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In the digital age, effective communication requires more creativity. Faced with this challenge, many college campuses are now using digital signage to connect with students, faculty, staff and visitors. Digital signage can be used for countless purposes on a college campus, but don’t overload the system. Decide what content is appropriate for various locations.
Fundamentals
Fundamental information, such as time and weather, should always be visible.
Emergencies
In the case of an emergency, whether it is a natural disaster or a dangerous situation on or near campus, an emergency broadcast system should be set up. At the push of a button, the system administrator can give evacuation routes, safe areas and safety instructions.
Campus Events
Instead of wasting money and time printing and posting signs that will be out of date in a week, campus events can be advertised instantly and change daily. Advertise club activities, student events, lectures, athletic events, job or career fairs and fine arts performances.
Campus News
Just because students, faculty and staff are on campus every day doesn’t mean they know what’s happening. Post headlines of the college newspaper’s top stories and show recent athletic scores. For the most up-to-date news, include an RSS feed which could be a constant sidebar. Check in on the campus TV network every once in awhile or play recorded clips of the day’s news cast.
Campus Announcements
In addition to events and news, students need reminders of important dates, such as tuition and scholarship deadlines, dates when registration opens and closes, graduation application deadlines, text book buy back dates, etc. They should also be informed of any job or internship openings on campus or in the community.
Greetings
Make a personal connection with students, faculty, staff and visitors by including personal greetings such as “Welcome Back Students,” “Good Luck on Finals,” “Congratulations Graduates” or “Welcome Board of Regents.”
Human Interest
Occasionally posting human interest messages can help students, faculty and staff feel connected to each other and the college. Recognize special achievements of students and faculty. Post photos and quotes from successful alumni to boost students’ hope for their future.
Intercampus Advertisements
Specific college departments can advertise programs or classes that are new or low in numbers. They can also promote study abroad programs, lectures or events they are sponsoring. Revenue-seeking entities within the college, such as the bookstore, general store or dining hall, can efficiently advertise their products and services.
Building and Campus Directory
Touch-screen building directories can be useful additions to your digital signage system. Visitors can search and navigate through the directory and map for a particular building and easily find where they are going. Also, include a complete campus directory and map.
Community Events, Advertisements and News
The college can receive a bit of revenue by selling advertisements to student-relevant businesses. With the campus calendar, you may want to include some relevant community events and news stories. Advertise sparingly because if people feel like the digital signage is just an advertising tool, they will likely tune it out.
The location of your digital signage is just as important as your content. Set your screens up in places on your campus where numerous people wait, gather, purchase or travel. Common locations are the library, student center, dining halls, building lobbies and the bookstore.
Once digital signs are up on campus, everyone will want to get in on the action, but remember that you don’t want to overload the viewer, and you want to make sure that the most important and relevant information isn’t crowded out. Make graphic requirements available online and allow all departments to submit content, but make sure all content goes through the marketing department so they can ensure it complies with the college’s standards and is relevant to students. You may even want to enlist the help of some graphic design students to help departments design up-to-par advertisements.
With the perfect content in the right locations, all colleges can find that digital signage is an effective way to communicate with an audience whose attention has become harder and harder to capture.
About the Author: Kelly Johnson is a freelance writer for Allstate Sign and Plaque. Their company has been selling parking, traffic and street signs for more than 50 years. On their site you can order anything from braille signs to traffic control signs.
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