|
Question 4: If you
indicated "no" or "rarely" in question #2 (Do you read
The Record?), why do you not read the
newsletter?
These are the comments from the
respondents who chose "other" in the list of categories
provided ("lack of time," "lack of interest," "no longer
maintain ties to the LBJ School").
- Don't receive it
- Haven't received it or been aware of
it
- Don't always get it
- This is my first issue
- Do not receive it
- Never received it prior to this
issue--didn't know it existed!
- I never have received it in the past.
I would read most of it. (NOTE: This person did not
provide a mailing address.)
- Not interested in what meetings were
held and what "important" people attended but rather what
policy issues were discussed.
- Did not know of its
existence.
Question 5: The
Record is currently published once a year. Please choose
how often you would like to receive The
Record.
These are the comments from the
respondents who chose "more often" in the list of categories
provided ("1 issue per year," "2 issues per
year").
Fifteen respondents indicated they
wanted the newsletter published four times a year; one
wanted it three or four times a year; and two chose three
times a year.
- faculty and alumni news, plus an
article, 4 times a year
- four per year
- quarterly
- at least 2
- once a month or at least
quarterly
- more frequently, with alumni news;
and not have the amateurish Alumni Newsletter (the "LBJ
Alumni Update" newsletter)
- quarterly
- quarterly
- quarterly
- 3 times a year
- quarterly
- quarterly
- quarterly
- often the news is really
cold--deaths, retirements
- 3 or 4 times a year
- quarterly
- quarterly
- quarterly
- quarterly
- quarterly
- once a semester
- more timely; some events have already
happened by the time I get it
- every 4 months
Question 6: Since
The Record became an annual publication, it has been
distributed on the last class day of the spring semester in
May. It would be preferable to...
These are the comments from the
respondents who chose "other" in the list of categories
provided ("keep the distribution as is," "change to a summer
distribution," "change to a fall distribution").
Thirty-eight respondents suggested
spring and fall distributions or something similar, such as
once a semester or quarter.
- Plus end of fall semester
- Distribute more often
- May and fall for 2 issues
- If 2 times a year, end of fall and
end of spring
- Make copies available to incoming
students in the fall
- Spring and fall semester last
days
- Spring and fall
- At end of fall and spring
semesters
- Spring and fall
- Middle of semester
- Survey staff for
recommendation
- Spring and fall
- Christmas and before last class
day
- Once per semester
- Fall, spring, summer
- After each semester
- End of every quarter
- Early spring and early
fall
- Spring and fall
- Spring and fall
- Second issue in December
- Spring and fall
- Early April, so as to be able to join
in honoring those professors and staff members who retire
in the spring (May). Now, I find out when it is all over!
(so I just send letters, which is OK)
- January
- End of each quarter
- It does not really matter; once a
year is insufficient.
- At the end of fall and spring
semesters
- Fall and spring
- If 2 times a year, fall and spring;
otherwise keep as is
- Whatever is most cost
effective
- Spring and fall
- Whatever is convenient for whoever
prepares it
- Whatever's easiest on
staff
- December and May
- Add a fall issue
- Once a semester
- Spring and fall
- Spring and fall
- If changing would allow more
information about events upcoming, then change to
summer or fall
- Keep May distribution and add fall or
winter distribution
- Summer and winter
- May is OK. May publication tends to
look back over the year. I assume a fall date might look
forward???
- Once a semester
- Once a semester--December and
May
- Doesn't matter, as long as
information is timely
- Don't distribute same time as
Journal. Need more staggering of publications to
make alumni and others feel like they hear from LBJ more
often.
- Fall and summer
- Winter/December--highlighting events
(that occurred) from September to December (or from May
to December) and upcoming events from January to
May
- Two times a yearfall and
spring
- Change to fall--need long notice for
events
- Keep, or move to earlier
spring
- Spring seems like a good
time
- Whenever is most convenient is
fine
- It would be nice to be notified of
the upcoming conferences during the next year. If Fall
distribution would assist in that effort,
great
Question 7: How would
you rate the usefulness of the content of The
Record?
These are the comments from the
respondents who responded to the questions, "why?" or "why
not?".
Twenty-nine respondents said the
newsletter "keeps us up-to-date"; thirteen respondents
described it as "more interesting than
useful."
- Breadth of coverage; talks the good
things of the school
- Circulate to associates and family to
show range and depth of activities at the
school
- Would be more useful if it came out
more often
- Would prefer more timely articles and
mention of forthcoming events; real time
issues
- Updates faculty and activities
profiles
- Useful because it keeps you updated
with the LBJ School family
- It's helpful to see what research is
going on at the school and interesting to read about
alumni, professors, and staff
- A good overview of events and LBJ
school achievements as well as some insightful
articles
- No relevance to my job, interest, or
life in any way. I'm sorry, but I can't imagine why
anyone would be interested in reading it.
- Not relevant to what I do--it's just
a "blurb sheet" with folksy items about seminars,
speakers, faculty, etc. Where does it give me information
to use when consulting with public entities?
- Rarely "useful"--usually
interesting
- Lets me know what is going on with
the school
- Could be very (useful) if published
more often. Used to help solicit funds and
internships
- It is interesting to know what the
School is doing and how the faculty and staff are
progressing, but I cannot call that useful
information
- No more or less than other "update"
periodicals
- Useful, perhaps not. Informative,
yes
- Informative, more than
useful
- I'm interested in making connections
with my work and often these can be made
- Provides information about "current"
LBJ School events
- I find most articles are not
"immediate"--but saved news--with little
utility
- Interest in LBJ
programs/faculty
- Gives me ideas for related work I
do
- Of interest, not "useful"
- Useful in keeping up with school
happenings but that's about it
- The Record helps Sandra and me
stay in touch with the LBJ School
- It is interesting, but not
necessarily "useful"
- Useful may not be the correct
adjective; interesting or "of passing interest" is more
descriptive
- Helpful to keep up with LBJ PRPs
completed at end of school year. Like to read articles
about faculty and guest lectures at LBJ School,
too
- Obits are useful
- Good summary of what's going
on
- It's more interesting than
useful
- Nice to stay abreast of what's
happening at LBJ
- keeps me apprised of the school's
projects; lets me know what's going on with
students/faculty
- I think "interesting" would describe
it better than "useful"
- It's good to know what's going on at
the school
- Useful to maintain contacts with the
School
- More local government and innovation
information would be useful
- Includes articles I want to
read
- Not interested in what meetings were
held and what "important" people attended but rather what
policy issues were discussed.
- Policy articles are too general. It
merely keeps me a little up on school happenings a little
bit
- Informative but not
useful
- As an alum, I find it very
interesting to see what is happening at LBJ
School
- Varies depending on content;
graduated >20 years ago so not particularly interested
in current school activities
- Interesting, not "useful"
- Could be a lot more
useful
- Not useful but
interesting
- Keeps one up on where the school and
the (text not legible) are.
- It's probably very useful--but I'm
not involved enough to appreciate the issues.
- The OSAP newsletter is more of a
"social" rag so this is the only substantive school
piece.
- Keeps me informed on what policy
issues are academically "hot." Keeps me "in-touch" with
LBJ School.
- The policy stuff is all over the map
in terms of subject matter, so odds are most of the
articles would not interest me professionally. I'm not
interested, either, in long "speeches" by ideologically
disenfranchised academic deans. News items--like
Professor Redford's obituary, are what I like to read.
The alumni newsletter (the OSAP-published "Alumni
Update") is more timely and more interesting.
- Helps me keep in touch. Makes me feel
connected.
- I like to know what is going on at
LBJ.
- It's the only way I have of keeping
up with the LBJ School. It's a great
resource.
