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How ProctorU Protects Your Grades (and Your Integrity)

When you hear the word “proctor,” you probably don’t get excited. Maybe it makes you think of someone hovering behind you while you take a test, watching your every move. And yes, using ProctorU — an online proctoring service — can feel intimidating at first. But here’s the thing: ProctorU isn’t your enemy. In fact, it’s here to help you.

Let’s talk about why ProctorU is actually a good thing for you as a student.

1. It Levels the Playing Field

Have you ever sat in a class where you studied hard for a quiz, only to hear later that someone else found a “shortcut”? Cheating is frustrating because it puts honest students at a disadvantage.

With ProctorU, that’s not the case. Everyone is held to the same standard. When you log in to take a quiz or an exam, you can feel confident knowing that your effort counts. No one else is getting an unfair advantage. That’s a big deal — it means your grade really reflects your knowledge, not someone else’s shortcuts.

2. It Protects Your Academic Integrity

Think of ProctorU as a shield for your academic reputation. One of the most valuable things you’ll take away from college is your integrity. When employers or grad schools look at your transcript, they want to trust that the grades you earned represent your own work.

Using ProctorU helps guarantee that. You’re showing your professors, your school, and ultimately yourself that your work is honest. It’s proof that you did things the right way. That matters not just now, but years from now when your degree is part of your professional identity.

3. It’s Just Like Taking a Quiz in a Classroom

If you’ve ever taken a test in a lecture hall, you’ve already experienced the same concept as ProctorU. Instructors walk around the room, making sure students aren’t whispering answers or sneaking notes. ProctorU is simply the digital version of that.

Yes, it feels different at first. You’re on your laptop at home instead of sitting in a classroom. But the principle is the same: a fair, distraction-free environment where everyone is accountable. If anything, you might find it less stressful — no shuffling papers, no coughing in the background, just you and your screen.

4. It Helps You Stay Focused

Believe it or not, having a proctor (even a virtual one) can actually help you focus. When you know that your test environment is being monitored, you’re less likely to get distracted by your phone or wander into “just five minutes” of social media scrolling.

Instead, you’re locked in, focused on the task at hand. That extra accountability can actually improve how you perform because you’re giving your full attention to the quiz.

5. It Prepares You for the Real World

In many professional fields, assessments, certifications, and even some job interviews are proctored online. ProctorU is practice for that. You’re learning how to set up your space, follow clear rules, and demonstrate your knowledge under fair conditions.

Rather than thinking of it as a hassle, consider it training for what’s to come. The ability to perform honestly under pressure is a skill that will serve you long after you graduate.

Final Thoughts

At first, ProctorU might feel like “Big Brother” is watching. But once you understand what it’s really about, it makes sense. It’s not about catching people doing the wrong thing. It’s about making sure everyone has the same fair shot and that the work you put in actually matters.

So next time you log in to take a quiz or exam with ProctorU, think of it the same way you’d think of walking into a classroom test: it’s your chance to show what you know. And when you walk away, you can feel good knowing that your grade is truly yours.

What are YOUR thoughts on using something like ProctorU? Do you have tips to share?

Signature Block: I'm listening, Barbara

(Image created with the assistance of ChatGPT 5.)

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College Life Can Be Hard. These 60-Second Videos Make It Easier.

College students, this one’s for you.

My Arrive, Survive & Thrive video series is officially live — and it’s here to help you navigate college one 60-second tip at a time.

Each video covers a different aspect of college life — from navigating roommate situations and staying on top of assignments to figuring out how to talk to professors or make the most of group projects. The tips are quick, practical, and sometimes even funny (depending on the day).

Whether you’re a first-year figuring things out, a senior in high school getting ready to launch, or somewhere in between — this series was made with you in mind.

Here’s your next move:
Pick your favorite platform — Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts — and follow me there. That way, the tips come to you when you need them most: between classes, waiting for your latte or in a late-night scroll session.

Some recent topics:

The goal? To help you feel more prepared, more confident, and less alone in your college journey.

Let me know in the comments: What college questions or challenges should I cover next?

