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/ 

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/.

Summary:  

The University California, Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, California. It is very prestigious, as it has an 11% acceptance rate, and they are looking for well-rounded students. While a lot of applicants have impressive academic records, they are looking for more. The community would strive with students who demonstrate skills in leadership, intellectual curiosity, tenancy, and showing initiative. The APATSARC strategy I am using is Rhetorical style (logos) and the Large Rhetorical Strategy I am using is Imagining Ideal Readers.  

Analysis:  

For academics, they want prestigious and hardworking students that have challenged themselves throughout high school. The author uses the Large Rhetorical Strategy Imagining Ideal Readers to show this because they want their audience to show how competitive this school is, and also what students should have in their application when applying to UCLA. What Imagining Ideal Readers means is the readers that will be affected by the writing, like the ideal readers. In this case, the Ideal Readers will be in the upcoming class who are looking at applying to their school to see what they should have to have a good application that is exactly what the college is looking for. Honors classes, AP classes, college classes, and other advanced classes are important factors that applicants have to show to prove they have had a good rigor for the four years of high school. The author at the undergraduate admissions states that there needs to be good qualities that the student must have. These include, “leadership ability, character, motivation, tenacity, initiative, originality, creativity, intellectual independence, responsibility, insight, maturity, and demonstrated concern for others and for the community.” (UCLA, Undergraduate Admission).  

These characteristics go past academic achievement, as they have to be well-rounded in other activities as well. Other evidence of achievement beyond academics, like extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, organizations, community service is a big factor of what admissions counselors look for. Some challenges or hardships that the applicant has strived through and overcame challenges to show maturity and determination are also strong factors. All these factors are what makes a strong applicant, and it shows that the admissions counselors want a wide range of students with varying hobbies and achievements. The Ideal Readers they are looking for are students who are well-rounded and have the qualities that they list on their admissions website that makes them a strong applicant. In their Principles of Community section, they highlight the importance of diversity, open-mindness, freedom of expression, and do not tolerate acts of discrimination of any kind while promoting awareness and education around campus. (UCLA, Principles of Community) This shows readers what the community is like at UCLA, and the strive to promote equality and diversity.   

The APATSARC strategy I chose is Rhetorical style, Logos, which uses logic to help your argument. The UCLA uses a lot of data to conclude their facts to show how good of a school they are. They used data and numbers to show how many applicants they have gotten for the fall 2023 admission. Ricardo Vazquez, the author of the article, “UCLA applications for fall 2023 admission remain at near-historic highs” says, “UCLA has received more than 169,800 applications for fall 2023 admission, with approximately 145,900 coming from freshman applicants and nearly 24,000 from transfer applicants – making UCLA once again the most applied-to-four-year university in the nation.” (UCLA, Newsroom) This right here is exactly what they want to show: a high demand college. The logos are the numbers and data they collected from the large applicant pool of students. From the previous year, Freshman applications decreased 2.6% from the record total, but still the applications have increased by 34% in the past three years. The Basketball team – the Bruins – for UCLA is currently the No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, which is very good. Using data and numbers from previous games, they got their No. 2 seed title, and have won (31-5) games this season. (UCLA, Men’s Basketball) The logos show how good of a team the Bruins are and how UCLA is more than a prestigious college.   

Response:  

I would go to this college, as it is a very good college in aspects: academically, socially, inclusivity, and equality. I like that it is in Los Angeles because the location is something that is important to me. When I went to Los Angeles this past February, I saw a glimpse of the campus and it is very pretty. While Los Angeles is good for tourism, I would never live there. Maybe other parts of California, but the traffic is crazy, and I would not be able to deal with that every day. That being said, it would be kind of hard going to college in Los Angeles, but I would stay on campus for most of the time, as it has a lot to show. The value from the “values inventory” I am using is community. I specifically chose community because from looking at UCLA’s website, community and togetherness is very important to them. It shows up multiple times in separate pages, and a university like UCLA has a great community to go along with it. Community is something that they really care about, and so do I. People are stronger in a community than individually because there are other people that you can lean on. We share a lot of similar values, which is why UCLA would be a good school for me to go to.   

