Help Us Welcome Our Newest Retrievers!

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:58:47 -0400

Dear Colleagues,

Each year on May 1, UMBC participates in National College Signing Day, which celebrates students who are choosing to continue their education by attending college.

As part of this effort, we do outreach to new students welcoming them to UMBC and pointing them to our social media channels and #RetrieverNation where they can introduce themselves and share their excitement. But first, we ask that you, the members of our community, help build the buzz and get messages out there to celebrate and welcome students when they arrive.

Our ask of you:
We’d love for you to create a message welcoming new students to our community and then share that message on social media using #RetrieverNation in the days leading up to April 30 (since May 1 is a Saturday this year). Videos are particularly appreciated, but photos with written messages are great, too. And, where possible, we especially encourage using platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, as these platforms are more likely to reach new students.

Want a little more context?

See a collection of sample posts.

Check out last year's new student highlights on Instagram (most easily viewable on your phone).

Review the list of suggested prompts below this email that might help you get started.

We hope these messages will be especially meaningful for new students in a time when we're all fatigued by Zoom life and a little disconnected from one another -- so many of our admitted students have never even had the chance to come to campus. You know what it's like to be a part of our community and you can help our newest Retrievers feel like they're already part of it, too.

The Undergraduate Marketing Team

P.S. In case it’s helpful, here are some prompts to get you started:

Share a quick “welcome to UMBC” message for incoming students.

What advice would you give a brand new UMBC student?

Why are you glad to be part of UMBC?

What do you/your team have to offer new students that will help them as they start their time at UMBC?

Who can new students turn to for help and support?