Body
CAS OPERATIONS
Services Model
Communications
Promoting courses effectively helps students discover new opportunities, highlights the strengths of departments, and supports enrollment goals. Below are the recommended strategies and tools for sharing course information across the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
1. Direct Students to the Official Course Sources
The University Course Catalog and Course Search are the systems of record for course information, including requirements, prerequisites, and schedules:
Important: Unit websites should link directly to these official tools rather than duplicating content. This prevents errors and ensures students always have the most accurate information.
2. Share Highlighted Courses Through Department Channels
Each semester, units are encouraged to spotlight selected courses that may appeal to students outside the major, feature innovative teaching, or connect to current events.
- News Stories: Write a short feature highlighting a cluster of interesting or new courses. CAS Communications can assist with writing and publishing these pieces.
- Social Media: Share posts on unit social channels to increase visibility. Include engaging visuals, short captions, and student-focused benefits (e.g., skills gained, unique topics, or special opportunities). CAS Communications shares tips and templates for promoting courses year-round on social media - email zap@udel.edu if you want to be added to the email list for such resources.
- Email Outreach: Send announcements to current majors, minors, and interdisciplinary lists.
- In-Class Promotion: Encourage faculty to make short course announcements in related classes or via Canvas announcements.
3. Amplification Opportunities
- CAS Communications Support
- CAS Communications can help identify which platforms will be most effective.
- Units should submit information at least 3 weeks before registration opens. Use the CAS Communications project request form.
4. Strategies to Boost Engagement
- Short-form Video (Reels): Student testimonials, “day in the life,” or 15-second highlights of what makes the course special.
- Student "Takeovers": Let student ambassadors share why they’re excited to take or recommend a course.
- Faculty Spotlights: Pair course promotion with a profile on the instructor.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Promote interdisciplinary courses on multiple unit channels to reach a broader audience.
5. Planning & Deadlines
- Decide Early: Unit leadership should identify priority courses for promotion each semester.
- Provide Complete Information: Submit course descriptions, learning outcomes, and any special details (e.g., field trips, unique projects).
- Stay Consistent: Coordinate messaging across websites, newsletters, and social channels for maximum impact.