Let’s Get Back to Basics

1. Let’s Get Back to Basics Rutgers Day is about who we are and what we do. It’s our chance to show off and tell visitors about what puts us in a category of one! Let’s get back to basics and make this day about us…not special interest groups, or making money from visitors; and not commercializing our programs with outside vendors.

2. Rutgers Day Goals • Instill pride in New Jersey residents and the Rutgers community by showcasing the exciting things happening at their state university through an enjoyable experience • Give a human face to the university by showcasing the diversity of our engaged students, faculty, and staff • Provide new ways for alumni to connect with their alma mater • Engage local communities by inviting their participation • Demonstrate Rutgers’ value to the state

3. Free Activities Policy Visitors should not have to pay to participate in any games or activities on Rutgers Day. It’s a day to offer the public a fun, free way to meet students, faculty, and staff; explore campuses; and discover more about their state university. Corporate Sponsor Policy Individual departments or organizations may not seek their own sponsorship for giveaway items or to underwrite their program. Potential sponsors should be directed to this sponsorship link. Keep this day about Rutgers, your program, and how we serve the citizens of the state!

4. What does Rutgers Day look like? See archived photos and videos of Rutgers Day • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013

5. How You Can Participate • Use creative ways to showcase your teaching, research, and service. Make it fun, interactive, and informative. • Promote your program early with our marketing materials. • Spread the word about Rutgers Day through your newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter, or website. • You are the best ambassador for your program!

6. Submit a Program between Dec. 1 - Feb. 15 • Go to the Rutgers Day website. Select “For Rutgers Day Program Providers,” and sign on with your NetID. • After you successfully submit your program, an automatic email is sent with your program tracking number. • Reference the tracking number in all Rutgers Day correspondence. Share your program’s tracking number with others who may need it. • After you submit your program, you can only make changes by emailing rutgersday@ucm.rutgers.edu. Do not resubmit your program. • Questions? Email us or call 732-932-7823

7. Early Submission Drawing for Registered Student Organizations Student organizations registered with the Office of Student Involvement that submit programs before February 1 will be entered into a random drawing to win money for their SABO account. • 3rd place- $50 • 2nd place- $75 • 1st place- $100

8. How Rutgers Supports Your Program • Promotion in ads, billboards, radio announcements, mailings, Targum, and more • Program listing on the website and in printed booklet • Free parking and a special Rutgers Day bus route • Information tents • Signage on roads, around campuses, and at program locations • Zone managers for assistance • Tables, chairs, and tents where appropriate • Rutgers Day t-shirts for program providers • Public safety and facilities management

9. Tips for Success: Your Audience • Most visitors are young families and alumni. Gear your message toward them. • Keep your program “G” rated. • Make your program fun, interactive, informative, and FREE! • Keep it short. • Welcome and engage visitors. • Ask your visitors for feedback about yourprogram, and keep it in mind for next year!

10. Tips for Success: Your Program • Turn the mission of your organization or department into a game or contest! • Make it informative, interactive, and fun! • Focus on “friendraising,” not fundraising. This is a free day for visitors. • Encourage faculty involvement. Visitors love to meet professors. • Think “green” and limit handouts. • Work in shifts, so you can enjoy Rutgers Day too! • Take pictures and post them on the Rutgers Day Facebook page.

11. Tips for Success: Logistics • In early March, you will receive an email confirming your program location and equipment. Review it carefully. Put your tracking number in the subject line and reply with your approval or changes. • All programs must be up and running by 10 a.m. • Break down is not permitted before 4 p.m. • Plan for inclement weather. Rutgers Day takes place rain or shine. • In case of extreme weather, you will be contacted with rain plan details, and be sure to check the Rutgers Day website for information.

12. Tips to Get You Started • Create games and activities that highlight your subject area, like Jeopardy, a match game, Where’s Waldo, or word jumbles. • Have people compete to solve a puzzle or answer a question. • Create a card game or jigsaw puzzle using words, ideas, or concepts from your subject area to teach while having fun. • Be interactive, not static. People have a lot to see on Rutgers Day, so they’ll want to keep moving.

13. Spread the Word • Promote your program early with our marketing materials. • Include Rutgers Day and program information in newsletters and general emails by posting Save-the-Date graphics. • Add a Rutgers Day link to your email signature, Facebook, or YouTube page. • RSVP to our Facebook event, and share it with your friends. • Share Rutgers Day flyers and bookmarks with others. • Encourage your friends and family to come. • Tweet during Rutgers Day to publicize your program.

14. Rutgers Day Timeline • December • 1 Submission period begins • February • 1 Deadline for student organization early submission drawing • 15 Submission period ends • March • Receive email with your program location and equipment information • Review and reply with approval or changes • April • 1 Program listings are available on the website • PDF of Program Booklet is downloadable from the website • Weather alerts will be posted on the website as needed

15. Need Help? Web: rutgersday.rutgers.edu Email: rutgersday@ucm.rutgers.edu Phone: 732-932-7823, ext. 672