Media Value of Louisiana and SBC Schools

[Ragin9221]

Put it at the entrance to every classroom

Yall hear me out. It doesnt have to be the state with the fdl, but it could be any logo or any representation of the school.

If I were a student walking through UL’s campus and saw a plaque like that on every classroom door, it would absolutely leave an impression. At first, I might not even consciously notice it, but over time, that image of the Louisiana silhouette with the fleur-de-lis would start to mean something. It’s like seeing a commercial a hundred times. Eventually, it sticks. I’d start to associate that symbol with the school’s identity. It wouldn’t just be Room 109 it would be Room 109 at UL, and that visual would reinforce the idea that this place is unified, intentional, and worth belonging to. If your goal is being known as Louisiana.

Now think about the cost. If each plaque runs about $70 and installation is another $30, that’s $100 per classroom. Multiply that by 300 classrooms, which I am guessing the number of classrooms at UL, you’re looking at a $30,000 investment. That’s less than the cost of a single billboard campaign, yet it delivers thousands of impressions every single day. Every student, every visitor, every faculty member sees it again and again. That kind of repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. It’s subtle. Before long, I’d find myself thinking, “This place feels like home,” or even, “I want to be part of this.”

Branding isn’t just about logos and slogans it’s about creating an environment that speaks for itself. Those plaques would do exactly that. They’d turn every classroom into a quiet ambassador for the university, reinforcing pride, legacy, and identity without saying a word. Plus it would look official, and help with the look and aesthetics ( hopefully using that correctly) of the school.

Think its called environmental branding.

[Ragin9221]

Just to clarify my earlier post this is what I was referring to. Doesnt have to be that logo, It just needs something to reinforce that Louisiana Brand! If that is who we are?

[Turbine]

Martin Hall's insistence on selling itself as a city school (Lafayette in every utterance) is what caused the atrophy in enrollment.

Athletics doing the same with relegating the footprint to "my town" coupled with over emphasis on Ragin' Cajuns as the 'who' is what is causing a shrinking in media value.

A kite without a tail.

Essentially the same failure for academics and athletics, a failure to capitalize on existing anchor assets. Namely drawing interest in attending Louisiana classes and subsequently Louisiana events.

Athletics and academics need to get on the same Louisiana page, and when they do, media value and enrollment will both sky rocket.

jmo

[MarlinMan3]

Now think about the cost. If each plaque runs about $70 and installation is another $30, that’s $100 per classroom. Multiply that by 300 classrooms, which I am guessing the number of classrooms at UL, you’re looking at a $30,000 investment. That’s less than the cost of a single billboard campaign, yet it delivers thousands of impressions every single day.

Shouldn't cost as much as you estimated, but good point regardless

[Ragin9221]

Pass by that 200 times a day!!

Plus in the slots you could put what courses are taught in that specific class.

If you are a new freshmen you trying to figure out where your class is, that would also help tremendously

If done it has to be uniform

[HoustonCajun]

Just to clarify my earlier post this is what I was referring to. Doesnt have to be that logo, It just needs something to reinforce that Louisiana Brand! If that is who we are?

That is a great idea and awesome look. How is it that a university that teaches marketing can't even market itself?

[Ragin9221]

That is a great idea and awesome look. How is it that a university that teaches marketing can't even market itself?

Thankyou!! It was Marlinman3 idea. It is a great idea. I learned about Environmental Marketing/Branding at UL from all the Psychology and Sociology courses that I took. Turbine and you are absolutely correct on how we are branding all this stuff!

[MarlinMan3]

I remember having to go to the marketing teacher"s office once, it was in one of the lamest, darkest, unkept buildings, and it had a sign similar to a picnic sign strung across ceiling saying "this is marketing country", sad

[HoustonCajun]

Pass by that 200 times a day!!

Plus in the slots you could put what courses are taught in that specific class.

If you are a new freshmen you trying to figure out where your class is, that would also help tremendously

If done it has to be uniform

Check out the movie FOCUS with Will Smith and Margo Robbie. It uses and explains exactly what you are saying to influence people into doing something without realizing it.

[HoustonCajun]

Thankyou!! It was Marlinman3 idea. It is a great idea. I learned about Environmental Marketing/Branding at UL from all the Psychology and Sociology courses that I took. Turbine and you are absolutely correct on how we are branding all this stuff!

We have a new President coming on board shortly. It would sure be nice to have an opportunity to present ideas to him on how to jointly market athletics and academics, how to better utilize athletics as UL's "window to the world", and how to change the perception and mindset of students and the general public regarding UL. Just maybe he will agree to forming a committee to study and present recommendations that can help alter the future of UL athletics and its impact on the university and Acadiana.

My wife and brother in law are Texas Ex's and I have been exposed to what being an alum of the University of Texas means and how athletics, particularly Texas football, unites alumni and fans. UL, through our short list of Presidents, has never grasped that. I can only hope our new President is of a different mindset.