Whistle While You Work

Dec 07

ACUI Region 1 Conference Reflection from a commuter student

Dec 06

[video]

Dec 05

Twitter and The Student Union

I was asked to put together a webinar for ACUI to explain how Twitter can be used in the Student Union. I’ve been thinking about how @BSUCampusCenter uses it to engage with students and the community:

• posting announcements
• publicizing blog posts
• running contests

We’ve been using this Twitter account for over two years and we’ve certainly grown the number of followers.  While I know it’s not a numbers game (as Twitter can often be, but don’t let the temptation get you), it’s important to assess what kind of presence Twitter has on campus and who uses it.  Do students rely on it for information?  If not, where do they go for information? 

How do you use Twitter in your student union?

Aug 22

CUAD-MOD: #CUAD Tuesday, August 23, 2011 -

cuad-mod:

Join the College Union and Activities Discussion (CUAD) Tuesday at 3pm EST (search #CUAD on Twitter) to talk about Campus Traditions. Every school has traditions and annual events unique to their institution, as well as more common ones (Welcome Week, Homecoming, SpringFest, etc.). Share ideas on…

Aug 05

Tobacco-Free Campus

Earlier this week, I attended a webinar that shared perspectives from two campuses that have implemented a Tobacco-Free Policy (University of Missouri and University of Kentucky). They shared some fascinating facts and figures:

• American College Health Association (ACHA) has adopted a NO TOBACCO USE policy and encourages colleges and universities to be diligent in their efforts to achieve a 100% indoor and outdoor campus-wide tobacco-free environment.
• 83% of college students describe themselves as non-smokers (never smoked or have not smoked in the last 30 days), ACHA, 2009.
• 97% identify as non-smokeless tobacco users, ACHA, 2009.
• 25.5% of college tobacco users started at age 18.
• Another 22.6% began using tobacco at age 19 or older
• 61.3 support smoke-free bars and another 26.2% say it does not matter to them.
• 82.1% prefer smoke-free restaurant and 13.1% say is does not matter to them.

The first fact alone, I found pretty surprising. But reading on, I could see how this may seem attainable with more restaurants and event bars going smoke-free.

Ultimately, they recommend the following for successful implementation:

• Create a campus task force (comprised of faculty, staff and students).
• Seek support from administrators, student groups/organizations, student government, faculty/staff government, health/counseling services.
• Making the decision from a solely administrative standpoint, can be risky. Get as many areas on board as possible.
• Education is crucial to its success (partner with Health Services).
• Be aware of the various types of tobacco products (it’s more than cigarettes and snuff).
• Develop a thorough policy (taking a respect and public health approach).
• Offer an alternative to smokers (cessation).
• Consider signage and who will enforce the policy.