Works Cited:

“Undergraduate Admission,” UCLA Admissions https://admission.ucla.edu/ 

“Mission and Values, Principles of Community” UCLA https://www.ucla.edu/about/mission-and-values 

“Newsroom,” UCLA Newsroom https://newsroom.ucla.edu/ 

“Men’s Basketball,” uclabruins https://uclabruins.com/sports/mens-basketball 

Summary

Founded in 1869, Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, is a Presbyterian university that is geared towards bringing in ambitious students and sending out graduates ready to lead. Trinity goes beyond the typical Christian ideals in order to make anyone attending feel welcome and accepted. The university looks for the curious, all-questioning student who won’t settle on the first answer given. They keep a confident and powerful tone throughout their website and as such their ideal reader is someone who is accepting, confident, and ready to take on a challenge within their academics and within their lives. 

Credit: Trinity University

Analysis 

Trinity University’s tone throughout its website leaves a feeling of empowerment to those that visit it. Upon clicking on the website, readers are shown Vanessa B. Beasley who has recently been inaugurated as president of Trinity (TU homepage). Having a strong leader be the first thing you see when starting to learn about Trinity has the effect that if students attend this university, they will also have the opportunity of leadership positions within the school and after they graduate. Also located on the homepage, is the statement “Trinity University is a force in motion” followed by a couple of statistics showing how Trinity alumni have become successful in later academics and the workforce (TU). Trinity University is confident that any student that steps foot on its campus will be successful while attending, and after attending Trinity. 

Two other tones conveyed by Trinity are inclusion and acceptance, with one of their said values being inclusion. For many years, Trinity has strived to celebrate old traditions while also creating new traditions with its students as history continues (TU community). One of their missions is to build “a community that both honors our past and shapes our future” (TU missions and values). They have students of many different backgrounds and try to appreciate and honor each of their unique cultures. Despite common stereotypes regarding presbyterian churches and their unacceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, Trinity University fights those Christian ideals and celebrates the pride community that they have at their University. They showcase their acceptance through pride events and celebrations shown by pictures on their website (TU missions and values). Their acceptance allows for anyone that attends, whether they are Christian or not, to feel comfortable and welcome while receiving their education at Trinity.

Credit: Trinity University

Trinity University’s ideal reader is someone who is curious not only about the world but about other people and is an accepting person of everyone. The university wants students who care as much about the past, present, and future as they are when it comes to sustainability. As a liberal arts school, Trinity is looking for students that are interested in the arts and creativity. The website talks about how the students can be explorative because Trinity has “big-school resources in a small-school environment” meaning they have the resources to learn big while also having the aspect of a small community – only about 2,000 students are enrolled each year – in which everyone can feel acceptance from their peers (TU life at Trinity). Trinity University values sustainability and is “dedicated to a sustainable future” and would want anyone attending their university to feel the same way (TU our campus). They have the discussion of environmental issues and solutions built into their curriculum so every student can get an understanding of what is going on with the environment, even if the student is not going into an environment-related major. They have “a range of opportunities [that] are available for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to be involved in environmental efforts” (TU our campus). Trinity wants students that not only work hard during their school years but post-Trinity as well. It is number one in the state of Texas for alumni employment rates which goes to show they get its students ready to enter the workforce after they graduate with the education and work ethic they receive while attending its university. 

Response

I would definitely consider attending Trinity University had I known about it while applying to my other colleges. Being an atheist, I would not have had a second thought before saying no to Trinity upon finding out that it is a presbyterian university. However, researching the university and doing this assignment has shown me that yes, they are mainly presbyterian, but they do not follow typical Christian beliefs when it comes to different races, cultures, and the LGBTQ+ community. It has a big emphasis on its goal to promote sustainability to those that attend its school, and even just the general public. I am big on environmental issues and nature was one of the values I included in our freewriting in class, so their mission is a mission of mine as well. The fact that they acknowledge climate change and make sure everyone on their campus has a moderate knowledge of the issues we are currently facing is also convincing. They want hardworking students and I have always been known for the hard work that is put into my studies. I feel as though I would fit right in at Trinity, especially with the fact that it’s not that big of a school – campus-wise, and student-population-wise – which means it is a lot easier to get involved with sports and extracurriculars which is important to me as well because I like to get involved in my schooling whether it be athletics or leadership positions within clubs. Trinity University also has a bachelor of science program for psychology which is what I plan to major in. 

Works Cited

Trinity University | San Antonio, Texas | https://www.trinity.edu/ 

Summary

University of Califonia, San Diego was Founded in 1960 and enrolled its first undergraduates in 1964. Nevertheless, the campus can trace its origins as far back as the late 1800s. UCSD is a public university that offers everyone opportunities and concentrates on its students, research, and service missions. One of the top fifteen research universities in the world, it fosters a culture of collaboration that leads to advancements in society and economic effects. The ideal student should want to represent substantial academic achievement and be able to explore the world with a fresh perspective. The college’s website uses Purpose and Imagining Ideal Readers as rhetorical strategies.

Analysis

UC San Diego attracts their ideal students by making their purpose transparent and imagining what type of readers would reach its website. UCSD’s goal is to transform California and build a multicultural, global society via public service, knowledge creation, and dissemination. The first thing the audience sees when they enter the website is a banner that says “We merge disciplines and surpass expectations, empowering students to think creatively across boundaries, resulting in unimagined discoveries.”(UCSD 1). UCSD’s goal with this statement is to convince the audience that anyone can go beyond their limits, and by combining disciplines, anyone can surpass expectations. UCSD wants students that are curious and willing to make a change in this world. They are not afraid to take a chance on an unlikely idea because to them any idea counts.

“College is more than studying”(UCSD 1). This statement can be found on UCSD’s Students Life page. This shows the readers that there is more to do at the campus besides innovating and researching. “Life at UC San Diego is about activating your passions.” (UCSD 1). They want their students to have fun, stay active, gain skills, and make friends through extracurricular activities and events. UCSD’s mission is to  Consistently work to build an inclusive community that fosters welfare and success and engages students with the desire and abilities to make a significant difference in the world, through programs, campus collaborations, and placemaking. UCSD makes a living on campus as comfortable as possible. They want to draw readers who are interested in larger campuses, more entertainment, and more experiences. A typical day in a student’s life would be: Roll out of bed. Walk to class. Lunch with friends. Quick nap. Afternoon lecture. Sunset surfing at the beach. Study session with suitemates. Movie night in the lounge. “A place of belonging”(UCSD 1). UCSD is also diverse in terms of culture and they have a proactive approach to creating a friendly environment for everyone.

 Credit Goldey-Beacom College

Summary

Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) in Wilmington, Delaware discusses the strengths of their campus and faculty extensively, highlighting how their resources can better prepare any student who attends. GBC’s ideal student is one that does not live in Delaware, a student that is going to college only to enter the workforce, and one who has financial difficulties. GBC uses the APATSARC strategy of Audience in order to sort out their niche and uses the larger strategy of Kairos to showcase their policy on inclusivity as well as to welcome the students into a comforting environment.

Analysis

            The strategy Goldey-Beacom College uses to persuade students is by reaching out to specific audiences. Goldey-Beacom simultaneously attempts to constrict their specific audience, as well as try to welcome all to their college through various themes. Throughout their website, the same themes are mentioned as important values of Goldey-Beacom: affordability, job placement, and inclusivity. In addition to targeting a specific audience, GBC also uses Kairos in their writing to touch on current events or topics, as well as to strategically introduce ideas.

In terms of affordability, GBC makes it abundantly clear that they have financial aid programs available. Through this, Goldey-Beacom attempts to speak to their audience of those who have financial difficulties. On the page “At a Glance,” GBC says “We can work with you to make a Goldey-Beacom College education affordable” (GBC). They use this section to let students know that Goldey-Beacom can be a realistic choice for them, regardless of price. The website has a page titled as “Mission” which lays out in a list of goals – with a few paragraphs scattered – that explain the most important values of the college. The third item on their list talks about their financial aid, saying their goal is “to help make the College accessible to all academically qualified students through financial aid, flexible scheduling, and the use of technology” (GBC). The way GBC talks about their financial aid at specific times reflects the heavy use of Kairos. Not only is their affordability listed on their goals at all, but it is the third item. By mentioning their programs so highly, and in this specific place, they are announcing to students how important their financial programs are. As a result, they draw in those who struggle with paying for college.

