BRIDGE THE GAP Creating and maintaining relationships with faculty, staff and administrators on campus Villanova University Jenn Brophy Krista Chmielewski Marissa Paffas Peaches Nesmith 1
Why is it important to create and maintain relationships with faculty, staff and administrators on your campus? 2
Getting the Message Out There Put a face to our name Educate faculty, staff, and administrators on the mission of our office Understand our role and what we do Clarify any negative and/or incorrect preconceived notions Provide a glimpse into the student-athlete experience Bridge the gap and act as the liaison between academics and athletics Build relationships to support our initiatives Networking opportunity and professional development Benefits to the student-athletes 3
How to Start GET INVOLVED Put ourselves out there Meetings, lunch dates or coffee breaks Let them know who we are 4
Make it Personal Get to know people Pick up the phone Greet people face to face Make small talk Engage with them in their preferred method Little things can go a long way Send a thank you note or greeting card Give away athletic gear Hand deliver a proctored exam Personalized gifts Get involved. 5
What are some programs or events on your campus that you can get involved in? 6
Branch Out Get involved on campus: Villanova Day of Service House Call Diversity Skit/Programs Special Olympics Life Skills Career Center Campus Speakers Committees Teach a Class Academic Department Meetings Student Leadership Initiatives 7
How to Get Campus Involved Partner with other offices or departments Faculty presentations to athletics Faculty mentors Meet with campus advisors Guest Coach for a Day Game Day Experience Faculty Appreciation Game Faculty Receptions 8
Applicable to All Schools Make it work for your school Consider your budget Use campus resources Get coaches and athletic administration involved If large events are not feasible, then focus on other ways to build relationships Discuss with your staff what would work best at your institution 9
Faculty Receptions Student-athletes invite their favorite faculty members Personalized invitations Invite faculty to bring friends/family members Include time for coaches, student-athletes and athletic administrators to mingle with faculty Provide FOOD and GIVEAWAYS Free tickets to the game 10
Villanova s Faculty Receptions Large Scale Football Personalized invitations 150 guests Reception before the game Tailgating tent Band, cheerleaders and mascot perform Catered food stations Head coach visits the reception Field access during pregame activities Preferred seating Half-time acknowledgement Concessions vouchers 11
Villanova s Faculty Receptions Small Scale Water Polo Student-athletes hand deliver invitations 40-50 guests Preferred seating Brunch reception after match Faculty, Student-Athletes, Parents, Coaches, and Administration Acknowledgement Autograph session for kids 12
Plan Ahead Location, location, location Cheerleaders, band, mascot President Athletic Director Special acknowledgement/recognition Preferred seating Coordinate with other departments Check-in station Nametags Catering Communicate with event staff Media coverage 13
Giveaway Ideas Budget Friendly: Brochures Schedule Cards Magnets Posters Tattoos Pom-Poms Pens/Pencils Media Guides or Programs Stress Balls Additional Expenses: T-shirts Drawstring backpacks Hats Water Bottles Towels Blankets Any promotional items 14
Can you envision incorporating this at your institution? Challenges? Limitations? Concerns? 15
Benefits to Student-Athletes See the student-athletes in their element Understand their time commitments and demanding schedules Student-athletes can showcase qualities such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, etc. Student-athletes gain support athletically and academically Student-athletes meet faculty in informal setting and get to know them outside of class Combat the dumb jock stereotype 16
Questions? Remember A little effort can go a long way when it comes to building relationships 17