The Early Bird editorial staff thanks all employees who shared ideas and feedback through the 2022 Reader Engagement Survey. Responses to the anonymous, confidential survey will help the editorial staff better meet employees’ information needs and make improvements to content, design and delivery methods. The survey was also an opportunity to introduce the Early Bird to new employees and to give readers a chance to weigh in on content and communication preferences.
Respondent data
In total, 186 employees participated in the survey, including:
- 124 – Staff, administrator, classified
- 47 – Faculty
- 13 – Student employees
- 2 – Other
Of these, 30% have worked at Metropolitan State University of Denver for 10 or more years; 20% have been with the University for six or more years; and 22% reported they have been employed with the University for three or more years.
- Nearly 72% are daily Early Bird readers, and 20% open two or three emails weekly.
- 63% of respondents prefer daily communication; 25% prefer two or three per week; 10% prefer weekly.
- 74% of respondents read one or two stories per edition; 12% read three or four stories.
- 77% prefer to receive University news via the Early Bird; 17% prefer standalone emails.
- 83% feel the Early Bird reflects MSU Denver’s mission, vision and values (60% yes; 32% somewhat).
- 90% feel the Early Bird reflects MSU Denver’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (54% yes; 36% somewhat).
- 80% feel the Early Bird equitably highlights all schools, colleges, programs, teams, etc. (38% yes; 42% somewhat).
Feedback on content
The survey also sought information on what content is most useful and relevant to employees. The most frequently selected categories included:
- General presidential news, events and updates
- Budget and financial information
- Health and safety/Covid-19 information
- University Policy updates
- Human Resources news and updates
When asked “What types of content do you most enjoy reading?” respondents most often selected:
- General presidential news, events and updates
- Program and department highlights
- The Roadrunner Shoutout of the Week
- Employee profiles and award announcements
- Arrivals and Departures
Next Steps
Based on this data, the Early Bird editorial team will seek to increase faculty and student-employee readership and will work to better engage new employees.
The team will also work to enhance and promote the Early Bird website by continuing to improve the search function, integrating an events calendar and more.
As respondents showed keen interest in more department profiles, program-focused articles and student-success stories, look for more celebratory pieces highlighting employees and students in the fall semester.
Additionally, the Early Bird will continue to refine its email template and formatting to ensure that all recipients are able to easily and consistently access photos and information.