The next important theme is job and career placement. Goldey-Beacom refers to jobs several times, making it clear how important of a value it is to them. On the page “At a Glance,” GBC mentions that over 90% of alumni have job placement (GBC). Within the “President’s Message,” the president says, “We want to achieve greater as a college and we want you to achieve greater in the classroom and ultimately in your chosen career” (GBC). Finally, on the list of goals under the second slot, GBC says that they are dedicated to preparing students for their careers through their curriculum (GBC). There are a few things that can be taken from these pages. First, GBC addresses the reader as if their sole reason for going to college and entering a major is to get a job in that field. Through this, the college is addressing its job-seeking audience, and trying to convince them that their school can help get them a job. Secondly, there is no coincidence that the percentage of job placement is under the page titled “At a Glance.” By doing as such, GBC is using the appropriate timing of Kairos by saying if someone only glanced at all the information about their school, they would see that job placement is prevalent. The president enlists Kairos as well by saying both the school and the students can achieve greatness together, especially with the student’s chosen career. Finally, similar to affordability, GBC lists the curriculum for preparing a student for their career as the second item on their goal list, further ranking its importance to the college. As such, GBC labels It as a core value and uses that to attract people who want a career in their major.

            The last prevalent theme for Goldey-Beacom is diversity and inclusivity. They bring this up as a way of comforting potential students and making them feel more welcome in their school. GBC explains on their website that they have “1800 students enrolled from 22 states and over 60 nations” (GBC). Included with this statistic is a graphic with all the nations who’s students have attended or are attending GBC. The graphic is a tad misleading, however, as an entire country is highlighted when maybe one student from there attended GBC. In terms of Kairos, by including the statistics and then the map, GBC is making their college feel more inclusive, which is appealing to a wider audience. In addition to widening the audience, GBC uses diversity and inclusivity in a way to appeal to the existing audiences by reassuring them they will feel cared for. In the “President’s Message,” the president says, “I am confident that you will discover an extraordinarily welcoming community here at Goldey-Beacom, a place that celebrates diversity in all of its forms, a place that feels like home from the moment you arrive” (GBC). This sentence is not directed at any one audience, it is directed at all who are interested in the college. As another example of Kairos, GBC times when they mention diversity here until the end of the message. They do this to end their persuasion on a positive note that regardless of what someone wants out of college, will make you feel as though GBC is a safe and comforting place for anyone to thrive. In this way, GBC is effectively expanding the range of their audience using the timing of Kairos.

This Infographic represents the various nations that students are from at GBC (Credit Goldey-Beacom College)

Response

            After navigating the pages of Goldey-Beacom College’s website, I can say that I would not be interested in their school. I see college as a place for not only learning but a  place of personal growth. One of my strongest values is helping people, so I want to go to college so I can learn better ways to help the environment and the world. Although I do plan to have a job one day, my main goal with going to college is not to immediately get a career. Goldey-Beacom college may have helpful financial aid, as well as a very inviting and friendly campus, but they heavily emphasize that their curriculum is targeted to help make me a productive citizen by getting a career. Goldey-Beacom College, while having a fun to say name, and being a college that no one I have talked to has heard of, does not match what I want out of college.

Works Cited

Goldey-Beacom College | Wilmington DE |  www.gbc.edu.

Nathaniel Mekuria

March 19, 2023

Professor Weaver

Major Project 3

Summary:

St. Thomas University is a private, Catholic university that was founded in 1885. The university’s website shows different undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, social work, and more (https://www.stthomas.edu/). Overall, the St. Thomas University website appears to be targeting students who are academically motivated and socially engaged. The university offering all these educational programs and also different diversity programs, suggests their intended audience is students who value their education and celebrate diversity.  Saying this, their ideal readers would be ones looking for inclusion and education. The university uses the APSTARC strategy of purpose and the Rhetorical strategy of ideal readers to appeal to students.

