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In this age, universities serve as more than a center of learning. Students work hard to attain knowledge and sharpen their skills, and an educational institution should recognize their achievements to keep them motivated. Getting recognized enhances their motivation and boosts their confidence.

Most educational institutions have yearly student recognition programs that identify and honor the best students in academics and extracurricular activities. If you’re wondering how to adopt it for your educational institution, here are a few simple steps adopted by the top ones.

Award Categories

The first step of establishing student recognition is to define the award categories. There can be multiple achievement areas, but you’ll find a few common ones followed by most educational institutions. For example, the academic excellence category awards students who perform well academically by earning good grades or conducting research. Another category that focuses on sports achievements and awards students with the best performance in various sporting events and competitions. Another category is the leadership category. It awards students with strong leadership skills and initiatives through any leadership role or club participation. Educational institutions also award students involved in community services, such as volunteer work and community engagement. 

Selection Criteria

After selecting the categories, you need to determine the selection criteria because it determines which students will be shortlisted for the award. It will also help you understand the scale of measurement. The process of establishing the criteria varies by the educational institution, and you can develop your own. Start by listing the achievements, such as the academic standings, voluntary services, project outcomes, amount of money raised for a charity, etc.  Make sure that the criteria match the award type. For example, the highest amount of money raised for a charity shouldn’t be a criteria for sports awards. If you involve a jury to determine the criteria, choose an unbiased panel for a fair judgment. 

Custom Awards

Giving the students custom awards and trophies when honoring them will provide them with a token that they can preserve and look back on years later. You can engrave the student’s name and achievements on it. Order trophies for the sports category and plaques for the other ones.

Many award manufacturers take orders for customized awards. Take quotes from multiple vendors and go for the one with good reviews. Don’t forget to choose a high-quality material like metal or acrylic, so that the students can preserve the awards for many years.

Recognition Event Planning

A student recognition event honors the students in front of their peers. It creates a celebratory mood and encourages the other students to work harder.

The success of the event will depend on its planning. Choose the location, refreshment, and guest list wisely. You can hold the event on your premises or choose an outdoor location. Prepare a budget for the refreshments and decorations and stick to it. You can pick the vendors through alumni referrals or have the student clubs carry out the planning.

Student Involvement

You can also involve your students in both the planning and execution of the event because they know the institution better than any outside vendors. They can also help shortlist the students, define the award categories and criteria, and figure out the award design. Responsibilities and level of involvement will depend on their skills. The students can take help from senior students and alumni, and involve sports team coaches and faculty members if required.

Publicizing Efforts

Publicizing your student recognition program can create a positive image of your educational institution. Promote the nominees way ahead of the event in all your marketing and communication channels, and announce the winners through the same channel. If you have a university website, publication, magazine, or newsletter, utilize them to publicize the program. Don’t forget to highlight the achievements of the winners and nominees.

You can also utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Linkedin to promote the program. The right audience can engage with these posts and share them with their network. It increases your visibility. A good PR package will also effectively publicize your efforts.

Alumni Support

Alumni support can strengthen your student recognition efforts. Arrange networking events to introduce your students to their alumni body so that they can reach out to them for knowledge, help, or mentorship. You can ask the alumni body to sponsor the student recognition event. If they have businesses, they can also partake in the event and promote their brands. You can also have them on the jury panel.

A student recognition program can be the cornerstone of your student’s academic life, especially for the ones with achievements. It’s also a great way to celebrate their success and motivate their peers to work harder. It also gives them a sense of belongingness and strengthens the relationship between your students and the alumni. Publicizing student recognition efforts will also create a positive image of your educational institution, and more students will want to join it.

Think of your brand as a story. It’s not just a logo. It’s a combination of your values, voice, and vision. This blog will tell you more about how you can lay a strong foundation for your brand.

Some people think a snazzy logo or a catchy tagline is a brand. Think again! Yep, those elements are important, they’re just the tip of the branding iceberg. It’s easy to get all swept up in the visual glitz and forget what you’re trying to build. If you think slapping a cool logo on everything will make you a household name, think again. Your brand is the heartbeat, the personality, and the values that ripple through every single aspect of your business. It’s how you make people feel, how you solve their problems, and how you stand out in a crowd. So, let’s ditch those misconceptions, shall we? It’s time to dig deeper and build something truly memorable.

