Project to immortalize Freshmen firsts

The memories of a freshman’s first few weeks of college can last a lifetime. Now, thanks to a project by WVUToday, those memories can be forever preserved through social media.

WVUToday, West Virginia University’s news and information service, is collecting social media posts that describe the experiences of incoming freshmen.

The posts will be featured on a Storify feed, where students, families and others can follow freshmen stories.

According to Anthony Dobies, a communications specialist with WVUToday, collecting stories through social media adds a personal touch, allowing stories to be told by the people who lived them.

"This is another way we can get students to share their experiences," he said. "There are a lot of students who use Facebook and Twitter, and why not talk to them in that realm of media?"

Dobies said WVUToday will be asking students about FallFest, move in day and the first week of classes.

"Meeting your roommate for the first time - your first PRT ride, those are things you’ll remember for a long time," Dobies said. "Being able to document that for the whole student body is a great thing."

The Storify already features several posts and pictures, and Dobies believes the site will be enjoyable for others, not just freshmen.

"Maybe a month or two from now, seniors in high school are going to be thinking about where they want to go," he said.

"They can look at this and see what the grade right above them has experienced at WVU in the first week."

This project is similar to another completed in May called Mountaineer Memories Immortalized, where graduating seniors contributed to a collective website through social media posts. According to Dobies, Mountaineer Memories Immortalized was a success, enlisting participation from students, graduating seniors and even alumni.

This year’s project is planned to ask several questions a day, covering all facets of WVU life, and Dobies said he has high hopes for the responses.

"Each year, the freshman class seems more apt to understand Facebook and Twitter," he said. "Hopefully, we’ll always be able to help them remember that first week of school."

To participate in the discussion, follow @WVUToday for daily questions. To respond, post using the hashtag #WVU, or post on WVUToday’s Facebook page.