Challenge: Northeastern University College of Professional Studies (NU CPS) needed to develop and showcase the “nontraditional” student. We worked with NU to define nontraditional and create a sense of empowerment for a nontraditional student.

Results: Our client received effusive praise from their peers for the creation of an energetic, fully HD video portrayed through music and animation.

Challenge: Catch the attention of aspiring students looking to emerge with competitive skills. Develop a personalized set of materials for graduate, undergraduate and fast-track programs that are tailored to the prospective student's interests and course of study.

Results: The client was thrilled with the fresh and unique look of the materials. The on-demand print solution has made for easy updating and customization.

Challenge: With a significant online student community already in place, Northeastern decided that the time had come to create an entirely new business unit for its online degree offerings. With a tight timeframe and mounting pressure from existing business units, the College of Professional Studies marketing team took on the challenge. Hart-Boillot was selected to develop an advertising campaign to promote the “new” offering.

We uncovered that the idea of an “online degree” had a perceived lesser value than an on-campus degree. We recommended a subtle shift in language to “earn your degree online” to align with the fact that an online degree is exactly the same as an on campus degree.

We employed print and banner ads and direct mail to drive inquiries to the web site.

Results: In the first weeks of the site going live, traffic from unique IP addresses was in the thousands.

Challenge: Create buzz and awareness of the event featuring keynote speaker Al Gore. Draw a large audience and engage faculty, staff and students in the active discussion of greenhouse gas reduction.

Results: Nearly 15,000 attendees flocked to Harvard Yard to learn more about the initiative, sign recycling pledges and gain deeper understanding of the University's goal to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Production notes: The poster was produced on 100% recycled material approved by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), a concern that manages strict environmental standards and socially responsible practices at every link in the production chain.

Challenge: It’s a new year! Stand out in a crowd. Develop a unique set of materials to separate Northeastern’s offering apart from the rest of the ordinary collegial fulfillment pieces.

Results: The client was overjoyed. Reaction among internal departments and the world at large was positive. Students commented on how easy the catalogs were to navigate. Unfortunately, we have no quantifiable evidence to reinforce the tremendous success of this program.

Challenge: Create awareness of the internal Harvard employee Web site as a gateway to access fringe benefits and build a sense of community.

Results: During a time of economic decline, the campaign reinforced a sense of community and benefits appreciation among Harvard employees. Site queries from internal IP addresses increased dramatically during the campaign and decreased only slightly upon completion, maintaining higher levels than prior to launch. This work won a Summit Award for Creative Excellence.

Challenge: In previous years the department’s fulfillment pieces were one-off and inconsistent. They sought to build consistent brand elements and present a more cohesive, business-like aura.

Results: The client was pleased and subsequent campaigns were easily made consistent. This work won a 2008 Graphic Design USA Award.

Challenge: Introduce a new program, The Fletcher LL.M. in international law, to professional-level individuals. Attract an elite inaugural class.

Results: While being incredibly selective, the program aims to have 30-35 students by year three. The inaugural class included 23 students. This work won a Hermes Creative Award.

Challenge: Thank donors and attract new donors for this foundation that funds the community college.

Results: Record-setting donations from past graduates and the corporate community.

Challenge: Create a system of communication devices that give the five college campuses flexibility and consistency when fundraising.

Results: Developed a group of communications that offered different looks for each campus while staying true to the HACC brand.

Challenge: Develop a campaign to drive new students to the Web site and/or use a response card to get a fulfillment piece.

Results: Overwhelming response from mid-career professionals seeking an intense curriculum.

Challenge: Inform the University about changes in data security laws in Massachusetts while creating a buzz of data responsibility among the 16,500 faculty and staff.

Results: Immediate reduction in the reporting of lost laptops and data.