Summary 

Brandeis University is a Liberal Arts college that finds value in challenging what you know and expanding your knowledge and how you think about majors and desired classes. This University is for students who want to challenge their thinking, find rigor in education as a means to challenge themselves, and don’t follow society’s trends of what’s acceptable—going back to when the University was initially founded in 1948 by the Jewish community in support of their pursuit for higher education, in a time where that was heavily discouraged for this group of people. When the University opened it also welcomed women, another group ostracized and not considered fit to attend universities. From the beginning, Brandeis’s mission has been about inclusion and forming a community of challenged thinkers where they have the space to “answer questions and have your questions answered.” (BU1), Through the analysis of Brandeis University’s website using the ideal reader and purpose analysis techniques, a perfect candidate for Brandeis will be represented, a student looking to expand their thought bubble and look beyond society’s perspective of acceptable and unacceptable. 

Analysis

At Brandeis University, they are building a community of forward thinkers who challenge schools of thought and belief. “A Brandeis education is a vigorous exploration in critical analysis, creativity, and self-expression.” (BU1) Throughout the academics page of the website, the University shows how it’s looking for creative thinkers who don’t want just a textbook secondary education, but a place in which they can further question what they know and learn what they do not. Academically you have to be willing to work hard as a student at Brandeis because education and the fostering of learning are held at an extremely high value, unlike other universities where you are there just to get a degree. 

What is the Brandeis population actually like outside of academic boundaries? In the second sentence of the About page, they paint a picture of what they are looking for: “There is no other place like Brandeis. As a medium-sized private research university with global reach.” By starting the first paragraph of the page in what Brandeis is and who they are as a university, you are clued into what Brandeis demographic is as a student body. Starting with the primary identifiers for the student population at Brandeis, through a perceived mission statement, letting us know three prominent identifiers of what a Brandeis student is. Firstly they say, ‘there is no place like Brandeis,’ showing that these students defy the normal bounds of what is perceived as higher education. The next part of their opening stance is ‘private research universities’ showing that a typical student has the means to pay for a private university education. The last part of the statement is that it is a ‘university with global reach.’ They state this throughout the website, but it is genuinely reinforced with their statement on ‘global reach,’ letting you know that this University has a diverse population of students and is socially conscious on a global scale.

Brandeis’s academic page is constructed in a way that creates a calling for students they are looking for while managing to not outwardly show what they don’t want in a student. “A Brandeis education is a vigorous exploration in critical analysis, creativity, and self-expression.” (link) The blanket statement of what a Brandeis education is leaves no room to question what being a student at Brandeis is like; making it clear within the first few sentences of their academic page. Immediately stating how a Brandeis education is ‘vigorous exploration in critical analysis.’ Using vigorous to show the difficulty level of their curriculum while hinting at it being self-led through the words ‘exploration.’ The strength of starting with exactly what they are looking for shows how this is a selective university with high academic standards for its students. 

After giving an overall summary of what academics means to Brandeis, they have pop-ups that take you to each of their different colleges that show how many majors each school has. Brandeis initially indicates that because they deal primarily in Liberal Arts, their options in Schools are mostly Schools of Arts and Sciences. Though this is true, the University ensures that they have a wide variety of majors and minors within the undergraduate school and a variety of masters and doctoral programs in the Graduate school. They also use signifying sentences in the blurb, such as, “Almost half our students double major and some even minor in a third discipline” (BU1). The language in the blurbs tells you how high of a degree you can achieve and often what a Brandeis student does to reiterate the idea of increased rigor and high achieving among Brandeis students. Brandeis wants to inform you that throughout the pages; they are a University of rigor and diversity.

Response

In life, I want to pursue pediatric psychology, and I enjoy challenging myself academically. I also surround myself with people who like to be challenged and work hard. One of my key characteristics is being socially aware. I believe in civil rights, women’s rights, and equity for all. Due to my stances and academic self, I would want to go to Brandeis. A very equitable University that also intends to challenge students alike. Earlier in the year, we read an Interview, “To This Scholar, For-Profit Colleges Are Lower Ed,” conducted by Anya Kamenetz with sociologist Tressie Colton. In this interview, Tressie Colton spoke on ‘The Education Gospel,’ invented by Economist W. Norton Grubb and Marvin Lazerson. They say, “The Education Gospel is about the faith we have in education and what a significant role that faith plays in what we call our opportunity structure… we trust education will have a positive effect on our lives and society.” (Kamentez, 1) Through my analysis of Brandeis, I believe they reflect the education gospel’s positive effects. Brandeis provides a place of higher education where education is prioritized. All in all, I would attend Brandeis University. 

