Minot State University Issues Marketing RFP
Minot State University is seeking a marketing agency to determine tactics that will assist MSU with increasing enrollments by obtaining direction for updating MSU’s website, identifying best practices of current marketing, enrollment services, retention strategies and obtaining direction for future budget allocations.
Background information concerning this project is as follows:
MSU offers 60 undergraduate majors, several graduate programs and one specialist degree in school psychology. MSU is positioned to meet growth in the fields of criminal justice, education, management, nursing, technology, social work, the sciences, and energy economics and finance. Graduates from most of our programs are in demand locally, regionally and nationwide. MSU provides students with an exceptional education at one of the most affordable prices in the nation. Growth continues with the increase in international students due to the one flat rate tuition plan. MSU is committed to individual student success offering class sizes that are optimal for engaged learning.
Student involvement is encouraged in research; we emphasize campus and community engagement and our athletic programs participate in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the NCAA Division II.
Located in north central North Dakota, MSU is a place where east meets west. Nestled on the northern edge of the Mouse River Valley, the campus stands at the heart of the “Magic City” where Minot is a regional center for commerce, culture, healthcare, agribusiness, and industry. Minot is home to Minot Air Force Base and is a key service provider in the Bakken oil play that’s made North Dakota’s economy one of the strongest in the United States.
Most MSU students hail from North Dakota, California, Montana, and Minnesota. Nearly all 50 states and several Native American tribes are represented within our student body. In addition, we have a strong study abroad program allowing MSU students to study nearly anywhere in the world.
In 2006, MSU completed an extensive review of its campus identity. Upon the completion of the project work, MSU implemented the first MSU Graphic Standards Manual (MinotStateU.edu/publications) specifying proper use of the new logo, word mark, tagline, templates and updated website information. In 2011, MSU underwent a review of its branded look and launched the refresh in December 2011. In 2015, MSU implemented social media policies due to the surge in this area.
The new Empowering Generations strategic plan for MSU is scheduled for release in April. With the plan’s release, along with changes in the community and state, it appears this is the right time for MSU to review some of its current practices.
Scope of Work
MSU is soliciting proposals for marketing services to determine tactics that will assist MSU with increasing enrollments.
The purpose of the RFP is to hire a marketing agency to assist MSU with determining how enrollment increases can be achieved by conducting the following:
- Audit of MSU’s (not including Athletics) website for functionality, navigation and current best practices.
- Evaluation of marketing and recruitment tactics including a review of marketing budgets.
- Review of campus retention efforts.
- Review of organizational structure and operational practices for most effective enrollment results.
Deliverables
The contractor will be required to provide the following deliverables;
- Strategies to improve MSU’s website architecture and design to assist with marketing and enrollment initiatives
- A strategic plan in response to best practices for marketing and recruiting strategies to increase enrollments including budget allocations.
- Recommendation for organizational structure and operational practices for most effective enrollment results.
- Recommendations for best practices for campus retention efforts.
Proposal due by March 23, 2017 to:
Minot State University
500 University Ave W
Minot ND 58707
Firms that do education work include APCO Worldwide and Burson-Marsteller.
