Email Template to Share TAP with Academics

Hi [Academic Name],
I hope you’re doing well.
I’m reaching out to share an exciting opportunity for colleagues within [Faculty/Department]. As part of our ongoing work to strengthen prospective student engagement, we are expanding the way academic staff can contribute to, and benefit from our peer-to-peer recruitment efforts.

We use a platform called TAP that connects prospective students with authentic voices from across the university. This year, we are inviting selected academic staff to play a more visible role in representing their faculty and helping guide students who are exploring subject‑specific pathways.

Ways you can get involved

You can choose to participate in one or more of the following:

1. Create an academic ambassador profile

Become visible to prospective students interested in your subject area. You would not be expected to answer general enquiries - only the academically‑focused questions you feel confident addressing.

2. Share content that highlights your faculty

Short posts, insights, or updates about courses, research activity, facilities, or future opportunities. These help prospective students understand what sets your department apart.

3. Join webinars and subject‑specific events

Take part in occasional live sessions to speak about academic opportunities, career pathways, and what students can expect from studying in your faculty.

4. Encourage students and families you meet to engage with ambassadors

Direct those you speak with to our curated TAP Feed, where they can continue exploring through student and academic voices.

The page can be found here: [Insert tracked TAP Feed link].

5. Participate in faculty‑specific group chats

Join themed group conversations (e.g., “Engineering Applicants”, “Business School Offer‑Holders”) to share insights and prompt discussion at key points in the cycle. Your involvement helps guide constructive dialogue and gives prospective students confidence in their subject choices.

Examples of simple conversation‑starter prompts you could post:

• “What area of [Subject] are you most interested in exploring when you start university? Happy to answer any academic questions you might have.”
• “One thing our current students tell us they enjoy about the programme is the balance between theory and hands‑on learning. Is there anything you’re particularly keen to experience?”
• “We’ve just launched a new module on [topic]. If anyone wants to know what it covers or how it links to careers, feel free to ask.”

Why get involved? Key benefits for academic staff

Enhance the quality of incoming cohorts

Prospective students who engage directly with academics often arrive better informed and more aligned with the realities of the course.

Elevate your faculty’s visibility

Sharing your expertise helps showcase the strengths of your department - from research culture to teaching excellence - to thousands of prospective students and their families.

Strengthen student decision‑making

Students consistently tell us that academic insight is one of the most influential factors in choosing where and what to study.

Support recruitment without extra workload

Profiles and content can be kept short and simple, and messages can be answered at your convenience. You can choose the level of involvement that works for your schedule.

What prospective students can do on TAP

• Connect with ambassadors to ask course‑related questions
• Explore content about life in the faculty and the wider university
• Learn from real experiences shared by students and staff

Research consistently shows that students are more confident in their decisions when they can speak to real people and explore authentic content.

If you’d like to participate or have questions about the commitment, please reply to this email - I’d be happy to support you in getting started.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]