These events were in collaboration with Cynthia Ntinunu.
The Challenge:
The main challenge was to increase student engagement and participation in the undergraduate program events.
Ugly Baby Identified:
Despite interest in community events, participation in our monthly social hour was stagnant, as many discovered students preferred activities that did not require fixed schedules. To attract more students, events that offered flexibility in timing and personalization needed to be designed.
Game Plan:
Implement a series of goody bag events during key occasions—Halloween, end-of-year (self-care bags), and Valentine’s Day—to boost student involvement by offering customizable takeaway experiences that students could enjoy on their own schedule.
Strategic Approach:
- Event Timing: Conduct the goody bag events throughout the day to allow students to participate at their convenience.
- Mass Customization: Provide students with various items, such as candies, cards, friendship bracelets, and stickers, to enhance the personal touch of each goody bag.
- Element of Surprise: Include a “golden ticket” item like a plush toy in one of the bags as a special prize, creating an element of surprise and excitement.
- Location Accessibility: Host the events at the program’s headquarters/floor to encourage students to visit and familiarize themselves with the community space.
Victory Dance:
- Execution: Every event became increasingly successful, especially the event for Valentine’s Day.
- Increased Engagement: The flexibility and personalization of the event led to increased attendance, not just for this event but also for subsequent activities held on our floor.
- Feedback and Future Events: The positive reception to the goody bag events and the subsequent increased comfort of students with our community space highlighted the effectiveness of this approach.
Skills Used:
- Event Planning
- Experience Design
- Creative Collaboration
