Survey Most in region happy with their lives

by Rachel Lane/Times-Georgian

Regardless of what some surveys and statistics say, west Georgia residents say they are happy with their lives and their neighborhoods.

In a survey by the Survey Research Center at the University of West Georgia, almost 90 percent of those in the region who responded said they were, in general, “very happy” or “happy” with life. Almost the same number of people said their communities are “excellent,” “very good,” or “good” places to live.

“We were a little surprised that the numbers were so high, but we expected it to be positive,” said Dr. Todd Matthews, assistant professor of sociology and assistant dean of the College of Social Sciences at UWG.

He was one of the researchers involved in the program, compiling the survey questions and analyzing the answers. The results of the study were released last week.

While the Survey Research Center has conducted small surveys on water quality in the past, this was the first survey of its kind conducted in West Georgia. About 380 respondents from Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, and Troup counties agreed to participate in the telephone interview.

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UWG Admissions: Reaching Out and Getting Results

After months of research and development UWG’s Admissions Office has unveiled a new way to reach prospective students, which is designed to give each one a unique introduction to the school.

The e-brochure is now available on the office’s Web page.

An online questionnaire asks prospective students a series of questions, including age, gender, high school graduation year, possible major and activities interest.

After the information is processed, each prospective student receives a customized PDF via e-mail.

“Based on the answers you give, it builds a brochure right there,” said Justin Barlow, the associate director of admissions.

Rather than getting a generic brochure, individual students get a high-quality, vibrant document addressed to them and tailored to their individual academic, athletic and social interests.

For example, a student interested in criminal justice gets information about the range of topics covered by the Criminology Department. It includes information about the Survey Research Center and the Center for the Study of Crime and Social Justice and the two honors societies the department sponsors, Alpha Phi Sigma and Lambda Alpha Epsilon.

If students are interested in meeting people from other cultures, the brochure includes the International Student Club.

Literary aspirations? There’s Eclectic. Athletics? There’s information about men’s sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, football and golf) and women’s sports (basketball, cross country, softball, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball), plus UWG cheerleading.

The brochure also points out life on campus: Greek Village, the Arbor View Apartments and University Suites, The Coliseum, University Stadium and the Campus Center.

It includes the name and contact information of a specific recruiter, next-step advice and links to information about tuition and fees, financial aid and scholarships.

For many prospective students, it’s the first contact with the university.

"We're so excited about this tool," said Jami Bower, assistant vice president of the Communications and Marketing Office.

"All our research shows that UWG is an institution that values each individual student. Our marketing messages encourage students to make their marks in their own way. This is a perfect way to show perspective students how UWG can offer a unique experience that's right for them," Bower said.

With all the variables in the questionnaire, the possible number of customized brochures can be in the millions, Barlow said.

The customized brochures show “that this institution has a lot to offer,” Barlow said. “It’s not a stagnant brochure. We are not selling tennis shoes. We’re selling something that means something different to everyone. It’s college.”

The e-brochure has been available since January. So far about 200 people have completed the questionnaire.

The Admissions Office developed the brochure with Data Systems Inc. (DSI) of Atlanta. UWG is one of a handful of Georgia universities using the technology, he said.

The e-brochure is just one of the tools UWG is using to raise its profile and attract students. The Go West branding campaign was unveiled last fall. The campaign includes billboards, television, radio and print advertising designed to invite students to explore the school.

Additionally, seven college recruiters are constantly on the road, talking to students about UWG.

The result of these, and other efforts, can be seen in growing interest in the school.

During January’s Preview Day, 688 students visited the school – the largest number in UWG’s history.

The previous record was set during last fall’s Preview Day, when 611 visited.

Even better: 34 students were accepted on the spot, Barlow said.

“I just think this is an indication that we are on the rise,” Barlow said.

To complete the questionnaire and receive a customized brochure or to send it to prospective students go to: http://westga.mycampusweb.com/.