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SOCIAL MEDIA
NEWSLETTER
April 2024
VOL. 2
ISSUE 4
INTRODUCTION
I was introduced to AI through the 1999 Disney Channel movie Smart House when I was 11 years old. The idea of everything being automated and taken care of by a digital non-sentient entity made me feel excited about living in a futuristic world, yet unsure if I'd see it in my lifetime.
Fast forward to 2024, and AI has become a powerful ally in our daily lives. From the moment Alexa gently wakes me up in the morning to the comforting click of my smart lights turning off at night, AI is there, making my day more convenient. At work, the social media tools we use are infused with AI, making content creation, caption writing and project management a breeze. In a world where social media professionals are grappling with increasing stress and burnout, AI’s swift assistance offers a promising solution in the digital landscape.
When you’re short on time, experiencing a creative block, and need some inspiration to kickstart an idea, AI comes to the rescue! In HigherEd and across our enterprise, guidelines are being developed to help us navigate this new digital landscape. So, whether you're a fan or not, AI is here to stay. At least, that's my perspective. How do you feel about artificial intelligence? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Share them with me HERE.
-Kenda Boone, Director of Social Media Storytelling
Enterprise Marketing & Communications, VCU
Ask Miss VCU
Do I need to get a model release signature for my photos/videos?
Yes, we always recommend getting your photos and videos
model released to ensure you’re protecting not only you and your department, but the university as well. For example, a student may
verbally tell you they’re okay with you using their picture or video for content, but once it’s posted, they may come back upset that you’ve used their image. By having a signed model release, you have permission to use that image for marketing, advertising, social media and public relations needs. You may find the VCU model release forms on our social media admin drive. Or download the Easy Release App via the App Store for $12 and have it right on your phone while you’re out and about creating content.
- Saher Randhawa, senior social media & communications manager
Have questions to ask our resident VCU Social Media expert? Submit to our feedback form!
CONTENT TIPS & TRENDS
One of the strengths of AI is that it can handle time-consuming tasks quickly so that you can focus on higher-level strategy. Be sure to check with VCU IT Security before using a new AI platform!
HOW CAN AI IMPROVE YOUR WORKFLOWS?
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
Refine ideas the AI produces based on your department's own needs and goals! Always look for ways to add your own unique VCU spin to the general suggestions provided by AI.
ADJUSTING COPY TONE & CLARITY
AI can transform the tone of your copy, whether you want to infuse warmth into formal writing or you’re looking to make academic jargon accessible to a wide audience.
Original Copy:
We strive to make our copy concise, not just to meet those character limits, but to ensure our audience grasps key takeaways quickly.
ChatGPT w/ Prompt:
“Rewrite the previous sentence with a warmer, more lighthearted tone.”
We're always on the lookout for ways to trim down our copy, not just to fit those pesky character limits, but to make sure our audience can grab our main points in a flash!
Always remember: another set of HUMAN eyes should always review work that’s created with the help of AI! - Jaleelah Harris & Loan Nguyen
Have a question? Email identity@vcu.edu for branding questions or reach out to me at giuseppeaa2@vcu.edu.
LET’s TALK DESIGN
May 2024 Commencement is right around the corner and the Social Team is amplifying the resources and information available to students and their loved ones for the big day! I’ve made a series of graphics with information about regalia, photo opportunities, RSVP reminders, printable swag and more to share ahead of May 11. You can find the graphics below via Canva to download and share on your channels and get the word out! - Abby Giuseppe
CLICK THE IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD:
FOR STORY:
FOR FEED:
BOB’s BRANDING BUNKER
As we move towards full brand compliance in August, this is a good time for a reminder that brand.vcu.edu contains a wealth of information on logos, hierarchy, typography, editorial style, still photos and motion video standards, etc. as well as a full downloads section for PowerPoint, e-letterhead, UN-words and other official brand assets.
As always, if you have questions about how to use the VCU brand or want feedback on a project, hit me up at identity@vcu.edu. - Bob Saydlowski
Also, I’m holding virtual office hours every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to Noon via Google Meet so stop in!
FAQs & REMINDERS
Can my student intern be an admin for our accounts?
When are the social media admin meetings?
- Monthly social admin meetings take place every 3rd Tuesday of the month at noon via Zoom! The next meeting will take place on May 21 from Noon to 1 p.m.
- No, your student intern should not be an admin, aka a manager of your social media accounts. However, they may help you create and post content. Only full-time employees should be registered admins. Update admins here.
How do I make sure my social media posts are accessible?
- Take the VCU social media accessibility training via Talent@VCU to learn tips for each platform.
What are the first things I should do when a social media admin leaves or changes?
- Change the passwords to your accounts and put in a ticket to Jira to update admin contacts for your social media channels.
Missed a monthly meeting or newsletter?
UNcommon branding update:
- Reminder that starting in August 2024, any content that does not meet brand standards will not be shared or reposted to the main VCU accounts. Check out the brand website to log in and download logos, letterheads, templates, social frames and more. For branding help, fill out the form here.
Reach out to us for questions, concerns or recommendations:
Join us on social media!
Join the VCU Social Media Admin group on Facebook!
Visit our website!
Official VCU Social Media:
President Rao’s Social Media:
Do you have photos or videos of Dr. Rao and/or student/faculty life around VCU? Tag us on Instagram @VCU or @VCUPresident or email socialmedia@vcu.edu for a chance to have your content reposted!