Plaza Building, Health Center closed due to a water main break.

The internet is being used as it was always meant to be used – to connect with one another, share information and resources and to come up with collective solutions to urgent problems.

Some of the more popular phrases to emerge out of the pandemic may be “you’re on mute” or “is everyone able to see my screen?,” and while our interactions haven’t been perfect if there’s a positive to come from the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s that we’ve learned to be creative and use technology to create a bridge across physical distances.

MSU Denvery student Devan Patterson playing Esports with headphones on

“MSU Denver’s Club Esports team gave me hope during such a lonesome time during Covid-19. Staying involved with the Club Esports team led me to maintain good grades and be part of a great community that helped each other succeed.”

Devan Patterson, Club Esports Fortnite Team Captain

Why Virtual Engagement?

Virtual engagement allows for flexibility, as it removes geographical barriers. Students do not have to physically be on campus to participate, as they can join in from where ever they want, ultimately accommodating participants who are unable to attend in person. Students also have the ability to passively participate, deciding whether to turn their cameras on and/or utilize the chat features rather than speaking.

With virtual engagement, you have the possibility of having a broader reach, as events aren’t as limited by availability, venue size and/or location. Recordings can also extend the reach beyond those who are able to attend the “live” event, as students are able to access on-demand content at their convenience. This gives increased exposure to MSU Denver services and an opportunity to be more inclusive to external participants (a students’ friends and or family members, for example).

Virtual engagement provides an opportunity to reduce expenses, as you may not have to pay venue charges or speaker travel, accommodation or meal costs.

Virtual events also give an opportunity to confidential answers from participants through real-time results and polls.

online banner

“The most interesting thing I heard during the virtual presentation was the list of changes made to how the Writing Center operates (scheduling appointments, and how working one-on-one will work this semester). I look forward to using the Writing Center at least a few times this semester. I also enjoyed how informative the presentation from Immigrant Services was, and hearing some of the ways they support students (and their families) outside of academics.”

-Denver Scholarship Foundation Student who attended the Virtual Academic Resources Fair in Fall 2020

During your planning process for meetings, events or gatherings, consider if it’s possible to have a virtual component to increase accessibility and access.

Other considerations:

  • Staff schedules
  • Tracking attendance and online engagement
  • Giving grace and acknowledging limitations

What Platform to Use?

Learn about some pros and cons, and what types of things to consider, when choosing a platform to use for virtual engagement. Some of the platforms that we, at MSU Denver, have relied upon as ways to connect virtually are detailed below:

Social Media

What started out as a way for people to hang out with their friends online, social media has turned into a place where the University can engage in meaningful conversation and learning environments with students, faculty, staff and community members alike. Online participation has also become an opportunity for members fearful of, or unable to attend, public meeting formats to participate.

As you consider what platform to use, think about where your audience is and how you’ll promote your event. Consider, too, that different people use different platforms, and different platforms have different features, so try switching it up every now and then to help grow your audience.

Resources to help you be successful on social media can be found below, in addition to a brief overview of a variety of social media platforms that are used here at MSU Denver.

Social Media at MSU Denver

Browse a list of MSU Denver's departments, schools and colleges that are active on social media and discover which platforms you can find them on.

View MSU Denver's Social Media Directory

Considerations for Hosting Virtual Engagement

MSU Denver has the ability to offer a mixture of in-person, virtual and hybrid events and engagement opportunities. Those facilitating the student engagement opportunities are empowered to determine the best delivery method based on the intended program goals and outcomes. All engagement opportunities do not need to be both in-person and virtual.

Virtual engagement opportunities are different than in-person opportunities and should not be considered less than in-person opportunities. These opportunities are intended to further enhance the experiences of the MSU Denver community.

If you find yourself in the situation where you are wanting to host a virtual event, double check the check list below to ensure you’re prepared!

Check List

Examples of Virtual Engagement

Wellness Redefined workshop flyer

Trainings & Workshops

These are single sessions or a series where participants can learn a skill(s). The presenter can have one-on-one interactions with the attendees, answer questions, share content via screen and more. For example, the Wellness Redefined series, hosted by the Health Center at Auraria, is a multiple-part series that looks at the many different factors that contribute to our overall sense of wellness. Students gain knowledge and simple skills to help.

School of Hospitality Tourism Presentation in the CAVEA Theater

Virtual Conferences

Multi-session content that can involve community engagement through keynotes, sessions, breakouts and more. First-Generation Initiatives hosted Grad School Days interactive sessions that support making graduate school more accessible for first generation students by providing information on how to apply, financial resources, requirements, interviewing, how to find the right graduate school, and more.

Peer Mentors flyer for virtual front desk hours

Office Hours

Drop-in or scheduled office hours involve being present within the virtual office during a specific, predetermined time period. For example, students can meet their peer mentors virtually on Microsoft Teams! Students can “drop in” or schedule an appointment to ask questions and receive support with registration and much more.

GITA logo for their podcasts

Podcasts

An on demand series of episodes consisting of audio files which can be downloaded by the listener. Podcasts tend to be focused on a theme or topic. For example, GITA Hold Of Yourself is a biweekly podcast of intersectional conversations around common topics.

Student working at their computer in their kitchen

Career Fairs

An opportunity for community partners to showcase their offerings and services to the Roadrunner community. The Classroom to Career (C2) Hub hosted employers and students in career fairs to help connect and network potential employers with job seekers.

Graphic with Jackbox Games login on a cell phone

Virtual Meetups

A meeting for Roadrunners who share common interests and have connected with each other through a social-networking website. Campus Recreation uses Discord as a virtual place to talk and hang out. This includes hosting Jackbox Party games and playing Kahoot Trivia Challenges.

Screenshot of a zoom meeting

Webinars

Present information or lecture on a specific topic for a larger audience. Webinars usually allow for the audience to ask questions over chat or audio. For example, the CMEI used a webinar event structure when hosting A Conversation with Professor Ibram X. Kendi on Being an Antiracist: How to be an Antiracist in April 2021.

Grid-type view of individual singers performing

Music Concerts

Host a show that Roadrunners can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The Department of Music with support from The Office of Diversity and Inclusion presented the 2020-21 Virtual Visiting Artist Series on Music, Race, & Social Justice. The series streamed live and viewers engaged with the performers.

Photo of an MSU Denver banner with campus behind it and the play button in the foreground

Campus Tours

Interested in seeing campus from the comfort of your home?

Check out our virtual tour option!

Virtual Engagement Coalition

The Virtual Engagement Coalition was founded in March 2020 to encourage and promote virtual engagement opportunities at MSU Denver to enhance the Roadrunner student experience.

Contact us to share your virtual engagement ideas or to provide information on virtual opportunities and resources that can be added to the website.

Contact Us

Coalition Members

Dave Lamothe
Campus Recreation

Amanda McClure (co-chair)
Student Affairs

 

Richard Miccio
Health Center at Auraria

Camelia Naranjo
Classroom to Career Hub

Bridget Wetzel
Online Learning

This page was last updated in Summer 2021.
Given the ever-changing world of social media and the fact that virtual engagement platforms are constantly evolving, this page will be refreshed prior to the start of each academic semester. Please refer to individual platform websites for the most up-to-date enhancements and features.