Trainings by Tool
Below are the key tools we use to support colleges and units in their recruitment and yield efforts, along with training resources for each. Learn how to request access to these tools and keep in mind that access privileges may vary.
Slate
Slate is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool used across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. It centralizes student records and allows us to manage event registrations, email communications, track interactions, store important student data, and more.
Slate is essential for collecting and managing prospective student data, including contact information. If your role involves communicating with prospective students or hosting events for high school students, using Slate is required to ensure all interactions are recorded centrally.
Litmus
Litmus is a tool for designing, building, and testing emails. All non-text-only emails sent to prospective and admitted undergraduate students must be created within Litmus. This ensures that shared templates are used and that emails are tested for accessibility and delivery issues.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the project management tool used by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) to schedule and track communication and data requests, helping us coordinate recruitment marketing efforts (specifically the R&Y Network team). Colleges and units should submit communication and data requests via the request form. This ensures your request is reviewed, approved, and scheduled, and enables us to follow up if further clarification is needed.
Trainings by Topic
Here you’ll find R&Y Network policies and trainings organized by topic. Whether you’re a new employee or working on a specific project, this section will guide you through key information.
Admissions General Info
Get familiar with key elements of undergraduate admissions, including the admissions cycle and commonly used terms.
Communications
If your role involves communications, this section covers everything you need—from setting up marketing and communication plans to sending emails and text messages.
Planning
- Marketing & Communication Plan Policy
- Blackout Dates Policy
- More About Marketing Plans
- More About Communication Plans
Audience
Emails
- Email Policy
- Top Priorities for Email
- How to Create an Email in Litmus
- How to Add an Email to Slate
- How to Add a Request through Teams
Texting
- Texting Policy
- Top Priorities for Texting
- How to Add a Text Message to Slate
- How to Add a Request through Teams
Data
Request data from our office for print materials, phone campaigns, or specific reports that may help your team’s efforts.
Events
We coordinate prospective and admitted student visits and events, both in-person and virtual, through OUA and Slate. Learn the full event process here.
Forms
For any forms requesting student information, we ask that you use Slate to ensure centralized tracking and data management.
Program Explorer
The Program Explorer on the admissions website allows users to explore our undergraduate majors. If you need to make changes to programs within your academic community, here’s how.