HSG embraces social media

8 February 2012. With these new channels, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) embraces changes in media usage behaviour. The social network Facebook had 845 million members at the end of last year. YouTube is actually the world’s second largest search engine after Google. Social media channels are important communication methods for the HSG to address and inform a variety of contact groups according to their specific requirements and interests. The aim is both to convey an overall picture of the HSG, to offer issue-specific access with added value and to enter into a dialogue. This new service will complement and augment the University of St.Gallen’s existing print and online communication vehicles.

Many areas, one concept
The social media icons on the University’s website, www.unisg.ch, take users directly to the official HSG Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts. The HSG is implementing an overall concept which has been developed by the Communication Service Centre over the last few months, with consultations ranging from alumni to research services and the Student Union.

The University as a whole and specific issues
The official HSG Facebook, HSG Twitter and HSG YouTube channels provide information about the University of St.Gallen as a whole and take up particular postings from the underlying HSG pages START, CAMPUS, PROFESSIONAL and RESEARCH. These pages serve as portals aimed at specific target groups and carry reports on their specific areas and subaccounts.

HSG START provides all prospective students with information from the HSG accounts about information days, fairs, admission and enrolment, as well as courses. 
HSG CAMPUS compiles information about student issues such as the Student Union, the Library, sports, careers as well as information about campus life in St.Gallen. 
HSG PROFESSIONAL carries information from the various HSG accounts about PR, media and alumni issues. This page also presents media reports and, in future, will advertise job vacancies at the University of St.Gallen. 
HSG RESEARCH is aimed at researchers and all those who are interested in research and provides information about topics from various HSG research accounts.

In the coming months, the HSG’s existing social media activities will gradually be further integrated into the University of St.Gallen’s umbrella concept.

Blogs
Besides the HSG’s official presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, there are also numerous HSG-related blogs ranging from e-learning to economic policy. A list of interesting HSG blogs can be found here.