- I like to see what is going on at
LBJ. Keeps me informed.
- It lets us know what's happening at
the school.
- Its topics are very current and
applicable for students, alumni, LBJ staff and others
interested in public affairs.
- Reminds me of resources available at
LBJ school.
- Interesting
- I like keeping up with events and
former professors.
- I enjoy the update on LBJ School
activities, faculty, administration
- It helps me keep in touch with what's
going on. Its almost like visiting the school and getting
the latest "scoop."
- Keeps me posted on activities at the
school and activities of the faculty, administration,
students, etc.
- Keeps us up-to-date on LBJ
happenings.
- Generally useful. My perception is
that past issues tended to overemphasize school
and individual achievements and underemphasize
substantive work being done (such as policy projects) and
news about the school's programs (e.g., how/whether the
school's curriculum is adapting to the increasingly
technical and specialized nature of the economy...and
what this means for the future of the "skilled
generalist" (if that concept is still alive at the
school). In short, I would prefer less coverage of awards
and personal profiles and more coverage of issues,
reflections, etc. (similar to spring article by Dean
Dorn). This most recent issue seems to have moved a bit
in this direction. I like the new look and format
(!) of the document (although I don't remember when it
changed). I would also suggest considering a new name;
"The Record" seems rather bland to me. I've seen this
title on other similar publications.
Question 9: We are
interested in your opinion about various elements of The
Record. What elements do you like best? (Rate 1-5, with
5 being the best.)
Although this survey question did not
solicit comments, some respondents offered their thoughts
nonetheless.
- Faculty news--especially useful if I
did not see them; staff news--helps keep me up to date;
photos--they do make it more attractive and
readable
- I like them all--but it is too much
for a single publication
- All was very interesting
- Alumni news--alumni have their own
newsletter; a brief blurb will suffice
- (Reports on) events (do) not (have)
future focus; past becomes dated--like recent performance
measurement conference which already occurred
- Publications announcements keep me
current on research
- Photos--forget what faces go to which
names
- Programs--what is this?
- Programs--what programs?
- I find all these things very
interesting. I didn't weigh one item over the
other.
- No section stands out at
all
- (Reports on) events (are) not
timely!
Question 10: Please
check one of the following ("reduce," "keep as is,"
"expand") to indicate your preferences for future editions
of The Record.
These comments were submitted by
respondents who chose "other" in this question.
- Content should reflect what have been
the main issues and activities
- Research projects--and their impact
especially; photos--could reduce size and space devoted
to this somewhat
- Publish several different types of
in-house news. Keep all, but clump some together in
separate publications.
- Photos--reduce size, but not number;
Bulletin Board--reduce
- Alumni news--we currently have a
separate alumni newsletter that's more informal. Would it
make sense to move that to the Internet but include more
of the formal news in The Record?
- New employees; faces at LBJ,
retirements (security guard)
- Fewer pictures of the dean--too much
ego!!
- Good mix
- Feature articles--make more
meaningful! Apply to public entities and issues they
face
- Add information about future events,
lectures, seminars in the works
- Just balance it--depending on time of
year, etc.
- Research projects--would like to know
whether reports are available; publications
announcements--didn't even see this in the current
issue
- Speakers--why are they speaking;
why are they visiting; what is government about.
Why? Expand "in the future"
- Photos--more, smaller
photos
- I would like to see profiles--brief
with current picture--on former students
- Is there stuff you're not
sharing?
- Speakers--but discuss
content
- Seems balanced as it is
- Research, events, speakers--planned
or future as well as past year
- Research--make more interesting. Make
it more of a policy journal--useful information for
graduates practicing public policy
- Other important news and events at UT
Austin (schools, departments)
- I like The Record. Why
change?
- Would prefer advance
information--calendar of upcoming events,
speakers
- Only one to go on, but I liked the
balance
- Little way to clearly judge the
"expansiveness" of any section
- Bulletin Board--keep as
is
- Events--expand to include upcoming
events
Question 12: Do you
read The Record Online?
