News Archive

As UWA employees we’re part of a bustling campus community but how much do we really know about the people we come across every day? Behind every student and staff member lies a story waiting to be heard, and the Student Communications team is listening.

Dr Lisa Cluett, Associate Director of Student Communications and Engagement, manages communications to enrolled UWA students and says students, like many of us, are becoming immune to traditional ‘advertising’.

“They want to know how to make the most of their UWA experience but with so many activities on campus we needed a better way to build interaction. So rather than relying on publicity and promotion to engage current students, we use high-impact community-building techniques like the #humansofuwa project.”

The Humans of UWA project features students and staff members in a Humans of New York-style profile on the UWA Students Facebook page.

“The purpose behind featuring UWA students and staff is to showcase everyday stories from the individuals who make up our campus community. The variety and diversity is authentic, and the profiles are immensely popular. We’ve collected around 270 stories over the past two years”, says Dr Cluett.

“People love seeing their favourite tutor, unit coordinator or fellow students being featured on Facebook. It’s not all about the award winners and star students, but those from every walk of UWA life like those participating in our volunteering programs, broadening units, research activities, student events, field trips, postgrad degrees and much more.”

“The profiles generate a shared sense of belonging, while also delivering on the University’s strategic goals of student engagement, satisfaction and retention.”

With 18,000 followers, the UWA Students page’s profiles reach an average of almost 5000 views, peaking at over 30,000 which is well above the average Facebook page audience reach.

”We’ve done some great staff profiles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Robyn Owens , Anglican and Muslim Chaplains Michael Wood and Yahya Ibrahim , Terry Larder from the Visitors Centre, and McCusker Centre for Citizenship Director Michelle Scott ,” says Dr Rebecca Rey, who sources and curates the profile.

“We’re always looking for people to feature. Staff can nominate themselves, a colleague, or one of their students, we’d love to hear from you.”

To nominate someone for the #humansofUWA project, email Lisa Cluett ( [email protected] ) or Rebecca Rey ( [email protected] ).