P O W E L L, W y o. - Northern Big Horn County residents will find something a little different in their mailboxes this year - a survey package with a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates to an area grocery store or gas station of their choice.
The community survey is being conducted by Northwest College to better understand how residents in Byron, Cowley, Deaver, Frannie and Lovell view the college. NWC officials are hoping the gift certificates will entice more returns. Responders can choose to mail back their completed survey or fill it out and submit it online.
"The college's image is its most important asset," Mark Kitchen, NWC's vice president for college relations, said. "Because perceptions often drive behavior, it's important to know how NWC is perceived." Kitchen said Northwest is trying to get a better understanding of attitudes, perceptions and needs as it makes curricular and promotional plans for the future.
Designed to take only five minutes or fewer to complete, the survey includes questions about classes, training needs, enrollment status, factors in choosing a college, campus visits and how information about Northwest College is received, among others.
"Perhaps the most important question," Kitchen said, "is the last one, which asks residents to 'tell us how Northwest College can serve you better.' This gives individuals a voice to help shape the college's future." The northern Big Horn Basin survey is part of a five-year plan to survey all residents in Northwest College's service area, which includes Big Horn, Park and Washakie counties.
Northwest asks that survey responses be returned by Friday, February 6.
For more information about the survey, e-mail Mark Kitchen or call (307) 754-6405 or toll-free by dialing (800) 560-4692.