GoalQuest Inc. announced today the successful pilot of UFlash™, a Web-based content offering that provides prospective students, admits and current students with a continuous stream of magazine-style articles on subjects such as health, relationships, careers, campus involvement, lifestyle and entertainment. The UFlash library, available to clients running GoalQuest enrollment management and retention programs, is designed to complement the custom-written content produced by the company's editorial group. UFlash is one element of the GoalQuest Universe™ suite of tools, which includes UScene™, UPeers™ and UBlog™ -- components which let program participants start conversations, explore on- and off-campus venues, find study partners and develop friendships within safe, secure virtual communities.

GoalQuest clients can choose from a wide-range of UFlash topics, specially written for granular audiences within the recruitment, enrollment and retention windows. These topics are inserted alongside custom-written communications to offer compelling, "sticky" alternatives that drive students back to core content.

A student in a GoalQuest FYRe™ (Freshman Year Retention Program), for instance, can alternate between reading about residence hall policies and reading a UFlash topic on roommate relations. Similarly, a student studying up on the particulars of renewing financial aid can also browse hints and tips for inexpensive spring break treks. UFlash also gives participants the ability to rate each article they read. Using this survey data, the program dynamically offers fresh topics that are most likely to engage students.

The University of Alabama is among the clients using UFlash as part of its FYRe program. "We are quite pleased with GoalQuest's ability to craft both traditional first-year experience content as well as topics that offer students an entertaining yet informative editorial diversion," said Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of academic retention at the school.

According to Peter Tomassi, GoalQuest vice president of product development and editor-in-chief, "UFlash articles are not a replacement for traditional FYE topics on subjects like time management, academic integrity, study skills or exam prep. However, the campus reality is that traditional FYE reading assignments compete for a share of students' attention - against everything from popular magazines to Web-based communities to reality TV. When schools couple their time-proven curricula with friendly, entertaining and advice-oriented UFlash content, we have found that students are more likely to return to both types of content and, ultimately, absorb more. In addition, we are finding that the success of UFlash in the retention window can be effectively extended to recruitment and yield windows as well."

Current UFlash topics available to GoalQuest clients include:

GoalQuest's UFlash editorial team continually probes students for new article ideas with formal focus groups at client colleges and universities across the nation. In addition, UFlash allows participants the opportunity to submit original story ideas in exchange for a freelance writing payment and a published byline if accepted.

About The University of Alabama
Founded in 1831, The University of Alabama is the South's premier student-centered, research university and one of the top 50 public universities in the country. The University is committed to providing an educational experience that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to teaching excellence, the advancement of scholarship, and service to society.

About GoalQuest
GoalQuest Inc. is a New York City-based software company specializing in innovative solutions for higher education. The company's proprietary software assists colleges and universities in maximizing recruiting, enrollment yield, retention, parent communication and advancement efforts. Its suite of products, including eCRUIT™, FYRe™, PICS™ and AlumNet™ as well as its Universe™ tools such as UPeers™ and UPortfolio™, are based on a revolutionary technology that immerses participants in highly interactive content. The tools provide clients with a full-featured reporting center and automated activity alerts that monitor the real-time interest trajectory of users. GoalQuest is a NASPA strategic partner. For additional information about GoalQuest, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.goalquest.com or e-mail info@goalquest.com.