IUP 360º to produce fourth season

To anyone who has ever wanted to know more about the campus, hoped to gain further clarity on an issue or event, broaden their horizons or knows someone considering applying to the university, IUP offers a comprehensive video series called IUP 360º. 

"IUP 360º is an initiative of the Communications Office," said creative services manager Emily Smith. "John Veilleux, the Associate Vice President for Communications tasked me with creating a web video series by the students, for the students."

There are currently three seasons of IUP 360º, totaling 25 short videos available on IUP's website.  Students may view these videos at: http://www.iup.edu/iup360/complete/default.aspx

The original goal was to be the student voice to prospective students. Smith worked with the admissions office, the student tour guides, and the IUP Ambassadors to determine the most frequently asked questions by prospective students and their parents, and Smith came up with a series of topics that the featured students would give their opinions about.

While topics differ, all give prospective students a sneak-peak at what the campus offers.  A few

topics featured in videos are as follows: favorite classes and buildings, tours of Indiana and the residence halls, places to purchase books and preferred study spots on-campus.

"IUP 360º has been so much fun to film," said Claire Amico (sophomore, middle-level education). "I love working with everyone involved and interacting with other IUP students, most of whom I never would have met otherwise."

The first of the three seasons began in the spring 2010 semester. The second season was produced last fall, but was actually filmed over the summer.

The most recent season features IUP Ambassadors.

"IUP 360º is a great resource that our campus offers," said Taylor Sullivan (sophomore, safety sciences). "It gives a positive visual advertisement of IUP's Campus and, on this season, a little history lesson on some common landmarks.  I hope in the future we can promote IUP 360º so that every student has seen at least one episode.  It's a great way to learn about IUP and the unique features that our campus can offer to students."

Any student is welcome to help film videos and to bring new options to the table for future filming.  

"The series wouldn't be successful without the dedication of the student volunteers, [...] especially the IUP Ambassadors," Smith said. "They are the one group that has appeared in all three seasons. All of the participants so far have been absolutely fabulous."

The fourth season will come out in the fall, and suggestions are welcome.  Anyone interested should contact Smith in Sutton Hall, room 327.  Every participant fills out a simple questionnaire before getting started.  Students film weekly, then Smith edits all of the footage into a minute-long video for their website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.