Work cited

Brandeis University. Retrieved March, 15, 2023

https://www.brandeis.edu/ 

History

The Medical University of South Carolina was founded in 1824 and is located in Charleston South Carolina. MUSC trains about 3000 students a year and trains about 850 residents and fellows at different colleges. MUSC trains students in Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. (MUSC “The Medical University of South Carolina” 

Summary

The Medical University of South Carolina also referred to as MUSC is looking for dedicated students who are “compassionate, competent health care providers”  (MUSC “The Medical University of South Carolina”). MUSC trains students in Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. MUSC is a proud school as it is an old institution, being founded in 1824. They highlight women’s history month currently on their website and are marketing themselves as inclusive and diverse in multiple places on their website. They have tabs to highlight their accessibility, LGBTQ support, Black History month, Equal Employment, and much more on their website indicating that they are marketing themselves to a wide range of future medical students with all types of backgrounds. 

Analysis

Going more in-depth on the pages of the MUSC website it starts to become clear what type of APATSARC strategy they are using. When looking closer at the College of Medicine page we can see that MUSC is very aware of the audience that will most often be visiting this page. This page in particular portrays quotes from previous students giving prospective students an idea of their future experience. “Once you’re a student here, you get to be a part of a whole new family – one that not only wants you to succeed but also equips you with the tools necessary to do so.” Stephen Patrick, MUSC Class of 2020, a urology resident at MUSC. (MUSC “College of Medicine”). This is one of the quotes portrayed on the website. It is a positive quote that draws future students in with the promise of a positive experience during their time at MUSC if they choose to attend this school.

 From this page, it is easy to click through the pages to find the exact path you are interested in. Lower down on the same page there are numbers and statistics displayed largely across the screen showing how many students have graduated from different programs, match rates, and diversity rates. This is an indication of audience awareness. The writers of the page are aware that these numbers will draw the audience in prompting them to look further on the website to learn more about the statistics regarding their specific major.

Another thing that is prominent on the website is the use of short paragraphs and keywords to draw the audience in. This shows that the writers know that it will most likely be students who are looking at many school websites at once who will be visiting the page. Instead of focusing on long in-depth paragraphs about each subject, the writers have decided that the better approach is to write short informative paragraphs and fill the page out with statistics pictures, and tabs that can lead readers to additional information about smaller more specific subjects. 

Looking at the homepage of MUSC we can see them imagining their ideal readers by displaying their featured news, quick links and other things such as the college’s history. The writers of the website are anticipating that their ideal readers will find interest in the topics displayed on the homepage, leading them to click their way to the subjects and articles that interest them the most. After clicking the Innovations tab on the homepage and navigating to the “Education Innovation” page there are more quick links to draw audiences further into the website and explore the plethora of information. On this page readers can additionally find an insert of text labeled “Tech Innovation”. This text talks about the Metaverse and the future of education. One example the text puts forth is that with the development of technology, future surgeons could possibly have the opportunity to practice hundreds of times before ever coming into contact with real-life patients. (MUSC “Education Innovation”). This indicates the kind of student the writers are aiming to draw in. Students with a bright outlook on the technological future, are students who are willing to adapt to the times of the future and who will be curious to develop their ways of learning. Students who have a curious learning style and are willing to take on new challenges and experiences. This theme is carried throughout the website both with the layout and with the articles and inserts posted on the website. It is clear to the reader that applying to and attending MUSC is no easy task but it will instead be an exciting time in a student’s life where they will be presented with many different challenges and tasks to help them grow as people and students leading them to their desired goal in life of becoming a contributing member of the healthcare field. 

Response 

Personally, I would attend The Medical University of South Carolina. I like the overall message that the school is putting out and I like the vibe that I get from the school. It is in a different state so a downside would be the location because it would be far from my family and support system. However, when it comes to something as rigorous as medicine I think it is very important to find a school that is a good fit for you and it needs to be in a place where you feel like you can thrive. However, from my interpretation of the website and the stats posted, I think this is a very competitive school to get in too. But if I was seriously considering a career in medicine I would apply to this school because I think they would provide me with an excellent education and give me the opportunities that I need to succeed in my field. 

Works Cited 

Medical University of South Carolina. “We are changing what’s possible”  171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425. 

https://web.musc.edu/ 

Medical University of South Carolina. “Cultivating a Culture of Innovation” 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425

https://web.musc.edu/innovation 

Medical University of South Carolina. “The College of Medicine at MUCS” 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425

https://medicine.musc.edu/

Moaz Shoaib

Summary

                Daytona state college is a public college looking for students who are well-driven and motivated to achieve their goals. They offer one of the best stem major online programs. The college is working for the betterment of the economic aspects of society by providing certifications and workforce programs, and individual advancements in the fields of science and technology. In Daytona state college, they provide flexible programs covering all the fields of science and arts. Their ideal student would be anyone trying to enhance their learning in fields of science and arts but mostly science. The website uses rhetorical strategies such as purpose, assumption, and imagining ideal readers to persuade its readers.