Although this question did not solicit
comments, some respondents offered their thoughts
nonetheless.
- Haven't yet
- I would
- No, because I get the hard
copy
- Still like printed copy
- Didn't know it was there; very
willing to read online. How do I access it?
- No, but I'd prefer to
- Wasn't aware
- No, but could as time
allows
- Was not aware of site--will in
future
- I would like to access it on the WWW
over "in print" to reduce mailing, printing, and paper
costs
- Did not know it was online; would
read it online if sent a message when a new one is
posted
- Not regularly, but beginning with the
spring 98 issue, I visited the site for the first time
and I liked what I saw
- Didn't know it was online
- Didn't know that I could get The
Record online
- Didn't know it was online
- Do you e-mail ticklers to notify as
to updates?
- Didn't know it existed. What is its
address?
- I did not know it was published
online, but I will look for it.
- If the information was delivered to
me via e-mail it would be very useful (as opposed to
having to go seek it out on the site)
- No, but I will
- No, but I could
- Didn't know it was
available
- I think that both publication media
are useful. They catch different audiences, all of which
are important for good exposure.
Question 13: If you
answered "yes" on #12, do you also want to continue
receiving a print copy?
Although this question did not solicit
comments, some respondents offered their thoughts
nonetheless.
- If you send me an e-mail telling me
the new version is available online then I don't need a
printed version
- I like the print copy
- Online is too much to read. If you
"listserved" an article a month, that might be a good
substitute.
- Print copy--I can start reading it
online. E-mail reminder that it's there will
help
Question 14: Do you
think it is important that The Record be published on
the Web? Please check one ("very important," "important,"
"not important").
Although this question did not solicit
comments, some respondents offered their thoughts
nonetheless.
- Cost effective (online
publication)
- Go strictly online
- Reduces the need to mail copies to
those with computer, Internet access
- I prefer print copies, but many folks
like the Web; it improves visibility of the school and
gives access to a wider audience
- Sure, stay on the technology
front
- Not important, if you plan to
continue print
- Especially in years ahead; perhaps
subscribers to paper copy could specifically ask to keep
getting paper copies, and others dropped.
- If it only is done once a year, it's
not urgent enough to be online
- Yes, but I still want hard
copy
- Very important
(recruiting)
- To advertise, promote the school and
maintain its great reputation
- Don't know--I suppose it's nice to
have that option
Question 15: Please
provide any additional comments or suggestions on the
nature, content, timing, or any other aspect of The
Record.
- I think that both publication media
(online and printed) are useful. They catch different
audiences, all of which are important for good exposure.
I like the "personal-yet-professional" tone.
- (1) In the list of each year's policy
research projects, you may include mention of the client
agency. (2) I think you need to think very clearly about
what the mission and purposes of this newsletter are.
Does it aim to bond us together more as a community?
Also, how does it fit with other LBJ School publications
such as alumni news ("Alumni Update"), etc.
- Service corner is pretty small--hard
to believe LBJ has so little service-oriented projects.
Some other "headings" have just one piece of information;
I would think there is more to that area.
- Most recent edition of The
Record was very good and informative.
- This was my first time reading it and
was very impressed. Keep up the good work!
- More analysis
- I think it could be simpler,
design-wise.
- I think it's all great; outstanding
copy and layout!
- Excellent publication; it makes me
proud to be here. Knowing all that you handle, it's even
more impressive.
- I enjoyed reading The Record.
I am a communications person, so anything having to do
with journalism is very important to me. Keep up the good
work.
- You guys do a great job. Keep it up.
However, more pictures of shrub, please
- Maria is doing an excellent
job.
- The technical preparation and
appearance of the publication is outstanding. Good work
on that score!! However, the orientation of The
Record is way off base--it is not relevant to real
issues affecting Texas today. There is too much focus on
the civil rights movement. Let's look to the
future.
