The Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ at Lafayette has launched a Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ recognition program using social media to publicize Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs' 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 Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ accomplishments electronically to create an online profile for each Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ and will send news items about Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs' achievements to their hometown newspapers utilizing a service called readabout.me.
Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ-branded badges are posted on Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs' profiles to represent their specific achievements and activities. Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs can accumulate unlimited numbers of badges.
Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs 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 Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs are starting to enhance their profiles and collect badges.
"Readabout.me is a fantastic way for UL Lafayette to recognize our Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs for their individual and organizational accomplishments," Bekurs said. "Each badge is like a virtual trophy that Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs can display and share."
The badges encourage Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵs to continue to achieve and stay active at the university, she said. The Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's online profile creates a positive, professional online list of accomplishments for them to share with prospective employers.