College’s building

Analysis

                The main rhetorical strategies that the website uses are purpose and imagining ideal readers, which in this case are students. The first thing displayed on the website is a cool slideshow that represents how they are keeping up with the advancements in web development. To elaborate that slideshow is a combination of pics and videos that shows the whole journey of a student from the moment they step onto the campus to graduation. It also indicates a balance between education, sports, and social life at DSC. After the slideshow, the reader is greeted with a welcoming phrase, “You belong here” (DSC 1). The purpose of this phrase is to give a sense that they want the reader to be a part of this college. The website then emphasizes the institution’s distinction by stating that “Offering more than 100 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State is the premier source for education and advanced training in Central Florida” (DSC 1). This shows that are very diverse in the programs they offer, and the reader has a wide range of selections. Given the wide range of programs, a few things that need to be considered while keeping the ideal readers (students) in mind is that while applying a student might find difficulty in choosing a program that leads them to their goals. So, they need help and guidance to opt for the best option in programs according to their strengths and weaknesses. This problem is addressed on the website and readers can find the answer to their questions by clicking on a link titled “Explore the program finder” (DSC 1). The link takes the reader to another page that states, “Find the right pathway for you” (DSC 1). The reader can fill out some questions and the website will generate a program that best fits the interests of the reader. The purpose of this is to facilitate the reader and help with any hindrance in the process of deciding between different programs.

                Furthermore, the prospective students are persuaded by appreciating and encouraging diversity. This is done by showing that DSC is a place where students can nourish their culture by taking part in cultural events. The purpose of this is to attract diverse students and make them feel close to their identity by appreciating and showcasing their culture. These cultural events are free and open to the communities. Due to this people can come closer to each other and it also promotes the social skills in the students that are very important for successful student life.

Arts and Culture

                In addition, all the information provided by the website is organized by keeping the ideal readers, which are students in consideration. This conclusion can be drawn by noticing the strategies used by the website. When students enter the website, they are greeted with visually appealing pictures of the campus, charts, stats, slideshows, and hovering drop-down menus. The design of the website is so friendly and easy that it will guide the students in whichever direction they want with just a few clicks.

                Moreover, there is a section named “by the numbers” where the institution has posted its achievements and distinctions. One of the achievements is that “DSC is the highest ranked public state college in Florida according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs” (DSC 1). The purpose of this section is to gain the trust and confidence of students in the institution. There are so many colleges to choose from and having to choose the best and right one is difficult for a student. So, the institute has to show that they are best at what they do and DSC has shown that through stats and numbers. This strategy is very effective in persuading students because it gains their trust.

By the Numbers

                In conclusion, the website’s main purpose is to persuade ideal readers which are students. Everything is organized to help and convince students that if they are motivated to achieve their goals then DSC is where they belong. The use of rhetorical strategies makes it more appealing and welcoming to students. Overall, the website is built amazingly, and the students will find no difficulty in understanding the motive and purpose of the website which is to facilitate individual advancements and student success.

Response

                I would like to attend this college. One of the main things that grabbed my attention was the diversity of programs and the wide range of selection in STEM major programs. My major is Biology which is related to the medical field and student with this major needs a lot of guidance. The students who graduate from DSC serve in critical areas like healthcare, emergency services, business, engineering technology, computer science, and more (DSC 1). Seeing that as a student gives confidence in the programs that the institution is offering, and it also indicates that these programs are widely accepted. The other thoughtful thing by the college I like is their program finder. This is a perfect way to just help students find their pathway because it is a very crucial and difficult decision in a student’s life. Moreover, the value of the students is also very important because they are going to spend some time at the institution. So, to me, personal growth is a value that plays a very important role in my academic self, and I always try to find ways to make it better. Under their values tab the DSC shares that “There is no value more important than the success of our students” (DSC about). This is evident from their values that they care about the values of students. As I mentioned earlier the wide variety of programs and the appreciation of diversity and cultures will promote my personal growth. So, by analyzing their strategies and understanding DSC’s purpose I can see myself going there and ready to gain the experiences Daytona State College has to offer.

Work Cited

                                                                               Daytona State College, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.daytonastate.edu/.

Summary: 

Boston University has many plans in place to help students achieve their academic goals and personal growth. The institution is committed to providing an environment where students feel heard, included, and inspired, fostering a sense of community, and belonging. Through their efforts to engage, elevate, and transform their students, Boston University has established itself as a top-tier educational institution dedicated to helping its students thrive in all aspects of their lives. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to their beliefs and values, which they communicate on their website. Their ideal reader could be someone that has felt cast away from society and seeks comfort in areas where all differences are welcomed and encouraged. They use Tone and Imagining Ideal Readers as their rhetorical strategy to convey their message. 

