Social media not just for fun; medium provides opportunity for two-way communication

While many faculty and staff may think social media is a place where people post silly pictures of their pets or share what they had for dinner, the medium has the potential to build the reputation of the university.

Philip Denman, social media and communication specialist, University Advancement, shared insights into social media as well as UCCS policies and procedures during a Feb. 7 Chancellor’s All-Campus Forum.

“Social media is web-based technology that turns communication into interactive dialogue,” Denman said. “It’s a two way street of interaction – a way where students can talk to us and we can talk to them. We can provide them information and answer any sort of questions.”

Social media provides an opportunity to showcase the university where students spend time. Denman cited figures showing that 46 percent of high school seniors visit Facebook pages of colleges in which they are interested. Once those students “liked” that college or university, they can get regular updates and begin to form an impression of the university or get information regarding application deadlines or other details.

“It’s in our best interest not only to be on social media but to be doing a good job showcasing what the university is doing,” Denman said.

Denman cited other uses for social media ranging from customer service to emergency communication as incentive for campus departments to consider using the medium. For example, the class of 2017 has started a Facebook page to share information about subjects ranging from best books to good places to live.

Campus departments interested in establishing a social media presence should attend a training session and complete paperwork that identifies who is responsible for maintaining the account. The training sessions share best practices and coordinate efforts between departments and users. For more information about training sessions, visit http://www.uccs.edu/socialmedia/training.html

Denman also clarified that while UCCS does not regulate personal use of social media, employees are responsible for what they post on their personal accounts.

“Just like your personal email or personal cell phone all the rules still apply,” Denman said. “If you’re using Facebook to contact students, be sure that you’re following all employee guidelines and that you’re following laws like FERPA and HIPAA.”

For more information about social media, visit www.uccs.edu/socialmedia.