Students charged to maintain university image

"Our Image Your Responsibility" was an event held by the Panther Ambassadors on Sept. 13 to discuss the need for leadership in Prairie View A&M University's image.
Student Conduct Associate Donnie Howard opened with a narrative by visiting a popular social media site, YouTube. He suggested everyone take the time to enter a search for Prairie View, and witness the top three pull-ups; stroll like a Kappa, PVAMU girl fight, and right hook. These were used as evidence a for the lack of pride in how some students carry Prairie View's name.
"Your responsibility as a proud student, as an alumni, is to make sure nothing you do ends up on YouTube," said Executive Director for Communications Sheleah Reed.
Other social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, were also mentioned as points of concerns. Students unconsciously misrepresent themselves as potential job candidates by posting inappropriate material.
"Over the summer I did not have time to interview everyone face to face. Facebook was the determining factor whether to be interviewed or not. Don't let social media be the determining factor of getting a job," manager of Annual Fund Felicia Lewis warned when referring to the summer internship hiring process.
Student Government Association President Harrison Blair voiced the importance of always being prepared to face lifetime opportunities, such as having a suit just in case you are appointed to speak with someone who could possibly change your future. He also mentioned that these chances are sometimes missed by initial judgments.
"You can go to the thrift store and a get a suit. I will see the same people at the parties looking fly who said they couldn't afford a suit," Blair said.
Career Services Director Glenda Jones, Director of Recruitment and Marketing Pamela Freeman, and Student Conduct Officer Denise Simmons acknowledge that students of PV are a part of a marketing team by default. Student behavior on social networks affects the way potential employers view the Prairie View brand, thus adversely affecting future Panther recruitment.
It is vital for students to recognize that the Prairie View brand is the responsibility of the student body.