Why can't I keep my own list and send my own emails?
DPAE is responsible for maintaining updated alumni and donor data to ensure that it is accurate. Also, DPAE keeps track of opt-outs and exclusions to avoid legal issues related to sending unwanted messages.
Click Rate vs. Open Rate
Open rates are no longer a reliable metric when measuring the success of an email. Clicks and click-through rates (CTR) are much more accurate and provide greater insight into your message’s performance.
Types of Communications (Three distinct categories)
Engagement: messages sent with the intent to increase alumni interest in Kent State. These messages can include event invites, newsletters, surveys, letters from the dean, etc.  
Fundraising Appeals: messages that include a donation or paid event request.  
Marketing: messages sent with the intent to cause a paid action that is not philanthropic, such as promotion of a specific program, service or product, is not allowed. The content must be informational.
Timelines
All alumni and donor outreach is tracked on a comprehensive communications calendar. Your DPAE project manager will work with you to find the best date and time for your email based on your goal and audience.  
In order to ensure quality and accuracy, timelines have been created for newsletters and one-off emails (such as surveys, event invitations, etc.). Refer to Slate Email Timelines.
Sending Approval Process
A test of every email communication is provided to client areas for review/approval. Deans/VPs or their designee should provide initial approval of test emails.
DPAE Communications provides final approval on content and timing for all email communications.
Sending to Another Area’s Alumni/Donors
If a college wishes to send to an audience beyond their own alumni, approval must be sought from the college marketing administrator of the desired audience and DPAE Communications.  
Sending to External Lists
DPAE Communications can include email lists from external email systems or listservs.  Lists must be provided in csv format and include at minimum: first name, last name and email address. 
These lists can be loaded into the Slate platform as long they have a pre-existing relationship with Kent State or your unit on campus.  
Lists of external contacts with no pre-existing relationship with the university may be sent an opt-in message on your behalf, please contact your DPAE Communications project manager to discuss this in detail.  
Segmentation Options
The primary approach for segmentation is known as special population groups, or SPGs, which are interest areas for alumni, donors and friends based on behavioral indicators shown by those individuals.
DPAE can segment on many other criteria beyond the SPGs, including geographic region, radial distance, major codes, etc.