August 23-24, 2012
The University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Economics hosted its second annual experimental economics workshop targeting new students entering the university.
To promote the workshop, an expanded approach was used. Over 8000 first-year students who applied to UAA were identified and all received a
n email inviting them to participate in the workshop. The list was screened to identify 1500 students who applied for a full-time 4-year program and who had actually enrolled in at least one class.
In addition to the email, each of these 1500 students received a personal letter promoting the workshop. To enroll, students had to apply online for the workshop. Applicants were accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Response to the letters and emails was overwhelming, and the threshold was reached within a week.
Follow-up evaluations clearly indicate that the students enjoyed the workshop. The vast majority of students reported that they intend to enroll in at least one economics course, which was one of the primary goals of the workshop.