- It's nice to see what's going on with
the school. Nice layout, easy to read and
scan.
- Go strictly online
- A lot happens in a year. Twice yearly
would make The Record more timely.
- If you want to have value, make the
publication more about day-to-day management issues in
public-sector management. For example, what's required to
implement pay-for-performance system, how do you evaluate
your IT needs and budget for them, how do you consolidate
functions. This kind of material will be helpful and
read.
- As an alumni, how has the school
changed: what is available for alumni? how does the
degree differ from 1980s?
- I'm not really interested in it. My
career interests are going in a different direction right
now.
- What about PAMLICO news, class
reunions, major achievements, etc.
- Still like printed copy
- The Record should be published
twice a year; we miss or hear news too late
otherwise.
- I believe The Record is
excellent the way it is, but I especially appreciate the
information on the staff.
- This publication could be used as a
marketing tool. Also to report on status of projects;
sent to agencies, legislators, etc. I will be sending it
to several people in my company. This is the best one
I've seen in 25 years!
- (Supplemental response to question
#8--Yes, it is important that the LBJ School publish a
newsletter.): Consider the purpose and the audience. Is
the purpose to inform?
- Good job!
- Spring 98 issue lead story by new
dean is super! He is right on target.
- I like it.
- Twice a year would be twice as
nice
- Very good and informative
- I really enjoyed the comments from
the Dean--hope there's more in the future. Perhaps a more
extensive discussion of the PRPs would be
interesting
- This is the first time I can remember
receiving The Record. I might have received it in
the past but I can't recall. I would like to access it on
the WWW over in-print to reduce mailing, printing and
paper costs.
- I would initiate Governing
Magazine--with profiles of persons doing a great job,
with stories of government innovation, (with) changes
that meant something.
Two things strike me:
(1) I may be one of just a few who find Barbara Jordan
repugnant. Her later views were harsh, judgmental and
deeply one-sided--and if we wish to sanctify someone,
another choice would be preferable.
(2) The Renaissance notion of a "good" city is one
designed by an architect or planner--but the most
successful cities are not planned and the whole
notion is passé. A good city
worksprovides jobs and
accessibility. Whether or not a street is
tree-lined has nothing to do with utility. Why not expand
on the "third" place amenities; i.e., we live in the
"first" place, we work in the "second" place, we recreate
in the "third" place.
- Provide information on fundraising
efforts among alumni
- More coverage of events/people who do
not live in Texas or DC
- In truth, The Record is great
as is and no change is necessary to make us feel
fortunate to receive it.
- The LBJ School needs to make more of
an effort with its alumni. The amount and quality of
contact has changed significantly, particularly for those
who do not live in Washington or Austin.
- I just wanted to say that I enjoy
receiving The Record, but since it comes out only
once a year, I tend to forget about LBJ activities, even
though I receive the Alumni News ("Alumni Update") as
well. I think having LBJ publications on the Internet is
essential and after having read the Spring 98
Record I visited the Journal and the
Record online at my job. Keep up the good
work.
- The Record should be a
marketing tool for the LBJ School--both recruitment and
"in business." The quality should reflect its
nature.
- I don't remember reading this much
before, but it seems to serve as a good once-a-year
update as to who's still there, who died, what the PRPs
are, how the school interacts with the community, etc. I
would suggest an expanded alumni section so that more
networking can be facilitated.
- Would be nice to know around August
or earlier what the PRPs and IRPs will be--to possible
loop into if they are of interest.
- Great issue. Continued publication is
important.
- Good article on USAID/Guatemala
Project. Please note error in first sentence: should read
"an" historic event.
- Needs to be more frequent than
annually--quarterly or every 4 months
- Since I left the school
"international" has become dominant. My own feeling is
that the school and information produced should have more
of a state and local government flavor.
