07/14/14
Tricia Cline, director of admissions at Fort Hays State University, is piecing together recruitment materials that include student profiles written by spring 2014 advanced English composition students.

Dr. Cheryl Duffy, professor of English, said she approached Cline earlier this year with the idea of composition students compiling profiles on other students based on interviews. This would give the admissions office material for publicity and recruitment and provide valuable experience for Duffy's students.

"It would provide a good opportunity for the students to do real-world writing, use interview skills and quotes and find a focus," said Duffy.

Admissions staff selected students to be subjects based on geographic locations of hometowns, on-campus involvement and their experiences during previous recruitment processes.

The profiles are now complete, and pieces will soon be displayed in an array of FHSU recruitment materials.

"I did love the idea," said Cline, emphasis on "love," "because we believe that current students tell the FHSU story best."

"All students should be well-versed in academic writing, but English majors especially should be well-versed not just in academic writing but in public writing," said Duffy.

This is only one of many projects over the years that English students have been assigned.

Students have previously been published in newspapers and magazines such as The Hays Daily News and FHSU Magazine. Nonprofit organizations and FHSU departments have also benefited from the use of student articles. Among those are Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hays Public Library, University Police and the Geosciences and Education Departments at FHSU.