Signature Block: I'm listening, Barbara

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What Makes a Story Newsworthy? 8 Essentials Every PR Student Should Know

If you’ve ever wondered why some stories get picked up instantly while others fall flat, it all comes down to newsworthiness. In PR, writing a strong news release isn’t enough — you need to know what makes editors, reporters, and your target audience care. The good news? Journalists and PR pros use a consistent set of criteria to evaluate story ideas.

These eight classic news values are essential for anyone learning public relations. Let’s break them down — with real-world examples, tips, and a few watch-outs — so you can start thinking like a pro.

1. Timeliness: Why does this matter right now?

News is about the present — not the past. Stories with a timely angle are more likely to grab attention because they feel urgent, relevant, or connected to something people are already talking about. Whether it’s a seasonal trend, breaking news, or a major event on the calendar, think of timeliness as the “why now?” behind your pitch.

  • Example: A campus mental health initiative tied to World Mental Health Day will land better than the same story released randomly in May.
  • PR tip: Use calendars and awareness days to your advantage. Tie your content to something people are already paying attention to.

2. Prominence: Who’s involved — and why should we care?

When a story involves someone famous, influential, or respected — even within a niche — it immediately becomes more newsworthy. Prominence taps into name recognition and reputation, which often translate to public interest. People are curious about what well-known individuals or organizations are doing.

  • Example: A small-town event gains big media attention when a well-known alum returns as keynote speaker.
  • PR tip: If your client, subject, or spokesperson has any recognizable credentials or associations, lead with them.

3. Proximity: How close is this to your audience’s world?

People naturally care more about what affects them where they live, work, or study. That’s proximity — stories that are geographically or emotionally close to your intended audience. Even national stories can become more relevant if you localize the angle.

  • Example: A national nonprofit launching a chapter on your campus makes the story more relevant to student-focused media.
  • PR tip: Think local, even for global stories. Ask: “How does this affect people here?”

4. Significance: How big is the impact — and who’s affected?

Significance is about scope and consequence. A story is more newsworthy if it affects a large number of people, or even a small group in a meaningful way. This value helps answer: “Why should the audience care?”

  • Example: A new university policy that changes how scholarships are awarded affects hundreds of students — that’s significant.
  • PR tip: Use clear data, numbers, or examples to show how many people are impacted — and in what way.

5. Unusualness: What makes this stand out from the norm?

The unexpected grabs attention. Unusualness, also called novelty, is what makes people pause and say, “Wait — what?” Stories with quirky, surprising, or rare elements tend to stick in people’s minds. Just make sure the unusual angle is relevant, not just random.

  • Example: A professor who uses TikTok to explain economics concepts in full costume might turn heads — and earn headlines.
  • PR tip: Ask yourself, “Have people seen this before?” If not, that might be your hook.

6. Human Interest: Does this story make people feel something?

These are the stories that make people smile, tear up, or feel inspired. Human interest pieces are about people — their challenges, accomplishments, or journeys. These stories are often heartwarming, emotional, or deeply personal, and they make the news because they touch something universal.

  • Example: A student who overcame homelessness to graduate with honors is a story that resonates on a human level.
  • PR tip: Look beyond facts — who’s at the center of your story, and why should others care about their experience?

7. Conflict: Is there tension, struggle, or change involved?

Stories with conflict often involve competing ideas, public debate, or a problem being addressed. Conflict adds narrative energy and can create a sense of urgency. In PR, it’s not always about scandal — it might be a challenge your organization is trying to solve or a difference in opinion that’s being explored.

  • Example: A campus group challenging a proposed tuition hike is news because it shows students taking a stand.
  • PR tip: Use conflict carefully — highlight how it’s being addressed, not just that it exists.

8. Newness: Is this the first, the latest, or a fresh take?

Something being new — a product, program, event, or finding — adds an automatic layer of newsworthiness. But “new” has to mean something. Launching a “new version” of something old doesn’t matter unless it offers value or solves a problem in a new way.

  • Example: A university launching the first-ever esports program in the region is both new and noteworthy.
  • PR tip: Don’t just say something is new — explain why it’s important now, and to whom.