You can define your brand in loads of different ways. You’ll probably need some help along the way too, whether it’s from an expert graphic design agency Melbourne, or a top notch business consultant in London. But get started with these four tips to take control of your brand’s future right here, right now.

Tip 1: So You Have a Business Idea, Now You Need a Brand

Got a killer business idea? Now, stop yourself from diving headfirst into logo designs and taglines! Pause, and gather all the info about your business. This isn’t just some boring exercise; it’s a treasure hunt. Start by jotting down the core of what your business is all about. What problem are you solving? Who are your dream customers? Why should they care?

Think about the values that will guide you. Maybe you’re all about sustainability, innovation, or perhaps it’s about bringing a bit of whimsy into everyday life. Whatever it is, cling to those values because they’ll be the backbone of your brand.

Get real and go deep. How do you want people to feel when they interact with your brand? Energized? Comforted? Inspired? This emotional vibe is your brand’s heartbeat, so don’t skimp on this bit.

Doing this groundwork is like setting the stage for a play: it’s the essential backdrop that’ll make your star (your business) shine bright in front of the audience. It’s your unique concoction of values, vision, and voice that’ll make your brand more than just another name in the market.

Tip 2: Know Your Audience Inside and Out

It actually doesn’t matter if you have the most amazing product or service on the planet. If your target audience doesn’t care, it’s not going to fly. It can be a tough lesson for some business owners, but understanding your audience is everything. Create detailed buyer personas first. These are semi-fictional characters that represent your ideal customers. Dig into demographics like age, location, occupation, behavior patterns, motivations, and goals. But details matter here. Knowing their favorite flavor of ice cream, or why they always carry $10 in their wallet, paints a picture of real people!

Then use your personas to speak directly to these semi-fictional creations. Use the language and tone that will resonate with their preferences and pain points. Engage with them where they spend most of their time – be it social media platforms, community forums, or even in-person events. The better you understand and connect with your audience, the more likely they are to become loyal advocates for your brand.

Extra top tip – your audience’s needs and desires might evolve over time. It can be tough to keep up! Stay flexible, listen to feedback, and be willing to adapt your brand strategy to meet their changing expectations.

Tip 3: Develop a Consistent Brand Voice

Your brand voice is basically the way you communicate with your audience. This is all about your tone, style, and the choice of words you use across all your communication channels. If you can strike gold and build a consistent brand voice, you’ll create a cohesive and memorable experience for your audience.

Start by defining the personality traits of your brand. Are you playful, professional, authoritative, or friendly? Think about how you want your brand to be perceived and list out the adjectives that best describe this persona. Next, create a style guide that outlines these traits and provides clear examples of do’s and don’ts when crafting messages.

Consistency is key – apply your brand voice in everything from social media posts and website content to email newsletters and customer support interactions. This uniformity helps reinforce your brand’s identity and ensures that your audience always knows what to expect when they hear from you.

Tip 4: Create a Strong Visual Identity

Your visual identity is a crucial component of your brand that works hand-in-hand with your brand voice to create a complete and cohesive image. This goes beyond just your logo; it includes your color palette, typography, imagery, and overall design aesthetic. These visual elements should consistently reflect your brand’s personality and values, making it easier for your audience to recognize and connect with you.

Start by selecting a color palette that reflects the emotions and vibes you want your brand to evoke. Different colors can evoke different responses – blue can be calming and trustworthy, while red can be bold and energizing. Choose wisely to ensure the colors align with your brand’s message.

Next, pick typography that complements your brand’s personality. Whether you go for a sleek, modern font or a more whimsical, handwritten style, consistency in typefaces across all your materials is essential.

Imagery also plays a significant role in your visual identity. The types of photos, illustrations, and graphics you use should be consistent in style and theme, reinforcing your brand’s uniqueness. Whether you lean towards minimalistic designs or vibrant, detailed graphics, make sure they echo the essence of your brand.

