10.30.17

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The Oracle

Research finds USF lacks brand recognition

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USF lacks identity, according to research done for the Board of Trustees (BOT). The research, done by Ipsos marketing research company, reveals that USF has no brand and needs to develop one. It states that the school has low levels of brand awareness out of Florida with the Bull-U logo needing context to be effective. However, the research also states that not having a brand is an opportunity to develop one. University spokesman Adam Freeman said nobody would be available to answer questions until after the presentation Thursday. This feeds into system president Judy Genshaft’s goals in the updating of the university’s strategic plan — which was approved at the BOT meeting June 8 — one of which is to be widely recognized for excellence. “Although we may not feel like a young system and a young organization, we still are,” Edmund Funai, vice president for health sciences, said at the June 8 meeting. “There is a representational gap between of our objective measures of success and the way the public or our peers or those who rate us may perceive us. A lot of it is not related to the fact that there any negative

U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F LO R I DA

USF suffers first loss of 2017 on lastsecond touchdown

Report to BOT states that USF is not nationally recognizable and recommends evaluating the school’s outward identity. n

By Miki Shine

Heartbreak

w w w. u s fo r a c l e. co m

impressions it’s more of a lack of impression.” This sentiment is echoed by the research, which states that most parents and students outside of Florida don’t consider USF an option because they aren’t aware of the school. For non-Floridian parents, USF comes to mind after FSU, UF and the University of Miami. For students, USF is considered on par with Miami and holding an advantage over only UCF — with UF, FSU, Miami, UCF and USF being the institutions considered. The research available does not provide information about in-state parents or students’ perceptions of the university. One thing Thursday’s presentation will touch on is the idea that USF is best known for its scholarships and financial aid rather than its research or its medical school. “USF brand associations are anchored in generous financial aid and grants (as are the other Florida schools), rather than our true assets of medical and research programs and being a neighbor to a thriving downtown Tampa location,” the presentation says. These perceptions are cited as being a “tough challenge” to change. Despite being recognized for providing scholarships, both parents and high school students nationally are The 24 points scored by USF on Saturday was its lowest-scoring game since its loss to Navy 29-17 on Oct. 31, 2015. Houston gained 97 of its 255 rushing yards in the fourth quarter.

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ORACLE PHOTO/CHAVELI GUZMAN


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