Wayne State University has been recognized for its efficient, cross-campus use of the Engage election platform tool. The tool, housed within the Dean of Students Offices’ (DOSO) Get Involved student engagement system, was introduced in 2018 and has helped streamline campus elections for student organizations, departments and units, and other groups on campus.

“We’ve been able to really streamline our campus elections with Engage, and it’s translated to increased voter participation, as well as real-time election results and robust post-election reporting,” said Heather Marks, DOSO’s associate director of student life marketing, who manages the tool. “Making it easier for members of the campus community to vote is key in creating a culture where every voice is respected and heard.”   

Following WSU’s transition to the Engage platform, previously called OrgSync, participation in the Student Senate elections almost doubled between 2017 and 2018. The tool is also by the Lebanese Student Association; the departments of chemistry and computer science; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College for Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; the Academic Advising Council; the Academy of Scholars; the Academic Senate; and other campus groups. The tool will be used next month for the annual Student Senate elections, held April 4 through 6, which will determine the next group of student body leadership for the 2022-23 academic year.

Marks was recently invited to share her experiences with professionals at other schools and colleges who also use the platform during a virtual Community Coffee Talk hosted by Engage. Nearly 50 participants tuned in to discuss the tool and engage in a dialogue about campus participation.

“Every student population and every campus population is different, but learning from the experiences of other student life professionals presents an opportunity to leverage those differences and consider how to best serve students,” said Marks. “I’m always impressed by the engagement levels of our students, and I love being able to share those experiences with colleagues at other schools.”

To learn more about campus elections or the Engage platform, contact Heather Marks at heather.marks@wayne.edu.