YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University is engaging with new students through TikTok as part of its mandatory Student Orientation Advising and Registration program for first-year students.
The new campaign includes contests and giveaways on the social media platform utilizing hashtags.
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The SOAR program advises students and helps with fall course registration. It also features peer-led small group sessions and presentations from numerous campus departments, including the Office of Financial Aid.
“We’re hoping students will use this opportunity to share real-life experiences and excitement about campus life,” associate vice president of Academic Service, Calvin McFarland, said in a statement. “We know that TikTok is a fun and influential platform for students to share their experiences on campus.”
So how does the contest work?
Prospective EMU students are encouraged to create a short video on TikTok about their registration experience using the hashtags #TRUEMU and #EMUSOAR. Participation enters them into a raffle to win a free Eastern swag bag.
McFarland said he wants to meet Generation Z where they are on social media to increase the awareness of SOAR. GenZ individuals were born after 1996. They heavily use the short-form mobile video platform TikTok -- making up more than 60% of its users, according to Wallaroo Media.
Prospective students are encouraged to register for the following dates:
- Friday, April 22
- Saturday, May 14
- Thursday, May 26
- Saturday, June 4
- Saturday, June 18
- Friday, June 24
- Thursday, June 30 (Virtual Day Only)
- Saturday, July 9
- Saturday, July 16
- Saturday, Aug. 6
For more information, visit EMU’s orientation page.