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Students who returned to campus this year undoubtedly noticed a big change in the Batten Student Center. When walking through it, they were sure to notice the very nice television just outside the Recreational Sports and Outdoor Activities Office.
Mounted on the wall and boasting a large-screen LCD panel, the television plays music while it promotes upcoming events at Virginia Wesleyan. And, that television isn't the only one – in fact, there are four total.
The televisions are located in various places throughout the Batten Center. In addition to the one outside the Recreational Sports and Outdoor Activities office, there is one in the Fitness Room and one just outside the Student Activities office. There is also one located in the Alumni Galleria. This screen was setup by the Wesleyan Activities Council (WAC) and only promotes MTV shows and programs.
"We were looking at how we can do a better job of promoting the events of RecX and WAC," said Dean of Students David Buckingham.
The idea was first raised by Associate Dean for Campus Recreation Doug Kennedy. The College then learned of other schools that had been part of The University Network program, which is the company that ultimately installed the televisions.
"The University Network is a company that gives us the hardware for free," Assistant Director of the Jane P. Batten Student Center Jason Seward said. The University Network has provided over 150 colleges and universities with large format displays to communicate messages to students. Using high-speed internet, messages can be sent to The University Network, which will then display them on the televisions.
"We thought this would be something that's good for us," Buckingham said.
Once the decision was made to go through with the installation, The University Network provided all the screens and equipment and did the majority of the installation.
Now that the televisions are up and running, viewers will see a variety of different things displayed on them. In addition to information about the events that RecX and WAC sponsor, they also show advertisements from various companies that may be of interest to students. The College has total control over the content, and is not allowed to air any advertisements for things such as alcohol, tobacco or credit cards.
"We select the advertising," Buckingham said. "Things that students are interested in and are popular with them."
To decide what goes on the air for the three RecX televisions, Seward will submit the data that he wants to be displayed on the screen.
"[The University Network] has graphic designers and design a spot based on it," Seward said. It takes three days to finish.
In addition to promoting RecX events, the televisions also showcase students participating in activities around campus.
"It's a good way to promote campus life and opportunities," Buckingham added. "It's doing well. [There's been] a positive response from students at no cost to the College. I've heard nothing but positive things."