Analysis: 

The website’s unreserved approach to presenting information is evident in the way they openly share their views and opinions. They are not afraid to voice their stance on controversial topics and do not shy away from discussing potentially polarizing issues. This directness fosters transparency and authenticity, which can be refreshing in a world where many websites and organizations tend to be guarded and politically correct. Interestingly the website has a subsection labeled “Voice & Tone,” in which they say “Our voice is vibrant, smart, bold, and authentic…We want to speak clearly, simply, and see the world through our audiences’ eyes, not ours.” (BU Voice & Tone). With this information, the reader can have a sense of being heard and comforted. Overall, the website’s candid tone creates an atmosphere of honesty and trust, which is crucial in building strong relationships with its readers or users. 

 Throughout this website, they do show that they are bold, for example, if you go to the subtitle “How to report a safety, harassment, or ethical issue” they recognize their obligation to promote the safety of their students and faculty. In the subsection they say, “Boston University recognizes its obligation to promote the safety and health of students, employees, and constituents on campus, and to maintain the highest ethical standards in the classroom, lab, and workplace.” (BU How to report a safety, harassment, or ethical issue) they know this is an important thing to talk about and they show this in their tone. By using words such as “highest” and “obligation,” the university conveys the urgency and importance of this matter. The use of the term “highest” implies that this issue is of utmost significance, while the word “obligation” suggests that the university understands and accepts its responsibility to address it. Overall, the university’s tone conveys a sense of seriousness and dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community. 

Boston University is a university that is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of learners, and they make this clear on their website. By highlighting their history of diversity and inclusion, they seek to subtly communicate to their ideal readers and future students that they are a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. On their “Our Vision” page, Boston University highlights their commitment to diversity and inclusion by highlighting the achievements of prominent figures from their past. For example, they note that they awarded the “…first Ph.D. to a woman at a US university, produced the first Black psychiatrist in the United States, and was the first to admit female students to a US medical school. Additionally, Boston University bestowed a doctoral degree in theology on Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59), and graduated Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (CAS’11), the youngest woman to serve in the US Congress.” (BU OUR VISION) These examples not only underscore Boston University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, but they also serve to inspire and motivate their ideal readers and future students to strive for greatness in their endeavors.  

Boston University’s website strategically highlights influential achievements and figures to imply the characteristics of their ideal readers and future students. The showcased figures are widely recognized, beloved by many, and have achieved notable success in their respective fields. Furthermore, the fact that many of these figures are alumni of Boston University underscores the institution’s commitment to producing exceptional graduates. By focusing on the resourcefulness, tenacity, and drive of these successful individuals, the website sends a powerful message to potential students. Boston University seeks to attract clever, innovative, and forward-thinking individuals who are dedicated to academic and personal excellence. By highlighting these influential figures’ achievements, the website encourages prospective students to emulate their determination and drive to achieve their success. 

Additionally, by highlighting the tenacity and drive of successful individuals, Boston University communicates that they value perseverance and hard work. These characteristics are important for success in academics and beyond. Boston University in addition encourages their students to embody them. Overall, the website’s subtle messaging about the qualities of their ideal readers and future students underscores Boston University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and perseverance. It communicates to readers that Boston University is a place where they can develop and hone these qualities and be part of a community of learners who value and celebrate them. 

Response: 

The university seems to be an inviting and stimulating environment, with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Upon exploring the university’s website, I was struck by the impressive array of achievements and successes of their past attendees, which is a testament to the quality of education and resources available. Although Boston University’s specialization in Marketing and Business is certainly intriguing, I have a strong desire to expand my knowledge and skills in Engineering. Therefore, I feel it would be prudent to explore other universities and programs that align more closely with my academic and professional aspirations. 

During a recent in-class discussion, I was asked to identify three core values that resonated with me. After thoughtful consideration, I settled on Achievement, Personal Growth, and Open Communication. As I was browsing through the website, I noticed that Boston University aligns perfectly with my core values. After examining the website, it is evident that Boston University places a strong emphasis on open communication, which is a crucial component of daily life. The University’s commitment to fostering an environment of transparency and dialogue is impressive.  

The University’s inclusive environment left a lasting impression on me, and it was evident that this commitment played a significant role in the institution’s success as a renowned institution of higher learning. I was thoroughly impressed with how the University prioritizes creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes excellence. After seeing the University’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, I was left feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of education. It is reassuring to know that there are institutions like Boston University that prioritize creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. I look forward to watching the University’s continued growth and success in the years to come. 

Works cited:

“Homepage.” Boston University, https://www.bu.edu/.

