The role of RIM systems in communicating the value of universities to the public
Loading...
Description
US polls show that the the public is increasingly skeptical of the value and cost of higher education. In a recent Gallup poll, only 36% of adults have a “great deal” or “quite a lot of” confidence in higher education. This has declined steadily from 57% in 2015. Issues around affordability and value, trust and confidence, and a perceived disconnect with the average American are fueling this perception. It is more important than ever for academia to communicate effectively about the value of universities to the public. Research is one aspect of this. Research Information Management Systems (RIMS) are an important tool that can help communicate a university's research and scholarly activities to its local, regional, national, and international community. We will hear from experts on communicating about research to the public, as well as universities who have used their RIM to enhance community engagement.
Keywords:
public perception, value of research, science communication
Start Date
17-9-2025 1:10 PM
End Date
17-9-2025 1:50 PM
Target Audience
Anyone who works at a higher education institution; VPR; public relations/communications/marketing
Learning Objectives
-Understand the current state of the public's perception of the value of American universities -Learn about some examples of effectively engaging with the public about university research -Learn the role that RIMs play in this task
Recommended Citation
Beynon, Ann; Reece, Jason; and Oakes, Michael, "The role of RIM systems in communicating the value of universities to the public" (2025). International Forum on Expert Finder Systems. 3.
https://efsrimsrepository.expertfindersystems.org/efs_forum/2025/fullschedule/3
The role of RIM systems in communicating the value of universities to the public
US polls show that the the public is increasingly skeptical of the value and cost of higher education. In a recent Gallup poll, only 36% of adults have a “great deal” or “quite a lot of” confidence in higher education. This has declined steadily from 57% in 2015. Issues around affordability and value, trust and confidence, and a perceived disconnect with the average American are fueling this perception. It is more important than ever for academia to communicate effectively about the value of universities to the public. Research is one aspect of this. Research Information Management Systems (RIMS) are an important tool that can help communicate a university's research and scholarly activities to its local, regional, national, and international community. We will hear from experts on communicating about research to the public, as well as universities who have used their RIM to enhance community engagement.