Vital Design’s Post

The Vital Curriculum newsletter returns with more insights from the NAGAP 2026 Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM) Summit. We’ve saved some of our most surprising takeaways for this issue. We’re seeing big disconnects between brand strategy messaging and what students are actually prioritizing. Plus, many institutions haven’t yet put together a GEO/AEO strategy despite an exponential increase in how prospective students are using AI. Worse, institutions without defined strategies are falling behind the curve. And most institutions don’t have a strategy for how to address AI search monitoring, GEO/AEO optimization, or meeting student applicants where they are.  Speaking of AI, we’re also covering why and how institutions should be ready for ChatGPT ads, which could drastically impact how people learn about different schools and universities. Plus, we’re sharing tips and examples for giving your website a refresh and how to have a consistent short-form video marketing strategy. 🤖 Are You Ready for ChatGPT Ads? 💡 Get Inspired with These Higher Ed Website Launches 🎯 Is Your Brand Messaging Missing the Mark with Students? 📱The Most Important Element to Any Short-form Video Strategy 🏃🏽♀️Don’t Risk Playing Catch-up With Your AI Search Strategy Read the full newsletter below and subscribe to receive future insights straight to your inbox. Which disconnects have you noticed between what you think students are looking for and what they say they value? And, more importantly, how are you bridging that divide? Let us know in the comments. #NAGAP #HigherEd #VitalDesign #BrandStrategy #DigitalMarketing