USM will host a series of focus groups designed to gain information about the importance of public universities to the workforce, economic development, and citizens of Maine. Each focus group will be held Wednesday, March 16 in room 102 of the Wishcamper Center in Portland. The focus group for students will be held from 1 p.m. to 2.15 p.m., the faculty group will be held from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and the staff group will be held from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The University of Maine System is working together with Mindpower Inc., a marketing firm based in Atlanta, GA. According to a press release, they will work together to create an image campaign that will increase the awareness of the value of a UMS education. The focus groups will be the first step, allowing Mindpower Inc. to gather information to use in its campaign.
“These informal focus groups provide a critical opportunity to capture perspective, opinion and beliefs that will help form the important underpinnings for the creative aspect of our branding/marketing work together,” said Rosa Redonnett,
executive director of student affairs at UMS.