Engaging our Online Community

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In addition to email and a communication schedule, the use of online utilities provides a virtual community where Peer Mentors can connect with one another, other students, and Mentees.

Starting in May, Peer Mentors are encouraged to engage our new students online through the Facebook group, myOCADU Students.­­

  • Introduce yourself as an upper-year student and a Peer Mentor.
  • Welcome, answer questions and correct misinformation.
  • Direct students to appropriate resources.
  • Encourage participation in the Student Mentor Program as a Mentee!

GOALS OF ENGAGEMENT
The primary goals of engaging our online community are:

  • To create a hub of information, interaction and engagement.
  • To provide a student-friendly environment allowing new students to connect to the community in a positive/non-threatening manner.
  • To support and encourage Peer Mentors by providing an easy communication tool to connect with each other and Student Mentees.
  • To assist, by providing information that is timely, relevant and presented in a way that allows for feedback, response, or input.
  • To provide insight to prospective students who are eager to learn
    about life as an OCAD U student.
  • To provide parents/family with insight into student life at OCAD U.

PRINCIPLES & CONDUCT
Please keep the following principles in mind when conducting yourself and engaging with our online community. They have been developed based on some of the principles of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use (http://csriu.org) which state:

  • What you say/do reflects on you.
  • Those are real people out there.
  • Play by the rules.
  • Keep it private.
  • Do not pollute.
  • Remain cool under fire.
  • Read with your eyes open.
  • Respect the creator—credit the source.

FACEBOOK
Many OCAD University students use Facebook to connect and interact with their friends and peers, and to get to know other people on campus.

  • ‘Page’ members do not have to become ‘friends’ with each other.
  • Individual privacy levels can be maintained and are your responsibility.
  • Friendship requests should be accepted at your own discretion.
  • Mentor/Mentee assignment is NOT necessarily based on Facebook interaction, but a student signing up as a Mentee may ask for you to be assigned to them if they join the program.

TOPICS & IDEAS
Here are a few ideas that can be posted to the group ‘wall’ in Facebook:

  • Events/activities that help students in and out of the classroom.
  • Reviews or photos from Student Mentor Program or OCAD U events.
  • Start an art, design dialogue, or answer questions already asked.
  • Information about student-run groups/clubs.
  • Student strategies or tips.

DOs & DON’Ts
When you post online, you are engaging in a very public conversation.
Be respectful of your intended and unintended audience: students; their family and friends; prospective students from all over the globe; faculty, staff, donors, partners; and public.

Be mindful that you could be held personally accountable for your comments. Respect privacy and feelings:

  • Be respectful of copyright laws and appropriately credit sources.
  • Do not use obscene, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language, or engage in behaviour that might be considered insulting or harassing.
  • Show consideration for topics that might be considered controversial.
  • It is acceptable to be critical if it is done in a professional manner and backed up with well-thought-out reasons.
  • Express your opinions and ideas, but do not use the Facebook page for commercial purposes or political lobbying.
  • Do not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about OCAD U or any member of the OCAD U community.
  • Strive to provide high-quality content that reflects the goals of the
    Student Mentor Program.