Tell a Better Story

MSIs across the nation are doing amazing things.  They have inspiring students, dedicated faculty, and initiatives that are making an impact in their respective communities as well as across the higher education landscape.  Yet, where are these stories of success and accomplishment?  Not only must MSIs be the forerunner in telling their stories, they must also learn how to tell a better story.


Collecting Data
MSIs have needed to collect data mostly as a means to secure and retain federal and state funding.  This practice of collecting data does not have to be limited to the scope of meeting grant requirements.  MSIs need to gather and use student progress data for strategic planning, institutional decision making, and most importantly communicating the successes of their institutions.  In order to do this, MSIs want to evaluate how they are collecting data and the values they are using to measure success.  Using data to communicate success allows for institutions to highlight the uniqueness of their students’ experiences, bring attention to institutional strengths, attract funders, and create opportunities for collaboration.


Participation
When national studies concerning higher education are taking place, MSIs need to make sure their voices are being heard.   Caution to providing information or being a part of national studies is understandable.  Historically, many MSIs have found themselves having to defend their institution against poorly presented and misconstrued data from studies.  Along with this factor, MSIs also may find that due to infrastructure and staffing challenges, administrators simply do not have the time to participate.  Though these are all valid reasons to shy away, lack of participation hurts many MSIs in the long run.  Connect with researchers who will have a high ethic of care with the institution and also understand the unique context, challenges, and cultures found at MSIs.  National surveys and research projects are vehicles for MSI stories to be told.  In participating, MSIs get to have a say in how that story is presented.

 

Multiple Ways, Multiple Venues
In today’s society there are myriad of ways to communicate with the public.  Traditional, non –traditional media, and social networks offer MSI leaders various opportunities to tell their story.  Web pages, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, online marketing campaigns are all ways in which MSIs can share their story. MSIs have stories of success that affect the whole nation.  Therefore the message communicated must be communicated far and wide. Along with this widespread message MSI leaders need not shy away from the media.  Taking interviews and responding to media outreach are ways MSIs and their leaders can engage with traditional media to tell their stories.  This also aids in creating balance with the negative and often mistaken information that is often presented in the media.   Whatever manner or medium MSI leaders decide to communicate their story, it must be done consistently.