The ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ at Lafayette has launched a ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ recognition program using social media to publicize ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs' accomplishments—such as making the dean's list, completing a study abroad program, or being awarded a scholarship.
The university will publish news stories about certified ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ accomplishments electronically to create an online profile for each ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ and will send news items about ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs' achievements to their hometown newspapers utilizing a service called readabout.me.
ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ-branded badges are posted on ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs' profiles to represent their specific achievements and activities. ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs can accumulate unlimited numbers of badges.
ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs can share their official achievement badges with friends and family through Facebook and Twitter. They also can enhance their profiles by adding other activities, achievements, work experience and affiliations that do not require university certification.
Dana Bekurs, assistant director of the Office of First-Year Experience at UL Lafayette, said the response has been positive and ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs are starting to enhance their profiles and collect badges.
"Readabout.me is a fantastic way for UL Lafayette to recognize our ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs for their individual and organizational accomplishments," Bekurs said. "Each badge is like a virtual trophy that ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs can display and share."
The badges encourage ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵs to continue to achieve and stay active at the university, she said. The ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ's online profile creates a positive, professional online list of accomplishments for them to share with prospective employers.