1= Very Easy, 2= Easy, 3= Neither easy nor difficult to use, 4=Difficult, 5= Very Difficult)Sample Frequency (N)Easy 4Very Easy 3Neither easy nor difficult to use3Difficult 0Very Difficult 0

How easy do you find using the Dalhousie Intramurals website (athletics.dal.ca)?First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey ResultsIn your opinion, what is preventing first year students living in residence from participating in Dalhousie Intramurals?

I believe a lack of information is preventing them from joining in the fall, and if students do sign up they are not aware of the commitment that they require, resulting in forfeit

Hard to register/make teams early into September

Possibly not knowing they exist?

I think the biggest obstacle is the lack of awareness


Lack of awareness

29

Survey ResultsWhat steps did you take to get students registered for intramurals?

I Facebooked several of my friends to join the team, created a group on Facebook.I sat outside of the cafeteria for 12 hours and advertised and signed people up that way. In the winter term I contacted the Residence Life Manager and he sent out an email I wrote to every student in residence with instructions on how to sign Emails, verbal advertisement, word of mouth


*mention that we included this question to learn more about how sport reps and team captains are recruiting students for intramural

*intra leadership in residence30

Survey ResultsWhat additional support (resources) would you like to see in place to assist with recruiting students and keeping them engaged throughout the semester?

I would love to see Dalhousie Athletics recruiting in the SUB for people to sign up for intramurals, more promotional awareness either by print or online.

I think maybe if information could be sent out instructing students of their responsibilities before they sign up they would be more committed?

Posters around campus

Advertisement on Instagram, Facebook, twitter etc./Encouragement from Ras


Canadian Universities Survey ResultsFirst Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey ResultsHow are first year students living in residence informed about Intramural offerings?On-campus promotional events during week of welcome, printed program guide, website, social media, in-person registration at residenceWe have the RAs of each floor communicate with their floormates, and we also have an initial dodgeball night for residence during orientation week.Signage, email, word of mouth, RAs, through out service expo, society expos.


33

Survey ResultsHow are first year students living off campus informed about intramural offerings?

They are given information in their orientation packages that are mailed to them.Presentations during Orientation Week, website, emails, word of mouth.Signage, word of mouth, sometimes in class announcements


Summarize when presenting

34

Survey ResultsHow are first year students living in residence encouraged to register and participate in Intramurals?

In-person registration at residence, participation with faculty or residence teams in IntramuralsPosters, and we have a partnership with rez, that they will recruit people and promote our leagues. Word of mouthSports reps and floor Proctors ( RAs)


Summarize when presenting35

Survey ResultsHow are students/members informed about intramural procedures (such as fees, policies, and regulations)?

Website & through registration process (IMleagues)Everything is listed online, and in our brochures We also post important links to the scheduling website (IMLeagues) on each of the sport pages. Initial meetings, through website, in person, emails"First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Survey ResultsHow do students register to participate in your intramural program?

Captain pays for their team through CLASS, creates team on IMLeagues, and teammates join team roster on IMLeagues Online, in person or over the phoneFor registration purposes we now use a program called IM Leagues. We made that change about three years ago and have been quite happy with the switch.OnlineFirst Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey

Mention that online registration is something other unis have that we dont.37

Survey ResultsDo residence fellows (also known as Resident Assistants) play a role in encouraging student to participate in intramurals?

They really do not play too much of a role, students register more with buddies and friends from their programs than residence council, here at our university Yes, we meet with them and give them information to pass along to their students. Very much soFirst Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey YesNo6 (60%)4 (40%)

38

Survey ResultsDo you have intramural leagues designed for first year students only? If so, do you find that helps with participation?

First Year Students Survey ResultsSport Representative/Team Captain SurveyCanadian Universities Survey YesNo2 (20%)8 (80%)

39

Current Marketing ApproachPromotion to past intramural participants via email

Promotion through Sport Representatives

Through the Dalhousie University Website

Limited social media in the beginning of the year

Set up a booth at the school of Health and Human Performance orientation.

Recommendations Campus Promotion

Summer Orientation Promotion

Online Promotions & Adjustments

IMLeagues

Residence (Resident Assistants and Council)

Campus PromotionIntramural registration deadline dates to be uploaded on campus screens.

