This spring, CIC is launching the “Making the Case” section of its website through a series of web seminars or “webinars,” to introduce the site to presidents, communications directors, and others on member campuses who could use the data to make a more effective case for the forms of education offered by small to mid-sized, private colleges and universities.
      The webinars will be held in May and June. Each will last about one hour, during which participants will be able to view the website on their computers while listening to presenters on a phone line. Comments and questions can be submitted during the “webinar” through a data interface. Invitations and instructions will be sent to member presidents as well as communications, information technology, and advancement officials. Webinar participants will be the first to have access to the Making the Case website, which will remain in “beta stage” until after the webinars. Upon completion of the third webinar, all CIC members will be given access to the website.
      The Making the Case website was created at the suggestion of member presidents, who urged CIC to develop data and tools to help them make a stronger case for the sector. The site consists of five sections: Key Messages and Data, Books and Reports, Media Activity, Speeches and Addresses, and Supporting Resources. Key Messages and Data is the main section, and includes new research findings from alumni and student surveys, as well as a consolidation of existing data from a variety of sources. The data is organized under six messages, which assert that private colleges and universities are affordable for students and families, provide access and success for diverse students, enable student success, engender alumni satisfaction, and involve students and alumni in contributing to the public good.
      CIC plans to add new resources, links, and data to each section of the site and aims to make the website the “go-to” place for evidence on the effectiveness of private higher education.