Stick to these foundational principles, and you’ll cultivate a brand that is not only authentic and resonant but also memorable and impactful in today’s competitive market.

If you’re thinking of installing a pool at home, you’re probably imagining a slice of vacation in your backyard. And while you can make this dream a reality, you also need to consider the fact that having a pool put in means less glitzy realities. Excavations, building regulations and safety considerations are all part of it too. Here’s more about the practical considerations you need to think about for your home pool project.

You just need to look at the latest stats to see how popular pools are in the United States. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance says there are over 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States. And there are around 68,000 new in-ground pools installed in homes every year, with a further 27,000 pools with spas constructed in people’s homes too. That comes to a massive $4.5 billion that people spend on a new pool every year! And these figures don’t even account for above ground pools and hot tubs. The ten states where new pools are most popular are Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

If you’re thinking of jumping on the band-wagon, you’re in good company! But you don’t want to get swept up in the dream before thinking of the practical side of pool installation. Here are the top things you’ll want to consider.

Digging Your Pool: Considerations from the Ground Up

You’re probably ready to get started and start digging, but you’ll find there’s more to consider than just where to place that first shovel in the ground. How deep will you need to go, and what will be good pool dimensions for your space? This totally depends on the type of pool you’re envisaging. Do you want a shallow splash pool for the kids? Or a deeper pool suitable for doing some serious lap swimming too? Beyond the depth, you need to think about what’s beneath the surface. Hitting a utility line could be a very expensive mistake. So get utility maps before you book your work in, and do some sample trenches to be sure of what you’re dealing with.

Space around the pool is another crucial aspect. You’ll need enough room not only for the pool itself but also for a surrounding area. This could be a deck or simply a safety barrier – the pool safety experts: Pool Guard USA, can advise you on this. Think about future additions you might want as well, such as a pool house or a BBQ area. Can your space accommodate this, or is there a better way you could plan this project?

And have you thought about drainage? Proper drainage means the water from both the pool and natural rain doesn’t stagnate or flood your property. If you let this happen, it could damage the pool structure and your garden as a whole. Consult with a professional to evaluate the best drainage system for your specific yard condition. You won’t regret it, as water damage can be another very expensive thing to rectify.

Building Regulations for Your Pool

Before you break ground, you’ll need to ensure your pool meets local building regulations. Didn’t know pools had to follow building regulations? You’re not alone? A lot of people think that because it’s something you do in your private yard, it doesn’t have a wider impact on your locality. Actually, there are regulations, and they’re a set of standards created by local or state governments to ensure safety, sustainability, and compliance with zoning laws. You’ll find they can include anything from the required fencing or barriers around your pool to specific construction materials, depth limitations, and even the type of backfill that can be used.

It’s totally normal that these regulations can vary from one state to another, as many other things do. For instance, in California, you might find stricter energy efficiency requirements for pool pumps, while in Florida, the focus might be more on storm-resistant construction standards to withstand hurricanes. The key here is to remember that these rules are not there to dampen your dream but to protect you, your family, and your investment.

Before you get too far into your pool planning, make a pit stop at your local municipal office or check their website. Often, they’ll have a detailed list of what’s required or, at the very least, point you in the direction of a helpful representative. Ignoring this step can not only lead to costly redo’s but also legal headaches you definitely don’t want.

Prioritizing Safety in Your Pool Area: A Must for Every Home

When it comes to installing a pool in your backyard, thinking about safety is as crucial as selecting the right pool design. It’s not just about making your pool area look good; it’s about ensuring it’s a safe haven for everyone who uses it, especially if children are around.

First off, consider the fencing. It’s not merely a boundary marker; it’s a critical safety feature. A properly installed fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate can be the difference between peace of mind and a heart-stopping moment. Next, think about pool alarms. They aren’t just gadgets; they are your ears when you can’t be around the pool, alerting you the moment someone enters the water unexpectedly.

And don’t forget the pool cover. A robust cover doesn’t just keep your pool clean; it acts as a barrier for unsupervised access, giving you an additional layer of security. Lastly, a clear set of pool rules can help avoid unnecessary risks — no running, no diving in the shallow end, and always swim with a buddy.

