Wake Forest University Goes Google+

Today Google announced the launch of Google+ for colleges and universities using the Google Apps suite and Wake Forest University is among the first universities in the nation to offer Google+ to its campus. Study groups, professors' office hours, and getting to know your new classmates before you get to campus are all part of the university experience. Now Deacons can start that networking right from their computers or carry it with them on their smart phones.

Techno-tools for allAt Wake Forest University, every student, faculty and staff member has access to powerful technology for creation and collaboration. Providing access to Google+ for the entire campus will allow even more opportunities for collaboration. "This is the piece we've been waiting for," Rick Matthews, chief information officer and associate provost for information systems and technology at Wake Forest University said. "When we switched to Apps for Education in June we've been thrilled with collaboration tools like Google's email, calendar and documents, so we are excited to start using this next-generation social media network to support our interaction in richer ways."

Matthews says the transition to Google Apps has been smooth, and follows the Wake Forest tradition of providing the same access to technology campus-wide. The university was second in the nation to provide all students with laptops on enrollment in the 1990s and the first to offer a system-wide license to Cisco WebEx video conferencing starting this spring. Even before Google+ access became reality, the campus was brainstorming ways to use the social network.

"I can imagine holding virtual office hours," Fred Salsbury, associate professor of physics said. "I can monitor my Google+ Stream or even have a Google+ Hangout at specific times. With one of my classes being held with students in multiple locations on multiple campuses, daytime office hours can be limiting, so a virtual meeting one evening might make collaborating with students more convenient. "

CollaborationWhile most universities focus rewards on individual achievement, Wake Forest University teaches students to collaborate, a skill employers prize for new graduates. The University's emphasis on leadership, team building and entrepreneurship builds on the teacher-scholar relationships long established at the liberal arts university. While collaboration, team building and leadership are staples for MBA programs, Wake Forest University has committed to teaching undergraduates these critical skills as well through the Office of Personal and Career Development.

Contact beyond the classroomInstead of replacing faculty-student contact, Matthews said Wake Forest's approach will actually enhance it, extending relationships beyond the classroom. "The way we do technology at Wake makes it easy for collaboration to go viral," he said. "Google+ with its robust search feature really makes it easy to find other Deacons who have the same interests, needs and passions. Imagine all the connections our campus will be making."

Some of the ideas students, faculty and staff have suggested for the new campus-wide Google+ network include:

Creating a shared Circle for a specific class

Using Hangouts to get to know your freshman roommate before getting to school

Linking prospective Study Abroad students with current students who are overseas so they can get a good sense of the culture and challenges either through Circles or Hangouts

Holding impromptu or planned study groups

Developing a shared Circle of sources or experts for a class to follow

Following a Circle of alumni for networking or career development

Staying in touch with classmates over holidays or after graduation through Circles or Hangouts

"When students are contemplating college, one of their greatest concerns is 'where will I plug in, will I have friends and how will I find people who are interested in the same things I am?'" Dean of Admissions Martha Allman said. "Google+ provides a tool to help the students find communities and to belong – maybe even before they arrive on campus."

While Wake Forest University is among a group of campuses which granted immediate access to Google+ at launch, the service is open to all institutions of higher learning starting today.

About Wake Forest University:Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University's graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.