Analysis:

Although being a catholic university, upon analyzing the St. Thomas University website, it appears that the university is looking to attract a diverse group of students who are academically motivated, socially engaged, and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

The website prominently features information about the university’s academic programs, including detailed descriptions of each program. The university states its purpose throughout the website, it uses this APSTARC strategy to effectively communicate its goals to its prospective students.  The first thing you look at upon entering the website is a huge quote saying, “Higher education with a higher calling” (STU Home). As u scroll down the front page of the website, it shows the different programs it has and how it has been successful in making sure its students end up with a job after their time at St. Thomas. The website also displays pictures of different career fairs they have, their internship listings, and showing their workshops. They try to show their students that they are preparing for their future careers and will gain practical experience. Highlighting their academic programs and showing their previous student’s success, the purpose of all this is to appeal to its intended audience of students who are interested in exploring different academic disciplines and want to learn about the specific courses and use resources available to them.

Another strategy the college seems to be using is a rhetorical strategy of assuming its ideal readers or viewers of the website are looking for an engaging and comfortable campus life. The website features information about the university’s student organizations, athletics, campus events, and other aspects of campus life. The cover page of the website reveals their new basketball and hockey arena called “Lee and Penny Anderson Arena” which took a groundbreaking 75 million dollars to construct. (STU Home). By hovering over to the campus life section of the website, it advertises the 130+ different clubs, traditions, and organizations it has, the university also emphasizes its dining service, which offers “fresh and nitrous food”, their sustainability, transportation which includes a campus shuttle, and how the safety of its students is a top priority (STU Campus life). This strategy appeals to ideal readers who are looking for a vibrant and engaging campus community, and who want to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom.

The university also wants its ideal readers to know is actively working to promote diversity on campus and that they have specific resources available to make sure it happens. The first page of the website holds a picture of students from different races holding each other and below it features a quote “Our commitment to Diversity and…Inclusion” to show that the hostility of these diverse students is one of their priorities (STU Home). By hovering over to the campus life section, the university assures its readers that they promote diversity by featuring information about the university’s LGBTQIA+ community, mentioning a Multicultural Affairs office, which provides resources and support for students of “diverse backgrounds”, and its diversity and inclusion council (STU Mission). The website also wants students who are interested in athletics, it lists extensive information about the athletic program it offers and the resources it has for its athletes.

Saint Thomas University’s website uses a variety of images of its campus to showcase its beautiful building, facilities, and green scenery. The university inserts pictures of the campus and its buildings, starting from the front cover and way into missions, admissions, and the info center (STU). The pointy roofs and the high-top ceilings give the university a middle-aged, gothic aesthetic. Considering this is home for most students for the next coming years, the physical feel of the campus does matter. The university uses its unique architecture and culture to attract students by creating a positive first impression and feeling excited about attending the university.

St Thomas Campus

Response:

            If the university was affordable and was in Georgia, it would be in my top three, from what I can see on the college’s website, it appears to be an excellent institution that values diversity, commits to academic excellence, and creates opportunities for its students. The three values I hold most from the exercise we did in class were: Ambition, ethical behavior, and peace. The university pushes students to aim high and helps them pursue their goals in very many ways. Throughout the website, I noticed that the university highly encourages students to act with ethical behavior. One way the university demonstrates this is through its mission statement, which states that it is committed to “fostering a learning environment that develops students’ intellectual and ethical virtues” (STU Mission). Overall, from my personal research on the university website, Saint Thomas looks like a very well-rounded University. It is well above my standard and does not have anything to push me away from it, besides being out of state and expensive.

Work Cited:

 University of St. Thomas – Minnesota, https://www.stthomas.edu/.

A View of UC Berkeley

Summary 

The University of California, Berkeley is a public university established in 1868. Berkeley seeks students with a high level of determination, strong leadership qualities, passion, persistence, and a desire to give back. Students who are interested in a rich and personal academic experience and want to graduate within four years should consider this university. To convey this message, the college uses rhetorical strategies such as Imagining Ideal Readers and Purpose.