Wrapping It Up: Think Like Your Audience — and the Editor

Before you pitch a story or write a news release, take a moment to walk through these eight values. You don’t need to check every single box, but the strongest stories often include several. And if your draft doesn’t include any of these? It might be time to rethink your angle.

Strong public relations writing always starts with strategy — and newsworthiness is part of that foundation.

Signature Block: I'm listening, Barbara
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Sparkle Up Your Semester: What Taylor Swift’s Orange Glitter Meme Can Teach You About College

If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably seen the bold, sparkly orange glitter background from Taylor Swift’s new album era. It showed up in her promotions, podcast covers, and across fan memes—and whether you’re a Swiftie or not, you’ve got to admit: it grabs your attention.

That’s exactly the point.

In the world of college life, there’s a simple takeaway from this viral trend: make the small things stand out. In other words, embrace your own version of the orange glitter background.

Let’s face it—college is full of details that are easy to overlook. Deadlines, reminders, messages from professors, group chats, or even the reading assignments that quietly show up in your learning management system. But when you add a little flair, you make those things stick.

Try these “Orange Glitter” Moves:

  • Highlight your planner with bright colors. Orange for deadlines. Pink for tests. Blue for self-care. Make it visual and fun.
  • Add a little sparkle to your notes. Sticky flags, doodles, or even color-coded pens can help key concepts pop.
  • Send better group chat messages. That doesn’t mean flooding the group with emojis—but a single well-placed GIF or bolded sentence can make your message stand out.

These small, playful changes do more than just look good—they help your brain focus, organize, and remember. And let’s be real: if it worked for one of the biggest album drops of the year, it can probably work for your Chem 101 reminders too.

Bottom line: When your semester starts to feel gray, throw a little orange glitter at it.

What’s one way you make your school routine more fun or memorable? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to follow along for more tips on arriving, surviving, and thriving in college.

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No Crickets Allowed: Strategies for Engaging Your Classmates in a Case Study Discussion

Let’s be honest—leading a class discussion can feel way more intimidating than just giving a presentation. With a presentation, you talk, your classmates (hopefully) listen, and that’s that. But a discussion? You’re expected to get people talking, keep it on track and make sure it’s meaningful. No pressure, right? Especially when the discussion is via Teams rather than in person?

If this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are 10 friendly, practical tips to help you lead your case study discussion with confidence, even if it’s your first time.

1. Actually read (and think about) the case

Don’t just skim. Read it like you’re trying to explain it to someone else. As you read, ask yourself:

  • What’s the main issue here?
  • Why does this case matter?
  • What do I think about it?

Write down two or three things that stood out to you personally—you’ll use those later.

2. Plan four or five solid discussion questions in advance

Your questions should go deeper than “What happened in the case?” Instead, ask things like:

  • What would YOU have done in this situation?
  • How does this apply to real life?
  • What ethical dilemmas are at play?
  • Make sure at least one question is open-ended and encourages multiple opinions.

3. Warm up your group

Start with something easy to get people talking. One great way—especially for online classes—is to send classmates into breakout rooms for two minutes right at the start. Ask them to share one takeaway from the case study. When everyone comes back, invite a few volunteers to share what came up. This gives quieter classmates a chance to talk in a smaller setting first and usually leads to better whole-group conversation.

You can also start with a quick poll or simple yes/no question related to the case. Just break the ice.

4. Give a short (one minute) summary—but don’t reteach the whole thing

Assume most people have done the reading (fingers crossed). Give a quick overview to refresh their memory, then get to the questions fast. You’re not giving a presentation—you’re guiding a conversation.

5. Let silence be your friend

When you ask a question, count to at least seven in your head before jumping in to fill the silence. People need time to think. Don’t panic if no one talks right away—it doesn’t mean you’re failing.

6. Be ready with follow-ups

If you get blank stares, try follow-up prompts like:

  • “What makes you say that?”
  • “Do you agree or see it differently?”
  • “Would that approach work in a different situation?”

These little nudges can spark more conversation without putting anyone on the spot.

7. Use names (gently!)

If someone made a good point earlier, bring them back in:

  • “Taylor, you mentioned this earlier—can you say more about that?”
    This shows you’re listening and encourages more back-and-forth.

8. Notice who’s quiet and invite them in (without pressure)

If a few voices are dominating and others are silent, you can say:

  • “I’d love to hear from someone we haven’t heard yet—any new perspectives?”
    OR
  • “No pressure, but if anyone else has a thought, feel free to jump in.”
    You’re opening the door without calling anyone out.

9. Watch the clock and pace yourself

You’ve got about 20 minutes. That’s enough time for maybe four questions max, especially if the convo is flowing. Keep an eye on the time so you’re not rushing the last few minutes.

10. Wrap it up with a quick takeaway

Don’t just say “Okay, time’s up.” End with a one-minute summary or closing question like:

  • “What’s one big idea you’re taking from this case?”
  • “How might this show up in your future work?”

It helps everyone walk away with something solid—even if the discussion had some awkward silences.

Bonus: What to do if no one’s talking ?

Let’s be real—it happens. If your group is extra quiet, try these:

  • Use breakout rooms early (see Tip #3) to get people comfortable
  • Ask for reactions in the chat
  • Be honest: “This case has a lot going on. What part felt confusing or unclear?”
    Sometimes naming the awkwardness helps people move past it.

Final thought:
You’re not expected to be perfect. Leading a discussion is a skill, and the only way to get better is to try it. If your group doesn’t light up right away, that’s okay. You’re learning, and so are they.

Now go get that conversation going.

What additional tips would you add?

Signature Block: I'm listening, Barbara

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Working with the GSU Eagle Print Shop :: Fall 2009

[Updated from a post from Fall 2008]

Not long ago, my PRCA 3339 (PR Publications) classes took a field trip to the Eagle Print Shop on the Georgia Southern University campus. Our goal was to learn how students in the PR program could work most effectively with the print shop, especially for their PR Publications, PR Research and PR Campaigns classes. Here are a few of the tips shared by Eagle Print Shop Manager Brenda Aytes:

In General

  • Allow enough lead time for the work to get done. For most PR class projects, two to three days are appreciated.
  • Know what you want the output to look like before you go to the Eagle Print Shop. For example, for the PR Pubs brochure, you’ll want to tell them you need “80-lb. glossy paper, 8.5×11, printed duplex in color.”
  • Design your document so it will cost you less. For example, rather than creating one small handbill and centering it in the middle of a page, put four copies of the handbill on one 8.5×11 page. Then the print shop can cut your document into fours.
  • It is possible for the Eagle Print Shop to print your brochure as a bleed, with the print running to the edge of the paper. However, it will cost you a bit more and take a bit longer. You’ll need to ask them to print the brochure on 11×17 paper and trim it to 8.5×11.
  • Photos and other graphic print best when they are a minimum of 300 dpi; 150 may print fairly well, too.
  • If using the Georgia Southern logo, be sure to use the correct logo and be sure you have permission to use it. See the GSU Identity Standards for guidelines. (Note: Only the Athletic Department can use certain logos.)
  • Have your flash drive or CD prepared. Create ONE folder with all the necessary files in it for this specific print job. (Necessary files include the .indd file, .pdf file, fonts and photos.) Name this folder with your name and the contents; for example, “Barbara Nixon, PRCA 3339 Brochure.”)
  • If printing something from InDesign, it’s best to export the file as a PDF and print the PDF. This will ensure that the file looks the way you intended to when it prints (fonts, layout, etc.). Also have the original InDesign file with you, just in case you notice something that needs to be changed at the last minute. You can’t easily edit a PDF.
  • The Eagle Print Shop has InDesign CS3 (the version we have in the Veazey Hall computer labs). If you’ve downloaded the newest trial version of InDesign from Adobe’s website, it will be InDesign CS4 – and the print shop will be unable to work with your file, unless you export the file as InDesign Interchange first.
  • The Eagle Print Shop will give you a price quote after you answer a series of questions detailing exactly what you want. They cannot give you a complete printed price list, however.
  • If you choose to e-mail your project to Eagle Print Shop to printshop@georgiasouthern.edu, be sure to include the following:
    • A clear subject line
    • Your name & phone number
    • Date & time you wish to pick up the printed project
    • Number of copies
    • Exact type of paper you need
    • And the PDF file, of course 🙂

