Using Social Media: Colleges and Universities vs. Businesses (MasterNewMedia.com)

The school year has finally begun and many colleges and universities are embracing social media as a tool for engaging with its student population. Rather than simply maintaining an official website for campus news and announcements, many schools are starting to diversify its web utilization and “join the conversation.”

Dear Universities: An Open Letter About Social Media and Fundraising (WillMarlow.com)

In this letter, social media strategist Will Marlow advises colleges and universities to use social media platforms to deliver value to their institution, rather than simply as a means for PR or fundraising.

Schools, Tech Companies Tailor Social Sites for Students (Reuters.com)

Several colleges and universities are taking their social media engagement a step further by creating their own customized social media networks. A number of tech companies, including Foursquare, are helping schools boost admissions and student retention by creating tailored apps.

CollegeOnly, a Social Network Just for the University Set (NYTimes.com)

Facebook was initially created as a place for College students to interact and share relevant news and information. Now that it has turned into the universal social network, startups are starting to create more targeted social networking sites.

Best Back to School Campaigns, Part I: Staples Makes a Difference (ImpressionsThroughMedia.com)

With the start of the school year comes the launch of Back-to-School-themed campaigns. For the third year in a row, office supplies store Staples partners with DoSomething.org to collect school supplies for children in need. What they are doing different this year, though, is that they’ve incorporated Facebook into their campaign to help students get involved.