Colleges & Facebook (Part Seven) - Baker University

Part seven of a multi-part series on how local colleges and universities are utilizing Facebook...

Out of all of the local colleges and universities profiled in this series so far, Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas certainly has the fewest number of Facebook pages dedicated to its campus. But this small campus, home to 4000 students total from its main campus and five satellite adult program locations, is quite vested in the mechanics of social media.

Most of the Baker University social media offerings, outside of the website, are directed toward current students, but as noted in previous articles within this series, those viewable interactions can be the most honest and informative communication a prospective college student will encounter when learning about a possible future campus home.

Baker University may only have a handful of active Facebookpages, but they also extend their electronic presence to its constituents via Twitter, You Tube, podcasts, and a blog series.

Here is a list (with links) of Baker University's Facebookpages, followed by information (again, with links) leading prospective students to the alternate means by which to investigate the campus community of Baker University:

Baker University (Official)

The Baker Orange

Baker University Sorority and Fraternity Life

Baker University Student Senate

Baker Wildcats Athletics

Wowzer Baker University's Mascot

Baker University Dance Team

Baker University Softball

Baker University Continuing Education

Baker University Wichita

Baker University also has an extensive blog presence online with thirteen students who regularly post information and photos from campus under more than 22 tagged categories about "Wildcat LIfe and Beyond."

They also have a relatively extensive library of podcasts, "What's Shakin and Bakin at Baker," via The Baker Orange on a variety of topics important to current students.

Or you can follow Baker University on Twitter and Baker Sports on Twitter.

You can also find Baker University on You Tube!

Colleges & Facebook (Part Five) - Park University

Part five of a multi-part series on how local colleges and universities are utilizing Facebook...

Park University, with its home base in Parkville, part of Kansas City's Northland community, is a unique institution in that it has a main campus hosting traditional students, but also has multiple satellite campuses not only in other parts of the Kansas City metro, but on military bases across the country, as well as an extensive online course and degree offering. In addition, Park Universityis known for its international population, with students attending the University from countries all over the world. 

With all of these campus components to juggle, it is no wonder that Park University is heavily invested in communicating with its constituents via social media, both Facebook and Twitter.

In fact, although Park University was already on the list of campuses to highlight as part of this series, two tuned-in campus administrators had learned, via Twitter, of these articles about how local colleges are utilizing social media and made contact to inquire if their campus initiatives would be included. Absolutely! 

Following a college or university on Twitter or "liking" pages of interest on their Facebook accounts provides immeasurable access to the campus and its day to day interactions with everyone who comes into contact with that particular institution. The information made available through social media far outshadows the prepared and much edited web content or viewbook material that prospective students only had opportunity to see previously. Be part of the social media revolution and take advantage of its ability to enhance the college search and selection process. 

Here is a sampling (with links) of Park University utilizing both Facebook AND Twitter to reach out to the vast population of prospective students (locally and abroad), current students, alumni, athletics fans, and donors:

FACEBOOK

Park University

Park University Admissions

Park University Athletics

Park University Alumni Association

Park University Alumni Connections

Park University Bookstore

Park University International Student Services (ISS)

Park University Hauptmann School for Public Affairs

Park University International Education & Study Abroad

KGSP 90.5 FM Pirate Radio

Park University School for Education

Pirate Grounds

Park Warrior Center / Success for Veterans Program

Park University at Whiteman AFB

Park University at Fort Leonard Wood

Additional Park University pages on Facebook include those for many other military bases across the country at which Park offers degree programs, as well as individual sports teams and, of course, student clubs and organizations.

TWITTER

Park University

Park University President Droge

Park University Professor Steven Youngblood (currently working on a peace and journalism project in Uganda)

Park University Alumni

Several Park University students, specifically from the Communications Arts Department, are also active on Twitter.

And...Park University and Park Athletics are on You Tube!

A special thank you to Erik Bergrud, Senior Director for Community and Government Relations in the Office of University Advancement and to Steve Wilson, Park University Sports Information Director, for reaching out about inclusion in this series.

Use Twitter to Prep for the SAT

Are you one of the more than 25 million people who reportedly utilize Twitter?  If so, there are a multitude of opportunities for daily practice in preparation for the SAT...all in 140 words or less!

Here is a sample listing of people to follow:

@SATquestion

@satvocabdaily

@sattipsdaily

@myivyleaguer

@SAT_words

@tutorsteve

Check out these hashtags, too: 

#SATTest

#SATvocab

Here are two fun, interactive websites to help you with preparing for the SAT, as well:

Word Nerd

Simple Word Game

And, of course, the official website for the SAT offers the "Question of the Day," free sample questions, and a free full practice test:

College Board

Next SAT Test Date:  

Saturday, June 5

First Test Date of New School Year:   

Saturday, October 9 (must register by Friday, September 10)

Follow Kansas City Area Colleges/Universities on Twitter

Utilize Twitter? Following colleges and universities on Twitter is a great way to learn about many aspects of the campus community, as well as to keep up with admission information throughout the college search and selection process.

Here is a sampling of Kansas City area (and a few beyond) schools that can be found on Twitter:

• Baker University @Bakeru
• Kansas State University @k_state
• Park University @parkuniversity
• Rockhurst University @RockhurstU
• University of Kansas @KUNews
• University of Missouri Columbia @MizzouAdmission
• University of Missouri Kansas City @UMKansasCity

Steph Hart of Kansas City's Essential Elements: Comprehensive College Planning can also be found on Twitter @EECollegePlan.