The University of Portland Admissions Brochures introduce prospective students to life, academics, programs, and financial aid options at the University of Portland, with the goal of increasing enrollment applications and confirmations.

The brochures mail and are distributed at different times during the year, so cohesion between the pieces had to be created. The client also needed to reduce cost. The challenge was to create as compelling a brochure series as possible with minimal paper and print cost.

The brochures were redesigned with reduced overall page counts and the same final outer dimension. They are designed with trifold or double gatefolds to create large areas for full-panel photos, unfolding to denser information panels containing stats and photos. The variety in the panels creates contrast and interest within a small space.

The covers feature the large UP used on other Admissions collateral without it becoming static—the photos can overlay the UP, as needed.

The bold, dynamic use of color, photography, and design elements makes the pieces memorable and effective, and ties them to the rest of the UP Admissions collateral and identity system.

High school admissions counselors indicated in reviews that University of Portland materials are on-point when sharing them with prospective students. Parents regularly comment on how well designed the UP Admissions Brochures are. The client was pleased that paper and print costs were reduced.

The Preview is taken on the road and isn’t mailed. The counselors find this publication to be a very effective marketing tool in that a lot of information and visuals are conveyed in one piece.

The brochures have contributed to a nearly 10% increase in completed applications over the number of applications at this time last year. (11,698 completed applications by March 2016 compared to 10,670 by March 2015.)