Facebook Goes Back to School with New Universities Page

As millions of students are trudging back to the classrooms this August, Facebook is returning to its roots: colleges and universities.

Just in time for the back-to-school season, the company has partnered with Context Optional to build a Facebook Page of resources and information for new and returning students and their families. Students can find out about publicizing events, engaging with their larger campus community and distributing their own content on this page.

And at the outset of the school year, Facebook is also partnering with a ton of big brands to bring students great discounts on everything from new threads to gadgets to dorm supplies. The company has joined with Eddie Bauer, Modcloth, Newegg, Alice.com and a slew of other companies to offer special price cuts and packages for students.

So far, the Universities on Facebook Page has tabs for student government, school sports, college newspapers, community, deals and more.

“It is great that administrations and administrators are involved,” wrote Facebook communications intern Arielle Aryah in a note on the page, “but we have noticed the need for more content created by students.” Aryah continued to write that Universities on Facebook will “help students and campus organizations such as school newspapers, sports teams, student governments, dorms, clubs and classes learn how to take full advantage of all the site has to offer to publicize events, distribute content, foster community and encourage school spirit.”

The Page will give best practices on how connect and communicate with various individuals and groups around campus. Aryah and the rest of the Facebook team hope the Page will “extend the impact of your message far beyond an event, a group, or a wall post by itself.”

Students and families of students, check out Facebook’s new page, and let us know what you think of it in the comments. Do you think this tool will help interested college students become more active and engaged on campus?

source: http://bit.ly/abKHtw