A group of Slippery Rock University students will meet with Butler Township residents Friday for their capstone class.

The communications students will host a focus group with the residents as part of the class. They're looking for locals with opinions: the group is tasked with developing mock graphic branding for the township — projects like a new logo or signs for local attractions.

A similar class project last year actually got Tannor Williams a foot in the door at the township, he said. As office manager and treasurer, Williams is now the point of contact for residents wanting to participate in this year's focus group.

“It's a really good class,” Williams said. “It allows the students to get real life experience working with a real client.”

The class isn't necessarily going to end in Butler Township rebranding. It's an experiment for the students' benefit, Williams said, and township officials would eventually decide whether they want to move forward with anything.

There are four students in the group, Williams said.

They will run participants through a list of questions about the township and how it might be better presented. They'll use the feedback as the basis for their graphic design work.

Dave Zarnick, president of the township's board of commissioners, voiced support of the program via a news release.

“We are excited to be working with Slippery Rock again on another project involving our township,” Zarnick said. “I know these students will work hard and provide us with quality content.”

Those interested in participating in the focus group should contact Williams by calling 724-283-3420, Ext. 212, or emailing him at twilliams@butlertwp.org.

The group will be convened at 1 p.m. Friday at the township's municipal building at 290 S. Duffy Road. Those wanting to attend should reach out to Williams before doing so as they're only able to take a limited number of people in the focus group.