Algonquin College is connected: A students perspective on Algonquin Colleges Social media

As a current Algonquin College student in the Public Relations program, I have experienced several different ways the college has used social media tools as a way to connect with their students. You could be half-way across the world and still be able to be a part of any conversation.

Like many students, when first deciding on a post-secondary institution, I needed to do some online research and see what each post-secondary institution had to offer. I was searching for colleges and universities virtually blind-folded. When checking out Algonquin College’s website, I noticed they promoted their Facebook page.

I clicked the link and I was connected into an entire new community of future and current students. The questions I had regarding to program registration and activities and events around campus were all answered within hours from either other students or employees.

I found the Facebook page was like a main portal to all other social media networks. They have a YouTube site, which features videos explaining different programs, plus examples of what it is like living on campus life. AC’s Facebook page also has a LinkedIn section dedicated to Algonquin College groups, Connecting Alumni, and other networking sites which will be very handy when I graduate.  Their Facebook page was connected with Twitter, so whatever Algonquin College’s Twitter account tweeted was also posted on the Facebook wall.

Algonquin College’s Twitter account really gives students an up-to-date status of what is happening at and around the College. It helped me as a student get involved in the college community and participate in college events. For any questions you ask via Twitter, the response is almost instant; they really take seriously “creating conversations with the college community.”

I learnt about Algonquin College’s social media networks before applying for my first year and it was one of the reasons I went to Algonquin College. They really are connected with their students and encourage every student to feel like they have a voice online.

Lyara Brine is currently entering her second-year in Algonquin College’s Public Relations program. She also works part-time at the College.