S
CIAL
SQUAD
presents
SOCIAL MEDIA
NEWSLETTER
August 2024
VOL. 2
ISSUE 8
INTRODUCTION
It's hard to believe, but it feels like just a few weeks ago, we were reflecting on how the spring semester went and now a brand new semester is already here! I hope you're as excited as I am for the new opportunities this new semester brings.
Here at VCU Social, to prepare our minds and hearts for what is sure to be a busy school year, we put away our phones, and traded in social media metrics and content calendars for scissors, glue, magazines, and the power of our imagination for a team vision board party!
This activity not only allowed us to be creative and bond, but also to set personal goals and motivate each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Before we get into the hustle and bustle of the year, I encourage you to carve out time to meet with your team (or yourself) to get your hands dirty and cast your vision for the next few months—your brain just might be craving it!
out time to meet with your team (or yourself) to get your hands dirty and cast your vision for the next few months—your brain just might be craving it!
Kenda Boone
Director of Social Media Storytelling
Enterprise Marketing & Communications, VCU
Also, have you scheduled your coffee chat yet? 👀 I’ve been meeting with social media admins and communicators all across VCU to offer creative pep talks and personalized support and I want to meet with you, too! These 45-minute sessions are designed to help you stay inspired, refine your UNCOMMON strategy, and achieve your goals over the next semester and beyond. Hit the link to book your session today!
Ask SAHER
What are some tips for creating back to school content this fall semester?
Creating engaging content gearing up for fall semester can significantly impact student engagement and community building. Here are some helpful tips:
Showcase the vibrant campus atmosphere, including campus events, clubs and activities. Use photos and videos to bring these experiences to life.
Feature student stories, achievements and testimonials. This not only humanizes your content but also builds a sense of community and pride among current and prospective students.
Share updates on research projects, faculty accomplishments and academic programs. Highlight any new courses or initiatives for the upcoming semester.
Create content specifically tailored to incoming students such as virtual campus tours, tips for settling in and introductions to key campus resources.
Host live Q&A sessions with current students, faculty members or administrators to address common questions about campus life, academics and support services.
Promote upcoming events like orientation sessions, guest lectures, workshops and campus tours. Encourage RSVPs and participation.
Encourage students, faculty and alumni to share their experiences using a specific hashtag. Repost and share this content to increase engagement and showcase different perspectives.
Take your audience behind the scenes of campus operations, such as preparations for the new semester, renovations or faculty/staff interviews.
Use high-quality visuals including photos, infographics and videos. Visual content tends to attract more engagement on social media platforms.
Use high-quality visuals including photos, infographics and videos. Visual content tends to attract more engagement on social media platforms.
Tailor your content to reflect the back-to-school season. Themes could include tips for success, time management advice or ways to get involved on campus.
Encourage your audience to take action, whether it's signing up for an event, registering for classes or following your social media channels.
Engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages and mentions promptly. Encourage discussions and interactions among your followers.
Want VCU social media to promote your event? Submit a Jira ticket and please include your graphic, caption and event link.
CONTENT TIPS & TRENDS
Aaand just like that, it’s back to school season! Get your cowboy hats and boots ready, because for this year’s Weeks of Welcome, we’re entering the Ram Rodeo!
This is a great opportunity to take photos and videos of the general population of incoming students. These will serve you well throughout the year for everything from welcome back posts to background images for flyers.
Weeks of Welcome will take place Aug. 16 - Sept. 8, with new student convocation, the Ram spirit walk and block party taking place on Aug. 19 from 4 - 8 p.m.
First time at the rodeo? Don’t fret. Here are some tips to keep in mind while out in the field, capturing content at busy events! - Loan Nguyen & Jaleelah Harris
- If you’re covering the spirit walk, make sure to wear appropriate shoes - the parade moves quickly when you’re also shooting photos and videos.
- If you plan to interview students, external microphones are essential.
- Don’t worry if you’re early to an event and no students are there yet. They tend to trickle in late.
LET’s TALK DESIGN
August is here which means we’ve reached the deadline for university-wide brand compliance! Consistency across our social media design is key to starting the new academic year as a unified brand that bolsters VCU’s visual identity. As shared by our marketing leadership, here are some key resources to help with all things branding. - Abby Giuseppe
- While a big part of brand compliance revolves around visual identity (logos, fonts, colors, etc.) the UNCOMMON brand platform is truly about VCU’s uniqueness in the space of higher education and health care. Please review the “Who We Are” section of the identity website to ensure your messaging always aligns with the enterprise brand.
- Please review the updated brand hierarchy to determine which visual identity your unit should use. If your unit no longer qualifies for a “lockup,” you should use Level 4 Amplified Staging.
- The “angle graphic” and references to “Make it Real” have been eliminated and should not be used anywhere.
- Updated stationery is available via the B&B e-catalog. Please use up or replace old stationery items such as business cards and letterhead.
- Ensure all social media channels adhere to the new standards - if you need any help with crafting brand-compliant content, you can always access the Canva social media templates here.
- Use new PowerPoint/Slides templates for all presentations.
- Download and implement new email headers.
- Please review your inventory of other branding items that could be affected by the brand changes, including tablecloths, department shirts, brochures, flyers, posters, ads, etc.
- Finally, all permanent AND temporary signage, banners, etc. should be submitted for review to the VCU Signage Committee.
The new brand website is a valuable resource if you need information on anything related to the brand guidelines - typography, color usage, logos, social avatar frames, templates, asset downloads and more.
The VCU branding team is hosting virtual office hours every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon if you have any brand questions or need a consultation. Join via this Google Meet link.
As always, if you have questions about social media graphics and branding, you can email the VCU social team at socialmedia@vcu.edu or reach out to the branding team at identity@vcu.edu.
CONTENT HIGHLIGHT
Click to check out VCUArts Cinema!
Why are you proud of this content/why do you love it?
The Cinema department puts together a unique filmmaking experience every summer, for Cinema students. There are many Behind the Scenes shots on our instagram!
Did you overcome any obstacles in creating this piece of content?
It is always tough to add the extra layer of marketing, when we are already putting together a full scale film production!
What’s next for your team?
Currently, we are working on our first-year filmmaking experience on campus!
Sarah Midkiff
VCUArts Cinema
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 August 20 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!