Analysis 

On its website, Berkeley explains some of its purposes for attracting ideal readers. As soon visiting their website, you will see the term “Artificial Intelligence” on the home page; which gives you a sense of intelligence for choosing this university. Under their About tab, they claim that “Berkeley is a place where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world.” (UC Berkeley, 1) Berkeley’s goal with this statement is to convince the audience that they have students from across the globe, not just from the United States and CA and that they welcome more international students. This sentence gives international students hope for applying. Their goal is to position their students in positive competition with the smartest students around the globe so they can progress and learn new things. They call themselves “Brightest Minds”. By using this statement, Berkeley seeks to attract international and clever readers who can make a positive impact on the world with their knowledge.

“Berkeley is home to some of the world’s greatest minds leading more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units and addressing the world’s most pertinent challenges.” (UC Berkeley, 3) The statement can be found on Berkeley’s Academics page. The site offers its readers a choice of academic departments and programs. Using these majors, students can make a positive impact on one of the world’s greatest challenges. Under the Campus Life tab, it mentioned that “Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse and kinetic community that seeks to create a better world.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Although the students aren’t from the same country, culture, or ethnicity, they can still form a diverse community and experience lots of joy together while creating positive change. To support their statement they named some events, daily activities, and performances under the title “Events and Attractions” in the same tab. For example, students can visit BAMPFA if they are interested in museums, art, or dance. Students can visit Berkeley’s botanical garden, take a tour of CA Memorial Stadium, and attend concerts and sporting events. Under the Campus Life section, it is stated that “life at Berkeley doesn’t stand still. With over 35,000 students from around the world and a vibrant urban setting, it’s no wonder the campus community talks about a “fear of missing out.” Jump in and find out how dynamic and interconnected life at Berkeley can be.” (UC Berkeley, 5) This sentence promises two things: a spacious and diverse campus, and a dynamic and interconnected life. They want to attract readers who are looking for wider campuses, more fun, and more experiences.

Cal Band Performing on Sproul Hall Steps.

When it comes to Imagining Ideal Readers, UC Berkeley is certainly seeking students from different cultures; as Berkeley believes that they all have different backgrounds, experiences, and talents, and can work together to create a positive change. On the website, readers can find pictures of students from a variety of races and backgrounds, which will attract students who share similar characteristics.  Since getting an acceptance into this university isn’t easy, it is obvious they’re looking for brilliant students. Under the Student Profile tab, readers can see how many students are rejected and accepted each year. According to statistics, only 16,412 out of 112,854 applicants succeeded in gaining admission in 2021.  

Readers who are ideal at UC Berkeley go beyond studying to use their opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. “And Berkeley is at its best when you bring your whole self: the community you come from, the questions you dare to ask, the challenges you’ve conquered to get here, and the dreams about how you’ll make a difference.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Berkeley also envisions its ideal reader as someone with a strong sense of leadership. Berkeley has a LEAD center, which stands for Leadership, Engagement, Advising, and Development. This center aims to guide students and develop their leadership skills.

Response 

The university and its website were successful at conveying its goals to its audience. As a reader, I understood and enjoyed everything I read. Information on the university’s website enhances my understanding of it. Even imagining myself studying at Berkeley was fun for me. Studying at Berkeley is such a privilege and honor for students. By answering some questions about myself during free writing sessions, I discovered that I am a visual learner and that just studying isn’t enough for me to succeed. The resources and opportunities available at UC Berkeley will enable me to do real-life research and experience things from a close perspective. I can participate in a wide variety of majors, activities, organizations, and clubs, so they can explore campus life, gain experience, and have more resources to research. The campus offers several events and activities that I find interesting. Berkeley students will have the opportunity to build strong friendships with students around the world. Berkeley offers all the opportunities I need to excel in my field as a student. I can receive scholarships to continue my education at Berkeley and graduate with top job positions to work in after graduation. I just love everything about Berkeley, and I see a bright future for Berkeley students.

Berkeley’s Female Grads, 2021

Citation:

“Home.” University of California, Berkeley, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.berkeley.edu/.