Brief History

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has been around since 1899, before Arizona was even considered a state. Formally known as “Norther Arizona Normal University”, Northern Arizona State Teachers College, Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff, Arizona State College at Flagstaff, and Finally Arizona State College,  NAU has shifted its mission throughout the years. (“History of Northern Arizona University Collection 1899-2000 History of Northern Arizona University Collection”) When The school was first founded, it was a teaching school, with it’s first graduating class being only four people. (“History of Northern Arizona University Collection 1899-2000 History of Northern Arizona University Collection”) Now, NAU is a space-grant public research university, touting its discovery of the astronomical bodies Eris and Sedna. It now has almost 30,000 students (28,090). (“Northern Arizona University | Data USA”)

Summary

This post will discuss NAU’s strategy for growing it’s student attendance in the modern day. NAU is looking for students willing to participate in research and internships, specifically in the field of astronomy, ecology, and genetics. The personalities that NAU is looking for from their students are problem-solving, inquisitive, and imaginative. The strategies NAU uses to persuade these kinds of students to attend are case studies and structure. Their home page features many case studies, including those of professors and alumni. Their website’s structure resembles a news channels website, featuring boxes of many stories with links leading to other pages.

Analysis

Among the block of case studies NAU wants you to click on, they include an interview with one of the alumni. They ask questions to lead her towards a positive remarks about the school. They begin the page with some of her background and then quickly dive into what resources NAU has offered her and how proud she is to be a lumberjack (NAU’s mascot). They don’t ask the question, “are you proud to be a lumberjack alumna?” They ask, “what makes you proud to be a lumberjack alumna” (“Helping Startups Thrive”) These leading questions make it easy for them to structure this case study in a way that leads the audience to the conclusion that they should attend this school.

After selecting the link titled “helping startups thrive” on the home screen, you’re led to an interview with alumna Diana White. She’s a well-rounded entrepreneur with much retail and sales experience and hosts a podcast. (“Helping Startups Thrive”) She obtained her Business Administration degree through NAU and speaks praises of the University. Her story is a perfect example of a non-traditional student with career ambitions attending a university because of the institution’s ability to offer students the resources to complete their degrees. White explains this by stating, “I had always wanted my degree and tried for many years to obtain it through a myriad of schools. There was never enough time, energy, or money to finish. NAU was a blessing as I was finally able to find an institution of higher education that fit all my needs and allowed me the opportunity to complete my degree.” (White, “Helping Startups Thrive”)In other words this alumna has tried other ways of getting her degree, but wasn’t satisfied until she tried NAU’s program because of the resources and flexibility it offers her. This case study tells its readers that they not only accept non-traditional students, but they want experienced, driven professionals to attend.

This case study is extremely effective because of her praises of the school and the time she’s committed in the past to complete her degree. They end the article with her accomplishment to make readers believe that NAU is how anyone, even people with established careers, can become more successful, because this is how she became successful. Right below the end of this article are more cause studies to click on, such as “Ian Mclein’s wild ride”, a story about a Disney executive’s journey, and “Bringing behavioral health resources to all”, a story about Alum Tad Gary’s participation on healthcare boards and as executive officer in Mercy Care. Most if not all of the links to articles one the site are interviews with successful Alumni. This structure choice is intentional and effective for showcasing why someone should attend NAU.

The Structure of not only the homepage but within most of the pages on NAU’s site resembles a news site. It features blocks of stories that include a photo and a striking title. Whoever wrote the site seems to be aware that it resembles a news article because above the stories reads a bold text that states,” UP NEXT…”, as if they were a news anchor about to announce the next story. Although the structure resembles that of a news channel, the content is very different, with the featured stories being very positive and uplifting. If the site associates it’s programs with positivity and success, then the reader will be more likely to associate NAU with positivity and success. Therefore, the reader will be more likely to attend.

The stories that NAU features seem to be very career focused. One of the descriptions under the article,” Boundless Compassion” states ,” Angie Golden’s nursing career has gone places, from helping patients in the Grand Canyon to testifying on Capitol Hill”. In other words, Golden not only got a successful nursing career because of NAU, but she’s traveled to a wide array of places and performed important roles in society. The word “boundless” implies that with NAU, graduates no longer have limitations.

Response

                My interpretation of the website is that NAU is marketing itself to students of all ages, especially if they’re career and technology driven. The websites did a good job of convincing me that successful people have attended this university, and therefore if I attend, I might become successful. Some of the quotations also showed me that people make a lot of connections there, which many people are looking for after being isolated because of the pandemic. The subtitle of the interview with Angie Golden reads, “A rewarding career supported by mentors and colleagues”. Golden explains,” The faculty truly became colleagues” (Golden) What I got from with statement is that the professors and staff treated the students as equals or that she rose to be more of a coworker than a student. Either interpretation of the statement leads you to believe that you would be taught in a collaborative and respectful environment. This immediately attracted me to the university because being talked down to never created a good learning space for me. An interactive program in which I could learn and serve my community is one that I would attend, which NAU has shown me they are.

