More Than a Name: How UVA Uses Nametags to Build Belonging, Connection, and Efficiency

🎓 More Than a Name: How UVA Uses Nametags to Build Belonging, Connection, and Efficiency

🖊️ Author: David Morales, CEO & Founding Developer, Visualzen

📍 Featuring Insights from: Sarah Dodge, Associate Director of Advising Technology, University of Virginia

📌 Introduction: A Small Detail, A Big Opportunity

When you think of a nametag, what comes to mind? Likely, it’s a flimsy sticker handed out at an event or orientation, quickly forgotten or tossed aside. But at the University of Virginia (UVA), nametags are anything but an afterthought. They’re strategic tools—an opportunity to create belonging, streamline operations, and build meaningful connections from the very first interaction.

In my recent conversation with Sarah Dodge, Associate Director of Advising Technology at UVA, we dove deep into how UVA leverages nametags as a powerful engagement tool during student orientation and family programs. The insights she shared highlight the potential of small, intentional details to make a big impact on student and supporter engagement.

📌 Takeaway 1: The Power of Personalization

One of the most striking insights from my conversation with Sarah was just how much personalization can impact a student’s sense of belonging. A nametag might seem simple, but it carries significant weight when designed intentionally.

At UVA, nametags are not just about displaying a student’s name—they’re about creating a welcoming experience from the moment someone walks through the door. For many students and families, orientation is the first official interaction with the university community. Being greeted by name, with confidence and clarity, sets the stage for meaningful engagement.

Sarah Dodge put it perfectly:

“A name tag is one of the first opportunities we have to make someone feel like they belong here. It eliminates the awkward ‘Who are you?’ exchange and helps create a welcoming experience right away.”

Key Takeaway:

Every interaction starts with human connection, and something as simple as a well-designed nametag can help build that connection instantly.

📌 Takeaway 2: Strategic Real Estate on Nametags

Nametags aren’t just for names at UVA—they’re information hubs. Sarah explained how UVA maximizes every square inch of space on their nametags to share critical information with students and supporters.

From Wi-Fi QR codes to event schedules and even bookstore coupons, UVA ensures that every nametag serves multiple purposes. This not only reduces confusion but also eliminates the need for endless paper handouts and repetitive instructions from staff.

Sarah shared a great insight on this:

“We realized the name tag could do more than just share a name—it could guide next steps, answer common questions, and reduce confusion during critical orientation moments.”

Key Takeaway:

Think of your nametag as prime real estate. Every detail should serve a purpose and contribute to a smoother, more efficient experience.

📌 Takeaway 3: Efficiency Frees Up Engagement

Orientation teams are no strangers to administrative overwhelm. Hours spent on tasks like manually printing nametags, fixing typos, or managing long spreadsheets can drain time and energy from what really matters: connecting with students and families.

At UVA, automation and thoughtful technology tools (like those provided by VZO) have freed staff from these repetitive tasks. Sarah highlighted how this shift allowed her team to focus on what they do best—engaging with attendees, answering questions, and being fully present during key moments.

Sarah emphasized this point:

“Instead of spending hours stuffing name tags, our team could focus on being present for students and families—where they’re truly needed.”

Key Takeaway:

Efficiency isn’t just about saving time—it’s about reallocating time to high-impact activities that drive real engagement.

📌 From Nametags to Long-Term Engagement

What starts with a simple nametag at orientation doesn’t end there. Thoughtfully designed nametags have ripple effects beyond the first day of campus programming:

✅ Higher Family Weekend Attendance: Clear details and calls-to-action on nametags drive participation in follow-up events.

✅ Improved Advisor Engagement: Students are more likely to attend advisor meetings when their initial experience feels personalized and welcoming.

✅ Better First-Year Retention: A stronger sense of belonging early on correlates with higher persistence rates.

Sarah’s insights remind us that every interaction counts, and the details we might overlook can become the foundation for long-term student success.

📌 Practical Applications for Your Institution

1️⃣ Start with the First Interaction: Ensure nametags are clear, professional, and easy to read.

2️⃣ Maximize the Real Estate: Use QR codes, event schedules, and helpful resources on nametags.

3️⃣ Automate the Process: Free your team from repetitive tasks with tools that streamline nametag creation and management.

4️⃣ Create Belonging Through Names: Encourage staff to use student and family names intentionally throughout orientation.

Reflect:

“What overlooked detail in your orientation program could become your next big opportunity?”

📌 A Final Word from Sarah Dodge

I’ll leave you with one final insight from Sarah that truly stuck with me:

“A name tag isn’t just a sticker—it’s an invitation to belong, a guide to resources, and a tool for creating meaningful connections.”

It’s a simple truth, but one that UVA has embraced wholeheartedly—and one that every institution can learn from.

📢 Ready to Reimagine Your Orientation Experience?

At VZO, we’re passionate about helping higher education institutions turn small details into big wins for student engagement, retention, and success. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your team, let’s connect.

🎥 Want to Learn More?

Watch the full interview with Sarah Dodge on OrientationMatters Season 2, Episode 2: “Premium Space, The Art of Name Tags”

👉 Explore how VZO supports onboarding success: www.govzo.com/case-studies

Let’s turn simple details into powerful outcomes—together.

💬 Have Questions or Want to Learn More?

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