- I do like hearing about LBJ school
but would be happy with newsletter on alumni on this
style of paper
- Overall, organization is fine. It's
the tendency to use the newsletter as a forum for
name-dropping that's most problematic. Thanks for the
opportunity to comment.
- Do you use e-mail ticklers to notify
as to updates?
- Would like to read more profiles of
graduates and their career transitions. Current
information is not relevant to business or
government--relevant to school.
- I appreciate more the longer, more
in-depth articles, for example the dean's
article.
- I did not know it was published
online, but I will look for it. I would also be willing
to pay for it, should you decide to charge.
- This issue was excellent. Thank
you!
- I would make it a lot more
substantive--meatier articles about public policy issues
that the school or alumni are involved in
- Probably because I graduated 20+
years ago, I've stopped following LBJ stuff. I love the
school and where I came because of it, but I now
concentrate on smaller circles.
- More on alumni
- The Record usually provides
the only information regarding faculty news and "passing
aways."
- If the information was delivered to
me via e-mail it would be very useful (as opposed to
having to go seek it out on the site).
- Publications, twice a year and
current information and professional involvement of
alumni, faculty, students
- What is the purpose of this
publication? I think the answer to that question should
determine what to do about future publications of The
Record.
- Publish calendar for upcoming year:
events, appointments upcoming, next year policy research
projects, etc.
- What is the purpose of the
publication? What is it doing that the alumni newsletter
("Alumni Update") and The Journal can't do better
or just as well? There are too many mediocre publications
in the world already.
- I'm not sure why I get LBJ
publications--including, but not limited to The
Record--only sporadically, as if my name jumps on and
off the mailing list.
- Reading The Record keeps me
informed and helps make me feel connected. It is critical
for the school to promote its faculty. I also enjoy
reading about the alumni. Please keep me on the mailing
list.
- Thanks for an excellent
publication.
- First time I have received The
Record. It is a great way to be kept up to date on
the happenings at the LBJ School.
- Reading The Record makes me
feel good. The school seems quite busy and
active
- I liked the overall presentations.
Also, the content was very relevant. If possible, can we
open dialog to allow some discussion? (letters to the
editor, or quick 1-2 sentence response from readers on
current policy issues, such as should term limits be
implemented upon federal office positions in the Senate
and House?)
- If you change the date of
publication, you would be able to expand on the amount of
information dedicated towards PRPs. I would really like
to see some of the research/conclusions of each of the
PRPs. The same goes for a conference like "Managing for
Results" Also, congratulations Courtney!! (NOTE: The
spring 1998 issue of The Record contained an
announcement that LBJ School alumna Courtney Brown had
been promoted to head the Office of Student and Alumni
Programs.)
- I believe a mid-fall and summer
publication would be enjoyable were The Record
expanded to two publications
- You pick time of year that you can
best summarize activities/events/programs in the most
timely fashion.
- Generally useful. My perception is
that past issues tended to overemphasize school
and individual achievements and underemphasize
substantive work being done (such as policy projects) and
news about the school's programs (e.g., how/whether the
school's curriculum is adapting to the increasingly
technical and specialized nature of the economy...and
what this means for the future of the "skilled
generalist" (if that concept is still alive at the
school). In short, I would prefer less coverage of awards
and personal profiles and more coverage of issues,
reflections, etc. (similar to spring article by Dean
Dorn). This most recent issue seems to have moved a bit
in this direction. I like the new look and format
(!) of the document (although I don't remember when it
changed). I would also suggest considering a new name;
"The Record" seems rather bland to me. I've seen this
title on other similar publications.
- (Supplemental response to question
#8--No, it is not important that the LBJ School publish a
newsletter...): ... for my purposes, but I would think it
useful for recruitment, getting grants and donations;
visibility.
- It's fun to get a glimpse of what's
going on at the LBJ School. The Record does a good
job of this.
- Provide information on resources for
alumni (conferences, publications, events, job search
assistance)
|