The department of history is striving to streamline some of our processes for better efficiency. Most recently we have created our weekly calendar/announcements using the MailChimp platform. This platform features a mobile-ready user interface, which automatically adapts to different device types, including desktops, tablets and smartphones. The system will also benefit from a number of functional enhancements, including more flexible layout of events. For programs that request announcements to go out via our email “history announcement” list serve, we can now upload colorful flyers with the announcements and highlight the event, include video clips, etc.
Why we switched to MailChimp? It has been proven with our new structure of the weekly calendar, which tracks the amount of people opening an email, it is a better tool for sharing events, job announcements and call for papers. On a weekly basis, the weekly receives anywhere from 20 to 30 request to share things with our listserv(s). As a matter of fact, many recipients have opted to have the history announcements digest weekly/monthly/never. In other words, they are not reading the announcements. With the new structure of the weekly calendar, we can condense this information into one email, which would increase the number of recipients opening the email and possibly increasing attendance at your respective events.
You will notice many processes used around the University are being upgraded and enhanced. We understand change is not always embraced, but this new tool has proven to be more efficient. Going forward please see the instructions below on how to submit your announcements you wish to have posted to the listserv.
Benefits of weekly calendar
- Less amount of individual emails
- Clear list and details of events for the upcoming week with direct links and attachment of papers
- Announcements of accomplishment will be included in the weekly newsletter
How the weekly calendar works
The history department shares all our annoucements through a weekly calendar, that gets emailed to our listservs every Monday morning at 9am through MailChimp during the academic year. We have created Google forms for every week through the end of the 17-18 academic year, so that you can submit current and future events. All submissions must be completed through the appropriate Google Form by the Wednesday of the previous week of the event by 5:00 PM. The Google Form will close at that time. *Please note there is no weekly calendar during the Summer.
What to Submit:
- Events for the week
- Upcoming Events (if you want to submit an event that's not that week, helps people put it on their calendar early)
- News and Announcements (new jobs, video features, outside conferences that you are speaking at)
- Job opportunities (tenure, assistant positions, internships, etc.)
- Call for Papers/Conferences
- News Articles that you feel are relevant to the History Department