The best content that comes out of your CampusReel partnership will feature students. But what do you do when you run up against headwinds getting students to actively participate?
Before reading further, ask yourself the following:
Is CampusReel a requirement for this student because of a role they hold (e.g. Ambassador, tour guide, student worker)?
If not... think about working "footage recording" into the job description.
Am I following up politely, yet somewhat aggressively (at least once a week) to ensure this project gets prioritized?
Am I relying on volunteers? And if so, have I offered them an incentive or reward for completing the project?
If you reach a point where students are delaying progress - they're too busy with projects, finals, or just aren't being responsive - here are some ideas for keeping the content wheels turning.
1) Record students giving impromptu tours of key spaces. Ask a student (they don't have to even know about CampusReel!) to talk a bit about what happens in that particular space. Upload a few clips and we'll turn them into a long-form tour OR break them up into smaller, bite sized hot spots.
Great example from University of Dayton (footage was recorded by a school administrator and edited by CampusReel):
2) Record staff and students answering the same question(s). We'll turn it into a mashup of perspectives on that topic!
Example from Equality Charter School in NYC (clips were recorded by an administrator and edited by CampusReel):
3) Attend a campus event and record b-roll (quick clips of scenery and things happening) and a few students sharing why the chose to attend and what the event is all about.
Example from UWYO (school administrator attended the event and recorded great footage. The only thing missing is some student voices! Don't forget those clips!):
4) Set up an interview station and record students between classes or at an evening event. Offer a free (smoothie, dinner, t-shirt, coffee, movie tickets?) to those willing to answer a few quick questions about any topic - or keep it simple and ask "Why do you love being a student here?"
Great Example from Red Lake Nation College (the school administrator organized an evening event and offered free dinner and t-shirts to students willing to share their stories on video. Video edited by CampusReel):
5) If you have actively engaged Alumni, invite them to record and share their reflections on their time as a student. We can turn it into an encouraging mashup of success stories!
Great example from Portsmouth Abbey (the alumni were contacted personally by the school administrator and provided instructions by CampusReel. Video edited by CampusReel):
6) Pop into a faculty member's office - or schedule a time in advance - and ask them a few softball questions about what they love about the student body, or being part of the campus community.
Great example from Brigham and Women's Hospital (this interview was recorded by a school administrator and edited by CampusReel):