Example of First Email

<<Today's date>>

<<Name of department>>
<<Name of organization>>
<<First line of Address>>
<<Second line of address>>

Dear <<Recipient Name)>>,

Opening paragraph should address how you can meet the clients' need (big picture).

Can I help you expand your program? We can provide funds and trained faculty to help you offer a new concentration within your <<degree name>> program. Academic programs are always restricted by their budgets and available faculty. I am proposing collaboration between our two organizations that will let you tap into our resources and use it as your own.

The second paragraph should show you are familiar with their operation by giving details of their program.

The third sentence or paragraph should describe who you are and why you can help. It should provide the URL to additional information..

I recently visited your website to learn more about your <<degree name>> program and was very impressed by the curriculum and course offerings of your program. I noticed that you <<have or do not have>> a concentration in Health Information Systems. We at George Mason University have created a concentration in Health Information Systems that we are willing to teach for you. Our faculty will apply for an adjunct position in your department. We will submit our course for review by your graduate curriculum committee. The course will be taught online under your logo. Course evaluations will follow your typical course evaluations. Your students will experience a seamless system. You can see an example course set up for your institution at http://cqi.gmu.edu <<link to http://cqi.gmu.edu?Email=EmailOfRecipeint>>.

In the Graduate College of Health Sciences at George Mason University, we offer several degree tracks within our Health Systems Management program. One of the fastest growing concentrations is Health Information Systems Management. To see an overview of the program, please click here <<Link to http://his.gmu.edu?Email=EmailOfRecipient>>. We are offering to duplicate this track within your program at no cost to your organization.

The fourth paragraph or sentence should set up a very small task that you can ask the client to do to help you. Remember this is the start of the exchange not the end. Go for a small task.

I know you are busy. You probably have not thought about collaboration with us until this email. Before you decide, I need some advice from you. Would you tell me if you think a concentration in Health Information System, whether in collaboration with us or in some other way, would attract new students? My hope is that such a concentration may attract 2 or 3 people immediately. Is this reasonable? You know your area better, I would appreciate it if you can give me some advice regarding how many people may be attracted.

Kind regards.

Vikas Arya
Graduate Assistant

Ok to have others co-sign the letter with you.

Farrokh Alemi, Ph.D.
Acting Assistant Dean
College of Nursing and Health Science
George Mason University
http://his.gmu.edu/?Email=