Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: California State University, Chico

Title of entry: How To: Baja Race With President Perez

About this entry: When members of Chico State’s Society of Automotive Engineers SAE Baja contacted the president’s office with an invitation for President Steve Perez to learn about the club and test drive their race car, it sparked an idea.

Chico State has a rich landscape of academic and social clubs, research opportunities, and sports teams. Showcasing these activities in a video series seemed like an effective way to promote the exciting, educational experiences Chico State offers. In coordination with the team from Creative Media Technology (CMT), the president’s visit was filmed and the “How To” video series was born.

Our university, like many others, is facing enrollment challenges, and it is essential we find ways to distinguish ourselves. Research tells us the significant role engagement and extracurricular activities play in a student’s college experience. Additionally, President Perez, who was in his first year on campus, seized the opportunity presented by the series to connect with students and learn how they “Do and Dare at Chico State,” which became the series’ closing line. We envisioned a series where the president would learn from students in a way that resonates with other students and prospective students. To create the video, we conducted initial reporting and developed a script. The video crew filmed the president at the mechanical engineering shop, where students described their roles designing and building the car, and at a muddy practice field, where the president drove the car. The result is an entertaining four-minute video effectively highlighting the SAE Baja club.