Q&A: How to represent yourself in a good light through social media

Academic Support Centers regularly sponsors college success and financial responsibility seminars. These seminars focus on enhancing the academic achievement and education attainment of all students. They have programs and services for unrepresented populations and academically at-risk students. Jason Lipe, the associate director of programs and technology at Recreation Services, will present the "Keeping Your Digital Footprint Clean" seminar at noon on Feb. 29 in the University Center Redhawks Room. The seminar will discuss what information students should and shouldn't share on social media sites, as well as inform about privacy settings on these sites. Lipe thinks it is important for every student to use these sites with responsibility, since their future might rest upon how they use them. Seminars like this one are offered at noon every Wednesday in the UC Redhawks Room. Students can refer to the portal for updates on the different topics of the seminars.

Q: What does the title "Keeping Your Digital Footprint Clean" mean?

A: Since so many students use social media, they need to keep their brand clean, making sure they represent themselves in a positive manner. Such things like not posting any inappropriate pictures and put anything that would deteriorate their character on the website would describe ways to keep their sites clean.

Q:Why would you suggest a student attend this seminar?

A: Students need to understand the privacy settings on particular sites. Even though their settings might be set to private, their information can still be accessed. The organizations that run the sites, their settings change on an ongoing basis, which may make the information public while students are unaware of it. Students seeking out for jobs or admission to a particular university don't realize that they do look into the social media to determine if they will hire or accept a student.

Q: What main points will you discuss at the seminar?

A: Some students might not know what kind of pictures is inappropriate, so there will be elaboration on which ones are. Things that should not be on a student's website that could harm their character will be discussed, as well as the positive things about social media, like how to market your brand.

Q: Why do you think this topic is important?

A: A lot of people don't use or know about the features on the sites, like Facebook. It is important for students to get the do's and don't's of using the sites.

Q: If a student cannot attend the seminar, is there anything they can do to still get the information?

A: I will record the seminar so students can listen to it. I also am using a powerpoint that I will make available to students. Students can contact me at 573-986-7391 or by email jlipe@semo.edu.