UNL recruiters utilize Twitter

In the fall, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is planning on greeting an incoming class of freshmen, many of whom use social media such as Twitter and Facebook. 
The university has several pages on Facebook that students can become fans of as well as accounts on Twitter that they follow. Students can also join UNL's social network, ClubRed. 
UNL is using these types of social media to help recruit students, associate dean of admissions, Amber Hunter, wrote  in an email. 
"Sharing up to date information via these platforms allows us to stay current and top of mind with students," she said. 
Sites such as Twitter and Facebook can both help and hurt a university in the minds of potential students, Hunter said. 
"Social media isn't just a campaign, it's a long term commitment," she said. "Updating blogs, RSS feeds, Twitter and Facebook takes time and resources, but keeping the information current creates a favorable impression for the university." 
Students are able to be informed and updated on events on campus, approaching deadlines and contests, Hunter said. 
"Social media provides us another outlet to communicate these details to students beyond traditional (high school) visits, college fairs and mailed publications," she said. 
Huntington said students can use this information to decide whether to attend UNL or not. 
"The web is the first place that students go for information," she said. "We want to ensure all important information is relayed to students as efficiently and clearly as possible." 
Hunter said the admissions department is launching a Facebook page and has a Twitter account. Admissions also collaborates with the official UNL Facebook page and Flickr feed. 
Stevi Williams a senior anthropology and ethnic studies major, is a fan of the University Bookstore, The College of Arts and Sciences, Morrill Hall and the Sheldon Art Gallery on Facebook. 
"It helps me learn more about what's going on on-campus," she said. 
Williams said she knows for current students being recruited that social media is helpful for them to know what's going on at UNL. 
Social media didn't play a part in recruiting Williams to UNL. 
"(Back then) I had a MySpace, but there really wasn't anything (with the University)," she said. 
Derrick Meier, a sophomore general studies major, said while he has a Twitter and a Facebook, he doesn't follow any UNL accounts on Twitter or is a fan of any on Facebook. 
He said social media had no impact when deciding on where to go to college.
kimbuckley
@dailynebraskan.com