It would be reassuring and encouraging to me if I attended because of the hope that I may become one of those success stories. I believe the University’s recognition of students’ achievements is a good thing and is indicative of a healthy learning space. The variety of careers they showcase in their case studies also shows that they are a well-rounded institution; with success stories in business, nursing, research, communication, and more. This shows me that everyone has a place at NAU and campus life would never get boring with the wide array of perspectives.

Sources

“Boundless Compassion.” NAU Boundless, 13 Apr. 2021, nau.edu/boundless/nursing-career-goes-places/.

“Helping Startups Thrive.” NAU Boundless, 4 Jan. 2023, nau.edu/boundless/alumna-helps-entrepreneurs/.

“Northern Arizona University.” Northern Arizona University, 2019, nau.edu/.

“History of Northern Arizona University Collection 1899-2000 History of Northern Arizona University Collection.” Www.azarchivesonline.org, www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/nau/history_of_nau.xml. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

“Northern Arizona University | Data USA.” Datausa.io, datausa.io/profile/university/northern-arizona-university. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Summary  

The University of Arizona is one of the best universities in the state of Arizona, being ranked the second best. With this ranking they want attract many sorts of people to give them a chance at applying to a university like up in coming first gen students. In order to gain these students UOA uses strategies like audience and inhabiting/ engaging in social roles on their website to grab the attention of their main audience.  

Analysis  

In order to attract up in coming college students to their school they switch into different roles throughout the websites to further relate to the students and get a deeper connection with them. For example, when going into the first-year student admissions one of the many paragraphs they include are paragraphs called “student stories”. They add these paragraphs in the admission tabs to make it more likely for interested students to see it. Once clicking on the paragraphs, it then displays many “student stories” about the people who have joined the University of Arizona. One of the very first stories that pops up is “First gen guide to Applying and accepting” (UOA ss) and by doing this they can further connect to their main audience.  They also add other stories that may appeal to other students who are interested in this university like informational stories such as “tips for your campus tour” (UOA ss) and student life stories like “the university of Arizona bucket list” (UOA ss). By adding these many different stories, it broadens their scope of people so they can attract not only their main audience but many other students that may feel interested. It also helps the authors switch or morph into the roles of the students/audience to relate to the students and come off as more friendly, making it seem like they are just like the reader. By switching into the role of the student/friend it builds trust and welcome which could make the students who are thinking of applying here more likely to join the University of Arizona which is one of their many focuses.  

Another way that they try to convince more students to join their university is through one of the many APATSARC strategies called audience. When it comes to audience strategies, they try to get a good understanding of what they think their audience needs to further connect to them by providing their needs. Some of the needs that the authors provide can be found straight away on the homepage of the website. For example, the authors provide easy access to financial aid by putting it on the first page of the website. The authors also add “academic calendar and deadlines” right next to financial aid since it is something that is also important. By putting these specific needs on the first page it makes the reader understand that the authors know some of the basic needs that students want, while simultaneously expressing their audience awareness.  

Overall, when looking at the website the authors display audience awareness in many of the different pages. One example is displaying the wants of their readers. The authors realize that not all the students are school/book driven and that the students need a good environment in order to attract people to their university. By knowing this the authors add a school life section to make the readers know that it is also a university that allows fun and leisure. They add sentences like “you’ll find fun options at the global center” (UOA sl) and “nice spots to meet friends” (UOA sl), emphasizing the welcoming nature of the school’s environment.  

Response  

While looking at all the things that the authors convey like the environment, the first gen audience, and their main focuses it almost feels like the authors strategies are working on me. The university heavily pushes the idea of them being very affordable and having “10,000 + first gen students” (UOA fyso) which are one the main things I look at in a university. I am a first gen student myself and it is nice feeling knowing that there are people battling the same hardships as me. One of the main values I have is having fun and making new friends. Knowing that there are first gen students in the university like me makes it easier to follow my values since it is easier to make friends with the people you relate to the most. The University of Arizona also has an engineering program that I would love to join since that is what I am majoring in. Having that major in a university also helps with another value I have which is joy. Being happy is my biggest concern and if there is a school that has engineering, which I would love to learn, I would happily join it.  

Work cited  

University of Arizona. UOA. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from 

https://www.arizona.edu/ 

Summary

The University of Southern California strives to be the best in the country. Their ideal student would bring plenty of creativity and ideas that could help grow their community. Their website has many pictures and videos that show the student’s involvement and connection during their journey at USC. The rhetorical strategies they used throughout their pages was Inhabiting and Engaging Social Roles.

Analysis

The University of Southern California draws many students together because of their drive for academic success and achievements. USC attracts their ideal students by setting a standard goal which they can achieve when they attend USC. By obtaining the ideal reader’s view, they show valuable information to the readers including their administration, academics, student life, and community. USC’s goal is to bring as many people together as possible but also make the world a better place. In their homepage, they have three different subsections that includes their projects and programs they have been working on to help others from around the world. In one of the projects USC is working on is called “6 weeks to Mars.” Here, they are working on a versatile rocket engine to send to space so they can gather as much information they can. This could help space research figure out what is on Mars and if there’s any harmful chemical lying around. Another research project UCS has been working on is helping resemble communities in the Indigenous Tsimane and Moseten communities. There are many other programs and projects that USC would love students to join in. USC strives to make this world a better space to live in. They want to make their students feel inclusive and at home. Their purpose is to attract readers so that they can attend their open house or tours. By attending USC, students will not regret their decision.

UCS is ran by the Board of Trustees meaning that the University is powered by the government. The administration of USC are the ones who organize and manage the University. They strive to make the student feel safe and comfortable there. The president of USC is Folt Carol L. She has stated that “The path to advancing human understanding never stops. And USC is a fantastic learning sandbox – a wonderful place for you to learn and discover who you are now, who you’re going to become, and the ways you’ll make your mark on the future” (Carol L.). USC is a great place according to the President. By attending, students can learn and discover many things for their future. A student’s bond with an administration can show how much they appreciate and value USC. 

The USC has a variety of choices when it comes to choosing your academics. In their academics page it states, “We create, innovate, challenge and build new knowledge that impacts lives today –  as we prepare our students to change tomorrow’s world for the better” (Academics). By preparing the students for the world, the world is also prepared to welcome the students. USC has divided their dorms up into sections to help students connect with one another who are also in the same field of study. They also provide an enormous amount of resources for students who are looking for new opportunities or experiences in their field. USC academics standing are very strong. One of their values is focusing on their students’ academics. They want to make sure that all their students have a bright and successful future. They value the importance of working hard while being in extracurriculars involving their majors. There are also many events that students can attend to better understand what college and work is like.

The community of USC is located in the center of Los Angeles. Many of their student life, organization, clubs, and facilities support the community around them. For example, “The Good Neighbors Campaign” was created to raise millions of dollars to support people’s financial problems (Community Relationships). The USC family holds their values strongly because they believe in a student’s potential to grow, learn, and live as an individual. Along with all these organizations, USC has also partnered up with different parts of education to help students achieve their college degree. USC once said “Our dedication to education inspires and motivates these promising students in Los Angeles to “Fight On!”” (Educational Partnerships). The trojans motto is to keep fighting and never give up. They want to give their students hope and opportunities so that they could have a great future. 

Response 

The University of Southern California sounds like an astonishing University to attend. They have definitely caught my attention after bringing up some amazing opportunities as well as what they value. B  While I was scrolling through their website, I saw how dedicated they were in serving the community. It is important to me to have a cherishing community. Many students are involved in different organizations and clubs that can help build the community safer. They also create projects by gathering ideas from one another. Without a loving and comforting community like this, I would not feel comfortable participating. Having an inclusive community who does not push anyone who is different away is a huge sign. UCS also offers a variety of activities and academic choices I could choose from to explore. I believe that having a strong academic stand and also taking part in activities can help me grow as a person. Having myself exposed to many new things can help my experiences for the future. USC showed me how loving their administration can be compared to other Universities. Their administration sounds very open and welcoming which makes me feel like I cannot turn this opportunity away. When I talk about having a strong foundation to build on, UCS can give me that extra boost of confidence. Starting a new journey at a new school can be scary but USC has taught me to “fight on!” I can see myself exploring campus and joining new opportunities to help better my understanding of my major .Overall, USC did a phenomenal job convincing me to attend their University by setting me up for success.

Sources

• University of Southern California, https://www.usc.edu/. 

Spelman College Campus (Source: Spelman College: Admission – Visit Us)

Summary

     Spelman College invites students to gain experience in a community where one is supported by a body of sororities. Students are received not just based on their academic credentials but also their many roles and engagement in public work and how that can further develop at Spelman. Upon admission, it considers a student’s outlook and what they can contribute to making an influence in the social world. The college provides support during the college year and experiences to leave one prepared to take the next step after graduation. It uses pathos in rhetorical style and kairos for the rhetorical strategies to encourage students’ interest and admission. 

Analysis

     Some of the ways Spelman College attracts its prospective students are by using visualization, the different tags and labels on their page, and by providing news updates associated with the school. As one enters the school website, they are greeted with a virtual billboard that stands out on the home page. In this billboard, there are different events, dates, and things to take note of (SC Home). This shows examples of kairos. Kairos is associated with timeliness with which the billboard is allied to. While the board switches from frame to frame every few seconds, it can be stopped so that the information can be read at one’s own pace. Under “News and Events” one can go back to look for more information if they missed the billboard. One of the frames is titled, “Angelino Viceisza – Economics Faculty Highlight,” in which the subtext read, “Change Maker: Spelman College associate professor of economics Angelino Viceisza, Ph.D., has been named the new president of the National Economic Association for the 2023-24 term (SC Home).” To bring out this information and present it shows the college intent of their target students. As the semester is about to come to an end and summer is approaching, many students are college searching. Here, the college is aiming to appeal to economics students, which the college offers as one of its majors (SC Academics). They do this by highlighting the words, “Economics Faculty Highlight (SC Home).” If students browsed the page and were able to happen to see the billboard, they would at least know Spelman offered an economics major. The college’s objective is to get their attention, which the method would provide by giving students further motive for research on the site.

      Furthermore, the college displayed a picture of professor Viceisza. In the picture, he is smiling, giving off a welcoming atmosphere (SC Home). Professor Vicesiza is also seen wearing a suit, showing professionalism (SC Home). Body language and outfit choices can give much information about a person and the work environment. It can be assumed that the faculties and staff are welcoming and professional, looking at professor Vicesiza alone. To give rise to the assumption, as one browses through the other frames of the billboard, they would come across other staff or faculty who also share the same characteristics (SC Home). In the frame titled, “Food Justice Summit” the staffs include the ‘moderator,’ Rose Scott Wabe, and the ‘featured health specialists;’ Tamara Melton Ms, RDN, Tambra Raye, Stevenson, and Rosalind Gregory – Bass, M.D (SC Home). These features appeal to emotions. If one were to go to the college, knowing it’s set in a rigorous environment, they’d be relaxed knowing that they are greeted with hospitality.

     The frame introduces food with healthcare. Just like with how the college was advertising its programs for economics, similarity this frame is also displaying the same concept, but with the programs associated with healthcare. The date of the event, description and biographies are listed on the page (SC Academic). Under the description, the moderator along with the featured health specialist are listed, each with their little short biography. The similarity they share is that they have credentials in information about health. This event is a great way to set up students in a place where they can explore their interests as they interact with the faculties. Another example of this with the same program is displayed in the event titled “Healthcare Careers Start Here (SC Home).” This backs up kairos in that it creates a sense of action, the urge to act. This is evident in that they displayed two upcoming events with closing dates. Under “read more” and in the “about us” section, the college demonstrates what the healthcare program can offer you as a member (SC Academics). Above the details, the college shows those two upcoming events. This creates an opportunity for students to take advantage of as they get to have the chance to meet and associate with professionals and be able to participate and indulge in different activities. 

     These programs are inviting and sociable, backing up the idea of pathos. Using this method, the author’s goal is in advertising their school. Another way they did this was by showing care for their school members. On their website, at the tab “About Us” and under the Wellness center, a part of the description states, “We are taking proactive measures to support the health and welfare of our students, faculty, staff, and the entire Spelman community (SC About Us).” This quote shows where the college lays its concern. While the quote is also addressing precautions toward the pandemic, it still shows how the college is making sure the steps are taken to prioritize the well-being of the members. Under the description are different activities such as meditation, swimming, or training that can also help aid in wellness. Also, on the home page, there is a slide that addresses a survey related to sexual misconduct. A bolded sentence states, “your voice matters, share your experience to help create change! (SC Home).” Just like with the previous source, likewise, while the quote is addressing the context of the survey, it can be applied to any situation. Emotion is involved in this by knowing that one is in a safe and dependable environment at Spelman. 

Response

     I had considered going to Spelman because of the programs they provide. After acquiring a bit more information, I would still consider going to the school. It has many advantages and it portrays a welcoming environment. Some of the values that I see associated with the school from the values inventory are peace, personal growth, and family. I believe these values would be coordinated with Spelman. I learned how the college is a community where you would rely on one another, even after college. You’d build friendship, mentorship, and guidance where eventually you’d form connections. Because of this close-knitted environment, it would be considered family. You have close friends, teachers, and acquaintances that walk along your journey at the school. The school is also peaceful in that it is a community of support. You wouldn’t have to worry much about a hostile environment and even though there may be conflicts, you have people to go to and rely on. Going to Spelman would give rise to personal growth. Although you have accommodation with peers and the community, Spelman can provide an atmosphere where you can have a chance to personally grow. Whether the growth is in academics, skills, or brain power, Spelman itself is set in a rigorous environment where one can challenge themselves.

Work Cited

Spelman College, https://www.spelman.edu/.