Social media stars: 10 stellar universities

GOOD magazine recently highlighted 10 universities for their exceptional campus social media. The top schools were selected by Student Advisor, an online resource for students during the college selection process.

Social media is creating campus community and enhancing the learning experience for thousands of students. Innovative and interactive, these schools’ digital spaces are bringing together students, faculty, alumni and potential students.  These cutting-edge campuses certainly understand people’s deeply rooted desire connect with each other. Better yet, they’re doing what we at Fundly pride ourselves in doing well – making it easy for people to connect.

Of the 6,000 schools analyzed, these 10 stellar schools featured in GOOD are some of the brightest social media stars:

(1)   Johns Hopkins University

Hopkins Interactive provides a rich social media hub for students.  From live blogging on the day admissions letters are sent to interactive student profiles, the site provides a place for current students and potential students to get uncensored information about the school.

(2)   Harvard University

This Fundly-using school boasts more than 800,000 followers on Facebook (not surprising since the site was born on campus). All Harvard Social Media keeps students in the loop with blogs, Tweets and videos. It’s also a FourSquare-friendly campus that provides people with more than 70 check-in opportunities.

(3)   University of Notre Dame

With a mobile web app that provides students with everything from the dining hall menu to information about available computers on campus, Notre Dame keeps their students connected. Sports fans can also receive “Irish alert” text messages to stay updated on game scores.

(4)   Ohio State University

Students can access grades and find friends on campus with a mobile web app. The O-H-I-O site encourages and enables photo sharing within the community. Currently, there are more than 9,000 image uploads.

(5)   Columbia University


Clubs have a strong social media presence and the university’s social media directory makes it super easy for students to connect. A searchable alumni database showcases more than 10 Facebook groups.

(6)   University of Kentucky

An impressive YouTube channel keeps students up-to-date. Prospective students can take virtual tours with current students and have the opportunity to connect online with alumni.

(7)   Stanford University

Between “edutechnosharification” on iTunesU and hosting “office hours” of leading thinkers on its facebook page, it’s no surprise this school enrolls some smart students! Stanford also has exceptionally strong community engagement with its Twitter feed.

(8)   Louisiana State University

Social media allows students to do everything from find a parking spot to tip off the campus police. The school also offers a continuing education certificate in social media and a social media directory for campus athletics.

(9)   United States Military Academy

The Army Strong Stories blog gives students a place to read about the experiences of current soldiers. The school’s band also has a fantastic Facebook fan page.

(10)  University of Texas Austin

A social media directory allows students to search by type of media or by department. The school also offers a social media “boot camp” and has a campus collaborative to enhance social media school-wide.
Fundly provides a social fundraising platform that makes it easy for organizations to connect with supporters and donors. The tool is ideal for universities looking to connect with alumni and rev up their fundraising for the 21^st century. Check us out today!