August 2023 | Issue 6
VCU Social
Media
NEWSLETTER
the school year is here!
It's officially August and the first week of classes is only weeks away! With so much going on and coming up, here's a list of some important dates and reminders to help you with your social media content plans.
- August 18 - September 10: Weeks of Welcome events
- August 8: International Cat Day
- August 12: International Youth Day
- August 16: National Tell a Joke Day
- August 19: World Photography Day
- August 21: New Student Convocation, Spirit Walk and Block Party
- August 22: First day of classes
- August 22-28: Add/drop and late registration deadline
- August 26: National Dog Day & Women's Equality Day
- August 30: Change of major request deadline
More events can be found on the VCU Telegram, the academic calendar and VCU RamsConnect.
Announcements
& Updates
Social Media Response Tree:
Dealing with a social media issue? Need help on how to navigate an issue? From crisis communications to emergencies to spam, check out our Social Media Response Tree for support and resources on how best to navigate a situation.
Interfaith Cultural Calendar:
This is a resource that HR has maintained since 2020 to help those planning events and setting deadlines avoid overlap with important religious and cultural holidays and observances. Check out the calendar here.
Twitter is now X:
Twitter announced a name change last week to X. X.com now redirects to Twitter.com and the app now appears as "X" in the Apple and Google app stores.
Coming soon: A new VCU homepage:
On Aug. 15, VCU will launch a beta version of its new homepage. The beta will give you a chance to get familiar with the new site, which will launch in full on Sept. 6. This redesign infuses VCU's Uncommon brand and streamlines the current navigation, creating a clear path to top recruitment information for prospective students and their families. When you visit vcu.edu on Aug. 15, you will be prompted to explore the new site and to provide feedback. You can also send questions about the new site to homepage@vcu.edu.
Threads App by meta
- You don't need to rush to Threads to claim a handle if you already have an Instagram account. When you sign up to use Threads, you use your Instagram account via the app on your phone. This means as long as you have the handle on Instagram, it cannot be claimed by someone else on Threads.
- When you create an account, you are prompted to auto-follow everyone you already follow on Instagram.
- There is no seamless way to switch between accounts.
- 2-factor authentication isn't set up. If someone knows your Instagram handle and password, they have access (once you sign up) to your Threads account.
- There are no accessibility features (alt text, auto/closed captions) yet.
- We have opted to add alt text/image description as a reply to a post. Check out our Threads account for examples.
- The vibe combines TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram regarding tone and interactions.
- As of right now, this is more of a community-building tool. Not a marketing tool.
- There is no DMs feature.
- Posting frequently and interacting with other accounts helps increase your visibility on the platform.
- Most posts are text only and posts that invite conversation/interaction, but you may attach a photo, video or link to your post.
- You can view Threads by a user on the web, but the platform is app based and best used on a phone, like Instagram.
- Hashtags aren't a thing on Threads, yet.
- Facebook and Twitter post vs Threads post:
- Same content/information, different format
- Post ideas to invite conversation/interaction
- Finish the sentence: I get routine vaccines because…
- Pop quiz: True ✅ or False ❌
Tik Tok Reminder
Effective July 1, 2023, the use of TikTok, WeChat, and other products from ByteDance, Ltd. or Tencent Holdings, Ltd. will not be permitted on VCU networks used by VCU employees and contractors or on university-issued devices.
The university is taking this measure to comply with a new Virginia Law that prohibits access to and use of apps or websites from the above entities on state-issued devices or on state-maintained networks. The Virginia General Assembly passed this law earlier in 2023, and the bill was signed by the governor in April. The restriction takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Please reference:
Code of Virginia amendment to restrict ByteDance, Ltd. or Tencent Holdings, Ltd. products | Technology Services | VCU for full details.
SB 1459 App Restrictions | Technology Services | VCU for additional information and FAQs
Social Media App Privacy Advisory | Technology Services | VCU for Mobile App Personal Privacy Risks Awareness
This information is also accessible from the VCU Social Media Website.
Restrictions set forth in the new law will impact the university community the following ways:
- Beginning July 1, access to these apps and websites will be restricted on all VCU and state-managed networks used by employees and contractors.
- TikTok, WeChat, etc. may not be used on any university-issued device, regardless of what network is being used at the time. Apps should be deleted from university-issued devices.
- VCU managed TikTok accounts, including any paid/sponsored content, such as those administered by colleges and departments, may not be used in any manner after July 1, 2023. Social media managers are advised not to delete accounts, but simply to stop using them - this will protect the accounts from being spoofed in the future.
FAQs & Reminders
- UNcommon branding update:
- Check out the brand website to login and download logos, letterheads, templates, social frames and more.
- Updates are slated for August 2023 to support the new Uncommon brand platform.
- Can my student intern be an admin for our accounts?
- 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.
- 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.
- Where do I find the social media guidelines?
- Find checklists for social admins and more here.
- 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.
- What email should I use for social accounts?
- Please remember to create and log into your accounts with an official VCU email account (university group). If you need to set up a university group account, complete an IT Service Desk request.
- When are the social media admin meetings?
- Monthly social admin meetings take place every 3rd Tuesday of the month at noon via Zoom! We're taking a break for the summer. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 15.
- Missed a monthly meeting or newsletter?
Have suggestions or questions?
Reach out to us for questions, concerns or recommendations:
