Furtwangen University Strategy for Use of Social Media

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are now part of everyday life. In Germany millions of people are active in social networks – they display personal profiles and set up networks with other members to communicate with each other. Organisations, companies and institutions present their professional profiles.

The activities of Furtwangen University on social media complement our existing communication channels which meet modern demands for public relations.

1. Twitter

Twitter is a social network for short messages (microblogs). With this service, registered users can post short messages free of charge. The tweets are limited in length and can generally be viewed by everybody.

The users can register with other users as "followers" in order to receive their text messages. Twitter posts can be viewed without having to register as a user and without using a proper name.

More information about Twitter can be found here: https://about.twitter.com/de.html

Purpose of use

Twitter channels effectively complement existing channels of communication such as internet presence, press releases, print media and events. Twitter channels primarily inform the user about current news from Furtwangen University. Instant communication is possible by using the news and comment functions.

For some target groups existing instruments are no longer sufficient. With journalists, politicians and companies, for example, we have realised we can reach them more directly, faster and with more current news over Twitter, especially when interested readers subscribe to the tweets. The Twitter channel makes possible wide-ranging distribution of our news, better networking with other institutions and sources of information, and immediate reaction to any given event.

Type and scope of use

Twitter accounts inform the user about current news from Furtwangen University.

The regular content of these tweets is:

  • current University news
  • information about current events at Furtwangen University

Individual counselling on study programmes is not offered over this communication channel.

2. Facebook

Facebook, the most well-known social network worldwide, makes it possible to set up individual profiles, business profiles for companies and authorities, and group profiles for private discussion among those with a common interest.

The profiles can be linked with each other by means of friendship requests making it possible to have an unlimited number of subscribers. Facebook posts can be viewed without the reader having to register. However, registration in the network requires the use of a proper name.

More information can be found under: https://about.fb.com/de/

Purpose of use

Facebook channels effectively complement existing channels of communication such as internet presence, press releases, print media and events. Facebook channels primarily inform the user about current news from Furtwangen University. Instant communication is possible by using the news and comment functions.

Type and scope of use

Facebook accounts (in German and English) inform the user about current news from Furtwangen University.

The regular content of these posts is:

  • current University news
  • information about current events at Furtwangen University
  • reports on events at Furtwangen University
  • information about counselling available for students

3. Instagram

Instagram is a free online service for the posting of pictures, videos and stories (temporary content). Users can subscribe to profiles to receive posts in their own Instagram feed. Through the use of hashtags, content can be sorted and searched for by topics. Instagram posts can generally be viewed without user registration or the use of a proper name.

More information on Instagram can be found here:https://www.instagram.com/about/us/

Purpose of use

The Instagram channel effectively complements existing channels of communication such as internet presence, press releases, print media and events. The purpose of the Instagram profile of Furtwangen University is primarily public relations. Instant communication is possible by using the news and comment functions. Thus Instagram presents an informative, inviting and diverse picture of Furtwangen University.

Type and scope of use

The Instagram channel informs users about current news and interesting facts about Furtwangen University. Usually pictures and short videos are posted.

The regular content of these posts is:

  • Announcements and reports on events and dates.

4. Youtube

Youtube is a video platform on which users can view and upload videos free of charge. It is possible to subscribe to individual channels in order to informed about new postings. Youtube postings can be used without registration by the user or the use of a proper name.

More information on Youtube can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/intl/de/yt/about/

Purpose of use

The Youtube channel effectively complements existing channels of communication such as internet presence, press releases, print media and events. The platform is used in order to store and post our own videos.

Type and scope of use

The Youtube channel is generally used to upload our own videos and make them available to the general public.

The regular content of these posts is:

  • introduction of study programmes
  • introduction to our campuses
  • reports on research topics

Responsibilities

– Overall Strategic Responsibility –
Furtwangen University
representated by the President, Prof. Dr. Rolf Schofer
Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1
78120 Furtwangen

www.hs-furtwangen.de

Email: Email application is started:info(at)hs-furtwangen.de

– Editorial Support –
Communications Department of Furtwangen University
Email application is started:onlineredaktion(at)hs-furtwangen.de

Alternative means of contact

Please be informed that our presence on social media merely represents additional options to contact or receive information from Furtwangen University. The information provided over these channels is also available on our websites at www.hs-furtwangen.de. For telephone enquiries please call: switchboard 07723 920-0.

Voluntary commitment

Our Usage Strategy is reviewed every 6 months. We inform users on a regular basis of the risks involved and of their right to determine how their information is used.