In the dynamic environment of higher education, the importance of keeping the student body informed is paramount to their success and well-being. Traditional methods of communication, while still relevant, may not fully meet the needs of today’s digitally-savvy students. Video emerges as a powerful medium to bridge this gap, offering an engaging way to share important information about health, safety, campus resources, and more. Here’s how universities can effectively use video to ensure their students are happy, healthy, safe, and fully engaged with campus life.
Creating Engaging Health and Wellness Videos
Health and wellness are crucial for student success. Universities can create videos that promote healthy living, mental health resources, wellness tips, and even resources for harm reduction. These videos can be more than just informative; they can tell stories, feature student testimonials, and include interviews with healthcare professionals to make the content relatable and engaging.
Actionable Tip: Host virtual wellness workshops or webinars and make them available for replay. Topics can range from stress management techniques to nutrition tips for busy students.
Safety First: Video Campaigns for Campus Safety Awareness
Safety is a top priority on any campus. Video campaigns can effectively disseminate information on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and campus security resources. Animated videos or simulations can demonstrate what students should do in various scenarios, such as a campus lockdown or a fire drill, making the instructions simple and clear.
Best Practice: Create a series of short, informative safety videos covering different aspects of campus security. Ensure these are easily accessible to all students, perhaps through a dedicated section on the university website or app.
Showcasing Campus Resources through Video Tours
A study reports 2 out of 3 students aren’t aware of all the resources available to them on campus. Video tours of facilities such as libraries, tutoring centers, counseling services, and recreational facilities can showcase these resources effectively. These videos can include interviews with staff and students who use these services, offering guidance on how to make the most of them.
Strategy: Studies show a direct correlation between knowledge of campus resources and students’ feelings of belonging. Develop a “Did You Know?” video series highlighting lesser-known campus resources. Include clear instructions on how students can access these services.
Orientation and Onboarding Videos
Orientation is a crucial time for new students to make friends, feel at home, and gain confidence. Video can enhance this experience by providing a warm welcome and introducing them to campus life, academic expectations, and key contacts. These videos can be a mix of footage of the campus, interviews with faculty and senior students, and practical advice for new arrivals.
Orientation Enhancement: Many student’s feel more comfortable when they know what to expect ahead of arriving on campus. Consider creating an interactive virtual orientation experience, where students can choose which topics they want to explore through video to make orientation more accessible and help students get more comfortable ahead of in-person events.
Leveraging Video for Community Building
Building a sense of community is essential for student retention and happiness. Videos highlighting student achievements, campus events, and extracurricular opportunities can foster a strong sense of belonging. Live streams of sporting events, performances, and guest lectures create more opportunities for shared experiences, and engage students who are unable to attend in person.
Community Engagement Tip: Encourage student organizations to create their own videos showcasing their activities and achievements. This not only promotes their group but also encourages wider student participation.
As information is consumed rapidly and through various digital channels, video stands out as a crucial tool for higher education institutions aiming to keep their students informed, engaged, and safe. By adopting a strategic approach to video content, universities can ensure that important messages are not just disseminated but are also engaging, accessible, and effective in fostering a vibrant, informed, and connected student community.
Incorporating video into the communication strategy is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative approach to enhancing the student experience, promoting wellness, ensuring safety, and building a thriving academic community. Get in touch.