July 2023 | Issue 5
Media
VCU Social
NEWSLETTER
happy independence day!
It's officially the summer season and we are halfway through the year already, 2023 is flying! Here are some important reminders, fun holidays and universitywide milestones to make note of for next month:
- July 1: Signing of the Wayne Commission that established VCU in 1968. Happy 55th Birthday to VCU!
- July 4: Independence Day - VCU Closed
- July 7: World Chocolate Day
- July 13 - Aug 11: 4 1/2-week session (add/drop & withdraw deadlines)
- July 17: World Emoji Day
- July 24 - Aug 11: 3-week session (add/drop & withdraw deadlines)
- July 30: International Friendship Day
- VCU Summer Orientation registration dates and info can be found here.
More events can be found on the VCU Telegram, the academic calendar and VCU RamsConnect.
Summer safety, health & wellness tips
Did you know that VCU Health News Center is putting out a series of helpful articles on summer safety tips?
You can read about these tips here and even share them on your social media pages! From grilling meats, what to do if you get a tick bite or snake bite, and more! Keep a look out for more safety tips as the summer progresses.
VCU RecWell offers a variety of well-being resources for students. From coaching, mindfulness, nutrition, meditation, counseling, sexual health and more. There's something for every student and their needs.
Find out more here and share relevant content on your social media pages to help support your students!
Tik Tok update
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.
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.
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 will also be accessible from the VCU Social Media Website.
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:
