Bowie State University News December 17, 2010 Bowie State University Launches New Undergrad Recruitment Tool (Bowie, Md.)-Bowie State University announces a new undergraduate recruitment tool as part of the University's "R U Ready" campaign, a joint effort between the Office of University Relations and Marketing and the Office of Admissions. The online interactive game primarily targets high school and transfer students interested in learning more about the programs offered at the University. The game provides a competitive way for Bowie State's recruiters to directly target students either approaching high school graduation or transferring from a two-year college as a way to increase undergraduate enrollment at the University. The game also encourages younger middle and high school students to begin preparing for college. "By providing unique and appealing ways for students to learn about what Bowie State University has to offer, we hope to reach a broader range of our target population," said Tammi L. Thomas, director of university relations and marketing for the University. "Overall, the primary goal of this marketing tool is to increase undergraduate enrollment and we look forward to interacting with our constituents." Through an interactive click-through board game, students interested in learning more about Bowie State University can navigate virtually through campus. Game players encounter eight life scenarios when they must make wise decisions in order to continue on the right path. Along the way, players can take a virtual tour of the University, select ringtones, mobile video and wallpapers; view a photo gallery, campus map, newsletter, and brochures; and obtain admissions and contact information. Global Design Interactive (GDI), a marketing communications and technology firm located in Owings Mills, Md., worked with the Office of University Relations and Marketing for the University to develop and design the game. Anyone who desires to learn more about Bowie State University should visit the website to play the game. "We are proud to continue our partnership with Bowie State University to help them position their brand as the premier destination for higher education," stated Joseph Weaver, CEO, Global Design Interactive. "This next phase of the online recruitment e-platform builds on the previous momentum by adding social media, student planning/timeline tools, and media centers for an immersive interactive experience." Students can play the game, which promotes the University's slogan, Prepare for Life, by visiting the website at bsubeginthejourney.com. By playing the game, students have the opportunity to win prizes including a free Bowie State University t-shirt and an iTunes gift card. ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education for more information about BSU, visit the website at www.bowiestate.edu. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.