Why: Increase exposure, especially to off campus students.

How: Send the content by email to CD(Graphic Designer) to make the slides. CD & NM (Student Services Communications & Marketing) can distribute and upload the slides.

When: A week prior to the preferred day of upload.

RecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

*clarify campus screens when presenting 42

Campus PromotionPosters

Why: Increases intramural exposure, especially in residence.

How: Contact CDto design the poster. For distribution, contact Residence Life Managers, and the Communicationsand Outreach Manager.

When: Early AugustRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

*When saying 43

Summer Orientation Organize a sporting events during summer orientations

Why: To pre-expose students to Intramurals. This will also allow students to be more familiar with it prior to orientation week. Will help to target off-campus students.

How: Contact AM, First year Advisor.

When: End of May. Dalhousie Student Union currently starting to plan upcoming orientation week.


*Elaborate on 4 summer orientations 44

Summer OrientationPlace Intramural promotion such as flyers in orientation packages

Why: Increase intramural exposure to first year students living on and off campus.

How: Flyers are to be designed by CD Provide one week notice. Orientation week coordinator must be contacted for distribution of flyers.

When: Early MayRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

Online Promotion Include Intramural registration deadline under Important Dates on the orientation website.

Why: First year students refer to these dates prior to their arrival on campus. The earlier they are reminded of intramural registration deadlines, the better.

How: Contact the Communications and Outreach Manager

When: She has already been contacted.


46

Online PromotionInclude Intramurals in an article on the Dal Student Life Blog.

Why: First year students want to learn as much as possible about Dalhousie prior to their arrival. Including intramurals in a posting such as top 10 things to do at Dal would grab their attention.

How: Contact the communications coordinator and have a script ready for them to post.

When: Anytime during the summer, preferably prior to o-week. RecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

47

Online PromotionInclude Intramural registration information in emails & social media sent to freshmen during the summer.

Why: Good way of targeting students individually.

How: Contact the communications officer and have the script ready.

When: At least a week prior to June 9th and August 4th.


48

Online PromotionsChange the location of Intramural Sports on the Dal Website .AthleticsAthleticsRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

IMLeaguesAn online intramural league registration program.

Why: It will save the Campus Recreation Office time and increase efficiency.

How will it help? IMLeagues includes an automatic scheduling system. Ability to view participation statistics.Allows online registration.Students can create, find, and join teams online.RecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

Residence Promotion Include Intramurals as a topic of discussion during the first mandatory meeting ran by Resident Assistants in residence

Why: Most students attend the first meeting, thus increasing exposure of intramurals

How: An email to be sent to the Residence Life Managers, to include intramural information in the meeting agenda.

When: Contact the RLM early AugustRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

Residence Promotion Place more intramural information on existing residence bulletin boards

Why: All students go to the cafeteria multiple times a day, it will therefore increase exposure.

How: Have a promotional material ready and contact the Residence Life Managers

When: Mid-AugustRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

Residence PromotionPromotion/registration table outside of the residence cafeterias

Why: Students may prefer to inquire more information about intramurals prior to registering.

How: Intramural staff taking the lead in registering first year students in intramurals. Hire several people to switch shifts. The tables and chairs will be provided by residence. An email must be sent to the RLMs a week prior to setting up the tables.

When: During the intramural registration period. Have the tables set up everyday at 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. RecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

Campus Recreation office needs to be more involved in the registration process in residence instead of relying on residence leadership53

RetentionPopular sports should be made more available in the fall To reduce the number of students turned away when leagues fill up.

Emphasize to students that they can still participate after the registration deadline, but not as a team. This will reduce team forfeits.

Advocate importance of team captains and Sport Representative. Co-Curricular RecordSponsorship from Adidas?Bookstore sponsorship

ConclusionRecommendationCampus PromotionSummer OrientationOnline PromotionIMLeaguesResidence Promotion

55

Acknowledgements AH MKMCKWSLTT

Thank You!Questions?

57

LinkedIN presentation

Documents

Transcript of LinkedIN presentation