OSU launches new social media site

Monday, August 29, 2011

This fall Oklahoma State University launched OkstateU, its very own social media site for students.

OkstateU allows students to connect with each other through personal profiles, interactive groups and forum discussions.  The site also allows students to share updates and photos.  Unlike other national social networking sites, OkstateU is ad free and exclusive to OSU students, faculty and staff.

Nathan Duncan, a junior biological studies major, described OkstateU as a “good place to meet”. Duncan compared OkstateU to Facebook and other social media sites and their ability to allow users to meet other people and network, but with an additional academic component.

Since joining the site, Duncan has created a discussion group for chemistry students, which he said has been a great way to discuss majors, backgrounds and common interests.

“My favorite part is that it’s OSU,” Duncan said.  “We can come together and talk about our classes and not have to be in a classroom setting.”

Students can create sites and groups based on a wide array of topics including study groups, athletic groups and personal interest groups such as online gaming or studying abroad.

“We created this site for all Oklahoma State University students to use as they see fit - make new friends, connect with current ones, create a group for like minded individuals, and more,” said Bill Handy, Strategic Communications Advisor to OSU.  “We are adding new features to enhance the site but the most important enhancement is people.”

Faculty members are already using OkstateU to better communicate with their students and to highlight research or events they are involved in, Handy said. SGA has also expressed an interest in getting involved with the site.

The site also provides a direct avenue for students to ask questions of university staff, in which case the staff is able to help students in real time with their immediate needs, said Lee Bird, OSU Vice President of Student Affairs.

“The majority of the site’s content has been student driven, Bird said. “In return the staff is learning how it can better serve students.”

Duncan encourages students to join for the academic support, networking and social interaction the site offers.

“It’s a perfect way to get different ideas from different professors, discussion from different people outside your class,” Duncan said.  “It’s perfect.  You can’t beat it.”

All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join the site.

To become a member of OKStateU, go to http://OKStateU.com.