Members will support communications and engagement strategies within WashU’s schools and units.
Student Sunrise launched its Communications Advisory Group this month. The group will help to support and provide counsel on communications and engagement strategies within WashU’s schools and units. Together with the other Student Sunrise campus and governance groups, the Communications Advisory Group plays a critical role in preparing the university for the transition to Workday Student and related changes, including the move to Slate for graduate admissions.
Campus representatives were nominated by school and unit communications directors and the Sunrise Steering Committee. Alexis Kim, Student Sunrise communications lead, and Deputy Communications Lead Allison Braun co-chair the group.
View the list of Communications Advisory Group members »
“We’ve had a great response from the school communications departments and from our academic units,” said Alexis Kim.
“When rolling out a project like this that touches every pillar of our academic mission, it’s so important to have strong partners who know their people best and how to best tap into school or unit-specific internal communications channels.”
Alexis Kim, communications lead
Advisory group members had their first meeting June 23, 2022, to introduce themselves and learn more about their role in the Student Sunrise project.
“I look forward to being a part of this group and playing a role in this important project,” said advisory group member Rachel Schultz. “I’m excited to work with my colleagues in Arts & Sciences to help ready our community and to take part in an endeavor that could have a significant positive impact on the university.”
Communications Advisory Group members will advise on how best to reach stakeholders and, as needed, help share information within their schools and units. Another important role will be developing plans to update websites, digital signage and other channels to reflect changes resulting from the project, such as adding messaging and links to direct people to Workday Student. The group also will have the opportunity to participate in change impact validation sessions and readiness workshops closer to go-live.
The group’s initial focus will be supporting the launch of Slate for Graduate Admissions, which rolls out for most programs this fall. In addition to helping communicate changes to their students, faculty, and staff, advisory group members will partner with their graduate admissions office and the Sunrise project team to support the transition to the new system, including developing standard applicant communications in Slate. The group also will advise on updates to applicant materials, including web content, such as links and application instructions, and other marketing materials.
“We are thrilled to have the Communications Advisory Group partnering with the schools and divisions to support their unique needs,” said Jessie Runiewicz, Graduate Admissions Slate functional lead. “Marketing and communications play an essential role in graduate enrollment management, and as we come closer to go-live in Slate this fall, we’ll look to the Communications Advisory Group to collaborate with and provide support to their admissions offices.”