OU From Home

One act can affect many. A turn of phrase that took shape in the recent coronavirus pandemic, not only in the spread of the virus, but also in the spread of hope.

Taking hold of this idea, Oakland University Communications and Marketing launched the OU From Home social media campaign, connecting the OU community with campus experts.

The campaign encouraged faculty and staff to share acts of hope within their expertise in the form of a “selfie” video that was then posted on the university’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. The videos live on OU’s YouTube channel or can be found with the hashtag #OUFromHome.

“Our engagement on each social platform has been great,” says Nykiera Hill, communications and marketing social media coordinator. “We were able to see positive feedback from professors, alumni and students. I’m happy that we were able to collaborate and complete this project that brings the OU community together.”

Faculty videos have included:

• Emily Spunaugle, Ph.D., assistant professor of humanities and rare books librarian at Kresge Libraries, doing an enthusiastic reading of “Owl at Home.”
• Thomas Ferrari, Ph.D., assistant professor of physiology and neuroscience from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, teaching basic techniques of relaxation and breathing through Qigong and Tai Chi.
• Tian Tian, DMA, associate professor of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, performing Nocturne No. 20 in C-sharp minor by Fr.d.ric Chopin.
• David Schwartz, Ph.D., director of the OU Counseling Center, providing tips for managing stress and improving self-care during difficult times.
• Alberto Rojo, Ph.D., professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, teaching scientific concepts through an easily-emulated at-home experiment that people of all ages will enjoy.

“It is important to go through this pandemic in a positive (rather than negative) way,” says Terry Dibble, special lecturer and clinical instructor in the School of Health Sciences who submitted a video discussing tips for dealing with unexpected changes and the power of laughter. “Doing these activities can really help someone that might be having a hard time right now. This campaign is a good way to spread the word to the OU community.”

Read about more acts of hope and inspiration at oakland.edu/covid19response.