eduWeb 2008 in 140 words: High Tech and High Touch: Integrating the Web and Print Using Variable Print Technology by Dr. Cam Cruickshank, VP for Enrollment Management at Tiffin University

Note from Karine: This year, I’ve asked all the eduWeb speakers working in universities/colleges to share in 140 words or less the biggest take-away from their presentation or table talk. If you’ve attended this session, feel free to weigh in by posting a comment, a question or a suggestion.

Variable print technology is revolutionizing the way we recruit and is helping institutions of higher education save valuable resources by leveraging data and technology.

With the ability to use variable print technology a college can save time and resources by printing on demand and use elements such as text, graphics and images to be changed from one printed piece to the next without stopping the printing process.

Implementing the variable print practices in addition to a targeted email communication plan can maximize response rates. By utilizing different attributes within your database, email communications and print pieces can be personalized to students preferences, interests and even student type.

Data is the most important component when implementing variable print technology. Captured data can be utilized to strategically place variable elements throughout your print piece, making a big impact on your audience by tailoring information to the recipient.

Heard the expression- garbage in, garbage out? Well it is true – your variable print pieces will only be as good as your information in your database.