UCOL Facebook attracts thousands

UCOL Facebook attracts thousands

UCOL has the most popular Facebook page of all of the country’s polytechnics – with more than 3,500 followers.

The big ‘following’ includes users from UCOL’s regions – Manawatu, Whanganui and the Wairarapa – as well as from 19 countries throughout the world, and the explosion of interest has far exceeded expectations.

Launched only a year ago, the page has quickly generated a thriving community of present, past and potential students, UCOL staff and supporters and other interested people. It is particularly popular with UCOL students and high school students – 35% of followers are aged 17 years or younger.

Chief Executive Paul McElroy says it’s great that so many people are interacting with UCOL via Facebook, especially students. “Social media sites like Facebook provide great opportunities for students to network, interact, provide feedback and share ideas with each other while they are studying at UCOL: We know that’s a valuable part of their study experience and their success.

“It’s one reason why we decided to install wireless computer facilities at our three campuses for our students to use – to work on their assignments, check on how their friends are doing, exchange ideas and talk to each other on Facebook and just socialise,” he says.

Mr McElroy says the UCOL Facebook page is also a good way for students to find out what’s ahead for them once they leave UCOL. “We’re encouraging our graduates to tell us where they are, what they’re doing now and what their new jobs are like.”

The success of the UCOL page is due to the hard work of UCOL Online Marketing Coordinator, Jason Nockels, a graduate of UCOL’s Bachelor of Visual Imaging programme. Jason, a keen Facebook user himself, set up the site from scratch and has run several online competitions and campaigns.

He makes sure his frequent postings fit in with the Facebook culture. “It’s important that the page is fun and encourages people to participate,” he says. “So UCOL is recognized as a place with a great personality, rather than a stuffy institution.”

The success of UCOL’s presence on Facebook to date has led to the launch of a Showcase Application in early November which will further enhance the UCOL followers’ interaction and experiences.

The Application gives users the chance to share their artworks, videos and documents online with fellow UCOL followers. Followers can submit their works for display on a Showcase page.

There is some fine print. All submissions have to be approved by UCOL and those submitters must agree on terms and conditions.

To checkout UCOL on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/UCOLNZ

UCOL also has a presence on YouTube – check out our latest videos on www.youtube.com/UCOLOnline.

ENDS

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