Stepping into the world of pool ownership isn’t just about adding a luxurious feature to your home; it’s about creating a haven for joy, relaxation, and family time. Yet, it demands a blend of dreams and practicality. From understanding the gritty details of excavation to navigating the maze of building regulations, and prioritizing the safety of your loved ones, every step you take brings you closer to making your dream pool a reality.

As humans developed better technology, many jobs became obsolete. Ask people what a switchboard operator is, and most of them won’t be able to answer. However, the rising popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) makes professionals from every industry worry about their future. People can’t help but wonder what the future of work will look like. Knowing the answer to that question can help people prepare for the future. 

The Future of Work – 7 Key Trends:

Reports predict that between 2016 and 2030, AI may affect nearly 15% of the global workforce. Future trends can help employees determine how to get ahead of AI and secure their positions. Here are the key trends about the future of work: 

Re-Imagined Organizations: 

The number of millennial and Gen Z employees will increase in every company over the next ten years. Younger employees want to play a role in making the world a better place. Finding purpose in work is more important to millennials than bonuses and incentives. To attract such a workforce, organizations will have to be re-imagined. As part of the re-imagining, organizations must find a way to give back. 

Businesses must also bid farewell to strict hierarchies where everyone has a fixed role. Teams will handle projects, and dictators will have no place in a re-imagined workforce. Companies will also invest in training programs to improve the skills of their employees. 

Marketization of Domestic Work: 

The future could see people turning unpaid and low-paid work into capital. The trend will focus primarily on domestic work, which includes cooking, cleaning, and gardening. Even with automation, offices will require commodities like janitorial cleaning services regularly. As a result, domestic work can be commercialized at a massive level to create more jobs. 

In the future, individuals and companies will also turn to cleaning and cooking services. So, the higher the investment in the domestic sector, the better the returns will be ten years from now.

Emphasis on Wellness:

Businesses have realized that a happy workforce is also highly productive. As a result, companies will invest in their employees’ physical and mental health. The change could come in different ways. Companies might offer better health and wellness insurance or create healthier environments. 

The offices of the future will be designed to receive maximum daylight. They will also have sleeping rooms and relaxation areas. Many offices already have pets to help workers stay calm during busy work days, and this trend might become more popular over the next ten years. 

AI Will Join the Workforce:

AI has already joined the workforce in multiple companies worldwide. However, the scope of AI will only get bigger with time. According to the World Economic Forum, machines will handle 42% of business tasks by 2027. As businesses automate more tasks, the speed of production will increase. 

However, it is critical to consider the importance of professionals who can make the most of AI. Companies will have to find professionals skilled in using AI to their advantage. As humans and AI collaborate, the work environment will get less stressful. However, it would also give rise to ethical questions regarding the use of AI. Businesses must find the answers before they decide to start using automation. 

Deskless Places to Work: 

Sitting at your desk all day results in many physical and mental hurdles. Employees can develop chronic back pain after sitting in the same position daily. To ensure the health of their employees, companies will have to change things around. Instead of the current workplaces lined with desks, the future will have non-conventional places to work for employees. In the same office, employees will have the option to work in different areas. The desk-less era will see workers moving to different places depending on their mood. 

Virtual Assistant:

Many people already get a lot done around the house with Siri and Alexa. However, this trend hasn’t become common in companies yet. In the future, more companies could understand the need for virtual assistants. 

With virtual assistants in the workforce, employees will be able to get work done on time. Virtual assistants can not only set alarms and reminders for you but also create spreadsheets and check emails for you. 

Skill-Based Workforce:

Instead of focusing on qualifications, future employers will look at skills. Hirings will be done based on candidates’ skills rather than the number of degrees they have. Although automation can take care of scientific roles, businesses need people with skills to handle the rest. Companies will also have to invest in reskilling and learning for their employees. With the changing times, it will become vital for the workers to keep polishing and improving their skills. 

The future of work predicts many changes in organizations. The trends listed above can teach you what skills you will need to survive in the workforce ten years from now.