How to Enter

Please read all instructions carefully. If you have questions about submitting an entry, please contact Sarah Stakston, 612-455-1769, sstakston@psbpr.com.

DEADLINE

Deadline for receipt of entries is 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2007. There are no deadline extensions. Each entry must be submitted according to the "How to Prepare Your PRSA Student Classics Entry" instructions below or it will be disqualified with no refund.

ELIGIBILITY

The majority of an entry's work must have been completed between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2006. The PRSA Student Classics Awards competition is not limited to PRSSA members. Entries are encouraged from all communication, public relations, marketing and advertising students in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

STUDENT ENTRY SAMPLES

Category 3 - Minnesota's Largest Pillowfight - Select Comfort (PDF)

Category 5 - CityKid Java 2005 Public Relations Plan (PDF)

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PRSA CLASSICS ENTRY

1. Entry Form
   Complete the Student Classics Entry Form.
2. Entry Binder
   • Entries must be limited to one three-ring binder no wider than one inch thick.
   • Use one three-ring binder for each entry submitted.
   • Typed pages inside the binder should be no larger than 8 1/2" x 11" so that pages do not extend beyond the size of the binder.
   • Binders should be labeled on the spine and the front with the category number and subcategory letter, title of entry and name of organization (and assisting agency, if applicable).
   • The front cover should also include a contact name, address, phone number and e-mail.
   • Submitted binder entries will be available for pick-up at the MInnesota PRSA office in late February. More details will be provided in February 2007.
3. Entry Summary
   • Write a concise summary for each entry. Prepare the summary carefully, as the judges will review it closely. This is perhaps the single most important element of the Classics entry.
   • The entry summary should be the first page inside the binder.
   • Length must be no longer than one typed page.
   • Typed using no smaller than a 10-point typeface.
   • Summaries must address the Judging Criteria. Feel free to include more information in tabbed sections of the binder to support these criteria.
4. Supporting Materials
   • Include any supporting materials referred to in the entry summary. For example, if you refer to a public relations planning document, a copy of the plan should be included in the binder.
   • Other examples of supporting materials include photos, letters, scripts, reports, media placements and samples of tactical materials.
   • Label all materials for easy identification in case they are separated from the binder.
   • Judges prefer a representative sampling of media placements with a complete typed list of all placements.
   • All materials must fit within your binder's natural dimensions. If the opening of the binder is wider than the spine, you must remove some items or the entry will be disqualified.
5. Entry Materials Envelope
   • Each entry must include a 9" x 12" envelope - labeled "ENTRY MATERIALS ENVELOPE" - placed inside the front of the entry binder.
   • On the outside of the envelope, include the category number and subcategory letter, entry title, company name, contact name, phone number and e-mail.
   • Inside the envelope, include:
     1. One copy of the entry form (not the entry summary, that goes in the binder).
     2. A CD or disk containing 1) a 100-word summary describing your project (used to describe your entry in the banquet program if it is a Classics finalist and in the presentation if it is a winner) and 2) artwork representing your entry (generally a logo or photo)
     3. One self-addressed, first class-stamped envelope if you wish to receive the judges' comments on your entry.
     4. A check payable to Minnesota PRSA. If submitting multiple entries, you may submit just one check; however, please clearly note which entries are covered by the check.
6. Completed Entries
   Completed entries should be sent by 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2007 to:
   
   Minnesota PRSA Student Classics Awards
   c/o Nonprofit Solutions
   1821 University Avenue West, #S256
   St. Paul, MN 55104
   Mark the entry package as "Minnesota PRSA Student Classics Awards Entry."

JUDGING CRITERIA FOR STUDENT CLASSICS

• The entry summary must include a statement of objectives, budget, resources used, timeline, quantity produced (if applicable) and audience.
• Judging will be based on content, creativity, production quality, technical excellence and appropriateness for the declared audience.
• Describe why the project was created. What was the situation on which the project/element is based?
• A description of research is optional, but should be included if applicable.
• Outline the results or impact this piece had in relation to the overall project or ongoing program.
• All entries in Student Classics categories 1-4 should have been implemented in some manner, yielding some results. If projects were not implemented, enter the planning for these projects under the new Planning category.
• Also consider any specific information requested under individual Classics categories.

Questions to Consider in Your Entry Summary (not applicable for every entry)

Research: Was research used to identify an opportunity or was it in response to a current or potential problem? Did research findings help re-define the situation? How did the findings help define the audience(s)?

Planning: Who was involved in the planning? What was the plan? How do the plans correlate to the research findings? What are the specific objectives of the program? Who were the target audiences? What was the overall strategy employed? What measurement criteria did you establish to evaluate success? What was your budget?

Execution: How were the plans executed? In general terms, how did the activities flow? What materials were used? Were any difficulties encountered, and if so, how were they handled? Was the budget adjusted during execution, and if so, why and how? Were other organizations involved? Were non-public relations tactics, such as advertising employed?

Evaluation: What were the results? To what degree and in what way(s) did the program meet its objectives? What methods were used to identify, analyze and quantify results? How are results related to research findings? How are results related to strategic objectives?

ENTRY FORMS