Requirements

  • All text messages should be sent via Slate in cooperation with the Office of Enrollment Management. This ensures that student statuses are up to date, reduces the risk of texts being filtered as spam, and enables centralized metrics and functional tracking.
  • The college/unit sending the text message must have staff online for at least two hours after sending a text message to handle responses, since communication expectations with text messages are immediate.
  • You must have consent to text the people on your list. When a student or parent fills out an inquiry form, they have the option to opt-in to texting. It is illegal to text people who do not opt-in.
  • Texts should be no more than 160 characters (70 if you include emojis), or the text will send as multiple text messages.
  • Only official Illinois links (no link shorteners, etc.) should be used to avoid spam filters. Also avoid including “www.” and “https://” in your links so the recipient’s phone can create hyperlinks on its own.

Text Content

  • Your message should be helpful, timely, and relevant. Texting is not the place for general marketing messages. Instead, texting should be about scholarship deadlines, student-to-student texting, and other targeted, specific actions. Enrollment Management will be reviewing content to make sure it follows best practices.
  • Your text should be related to your college/unit. Colleges/units may not send messages about general campus dates or deadlines (e.g., “Your app is due soon!” or “Don’t forget to sign up for New Student Registration!”), since those messages are handled by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Setup