It takes hard work and determination to compete on the national stage.
The College of Journalism and Mass Communications' award-winning Bateman Case Study Competition Team digs deep to research, plan, implement and evaluate a public relations campaign for a national nonprofit client. So you don’t just talk about the good you might do—you actually get to do it! You’ll gain real-world experience that can translate to résumé additions, portfolio pieces and even jobs.
About the Client
This year's client is EveryLibrary, the only national not-for-profit that exists to support libraries in the United States. The challenge is to position it as the leading national organization for library activists, donors, and users.
Through their campaigns, students will identify, cultivate, and empower new supporters of libraries who will express and operationalize support through an EveryLibrary campaign, channel, or platform.
About the Class
Students can enroll in either ADPR 339 or ADPR 439 during the spring semester. ADPR 439 may be used as your capstone requirement. Check with your academic advisor before enrolling
This course may require commitments outside of the regularly scheduled class time to participate in competition activities.
About the Program
First established as the National Case Study in 1973 and later renamed to honor the late J. Carroll Bateman, APR, the Public Relations Student Society of America Bateman Case Study Competition challenges teams of students to research, plan, implement and evaluate a public relations campaign for an actual client. More than 75 teams enter the competition each year, giving students real-world experience that can translate to résumé additions, portfolio pieces and even jobs. After an extensive judging process, three finalists are chosen to present their campaigns to the sponsor, who receives the right to ideas presented.
In 2022, CoJMC won first place in the competition for their campaign "1 for 1." The campaign raised awareness of lymphoma and the challenges adolescents and young adults can face when diagnosed with lymphoma. In 2023 and 2024, UNL earned national honorable mention awards.
Why Bateman?
- Create real impact (that’s really good on your resume)
- Develop, implement, AND measure your campaign, doing real good for a nonprofit, with potential for national recognition
- Enjoy a select team
- Only six superb students with an interest in PR
- Build industry connections
- With professional adviser Jeff Salem from the Arbor Day Foundation (formerly Swanson Russell) and PRSA members
- Limited time only
- Research in Nov./Dec.; implementation, measurement, and campaign case study delivery by late March
- When most classes are heating up with finals, the Bateman team is waiting to hear about national finalists
- Three national finalists get to present their campaign to judges in early May
Meet the Faculty
Applications for the 24-25 Bateman team are now closed
To apply students must submit a course application, a resume, a cover letter and a link to a portfolio or work and complete an interview. Applications will reopen in September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not an advertising and public relations major, can I still apply?
Any student who meets the course prerequisites can apply for Bateman. Visit the undegraduate catelog to see the prerequisites for ADPR 339 and ADPR 439.
I am not in the College of Journalism of Mass Communications, can I still apply?
Any student who meets the course prerequisites can apply for Bateman. Visit the undegraduate catelog to see the prerequisites for ADPR 339 and ADPR 439.
What does the class entail?
This course is reserved for students selected to serve on the Bateman Case Study Competition team. Bateman is an annual challenge sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Students participating in this course, and the Bateman Competition, will put into practice public relations principles, research methods, strategic planning, campaign design, implementation, and evaluation, including hands-on skills such as creating content for digital and social media, generating publicity, and planning and hosting events.
Are there prerequisites?
Yes. Visit the undegraduate catelog to see the prerequisites for ADPR 339 and ADPR 439.
What will I need to provide to apply?
To apply students must submit a course application, a resume, a cover letter and a link to a portfolio or work and complete an interview.
Are there any other requirements?
Students selected for the Bateman team must be dues-paying members of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) or pay dues and join PRSSA immediately upon selection. An annual PRSSA membership is $55 and provides valuable benefits for career development. Financial assistance may be available, if needed.