For PR Campaigns or Research Books

  • To save you money and time, when preparing your PR Campaigns book files, make two (no more, no less) files: one for all your color pages and one for all your black/white pages. If you have multiple PDF files, combine them into one file by using Adobe Acrobat Professional’s Insert Pages feature. (Note: The Insert Pages feature is not available in the free Acrobat Reader; it’s only in the Professional version, which is in most of the labs on campus.)
  • If you want tabs or dividers in your books, you’ll need to purchase them elsewhere and bring them in. Be sure that the dividers have square, not rounded, corners – or they cannot be bound into your books.

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The Ethical Public Relations Professional

This week, I had the opportunity to share some of my thoughts on ethics in the field of public relations with classes from Georgia Southern. I promised the students that I would post my slides here, and since the presentation was on ethics, it made lots of sense to follow through on my promise — so here are the slides.

The Ethical Public Relations Professional (Slides / Notes)

(Note: Information in this class presentation was gleaned from various sources, primarily the textbook for the Introduction to Public Relations course, Public Relations: Strategies & Tactics.)

Something that intrigued the students was this image. What do you see here?

What do you see in this image?

Now tilt your head to the right . . . do you see anything different?

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Facebook: wld u do this IRL?

What passes for normal on Facebook might never happen in real life. Would you literally write on a friend’s wall? Do you really want to be friends with someone you didn’t like when you were in class together? Do you poke people with your index finger often? Idiots of Ants (idiot savants?) created this great little video clip. Gotta love the British humour.

Thanks go to Donna Pappacosta‘s Twitter feed for pointing this clip out.

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How Not to Lose Your USB Drive

Ever lose your USB drive? I think we’ve all left it someplace at one time or another. It’s an awful feeling to think you’ve lost everything. Here are some tips that may help.

First, and most importantly, ONLY use your USB drive for transport. Never use it as the only place you’ve saved a file. Ever. (Got that?)

Second, e-mail critical files to yourself before you leave the library, lab, or wherever you’re using your USB drive. That way, if the drive gets misplaced, you’ll still have a copy of the really important stuff. 

Third, attach your USB drive to your keys. It’s unlikely that you’d leave your keys behind.

Fourth, write your name on the outside of your USB drive with a Sharpie. Or, if it’s a dark USB drive, write your name on a tiny piece of paper and tape it to the drive. 

Fifth, create a simple TXT file that you put in the root of your USB drive. Save the file with the name “Thank you for finding my USB drive” so that if an honest person finds the drive, it will be easy to get it returned to you. Put the following information in the file:

Owner Information:
Your Name
Address (optional)
Phone Number(s)
E-mail Address

And finally, if you decide that your USB drive is dirty and needs washing in the pocket of your jeans (like I did last week), it may still be usable. Take the cap off and hang or place it upside down to dry. Let it dry for a day or two before trying to use it again.

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My End-of-Semester Rant, Kinda

On my campus, and probably on most campuses, it’s finals time.

If you’re a parent, it’s time to send off a final exam care package.

If you’re a faculty member, it means even more. Here are a few of my thoughts as the semester winds down.

Students are stressed because “they are so busy.”

Juggling KnivesHINT: Yes, I know you feel busy now. And this is great prep for you when you get into the working world. You’ve known all semester that you have these projects due at the same time. In the world of PR, you’ve got to be ready to juggle. And not just juggling scarves or bowling pins; those are too easy. Think juggling knives while walking on a tightrope over flames. (Isn’t that an awesome graphic? It came from mike r baker‘s website. Check out his other stuff!)

Students are coming to me (usually by e-mail, but sometimes in person) asking about what their grades are so far.

HINT: I post everything in WebCT Vista, so this is info that you have immediate access to all throughout the semester. Please don’t wait until the end of the semester to check your progress.

Students (not all, but some) are upset about their grades and seem surprised it’s because they left out big parts of their projects/assignments.

HINT: And this one’s a big one. I give detailed assignment guidelines for all major – and most minor – assignments. I even provide a link to the rubrics (here’s one for the Newsletter for my PR Publications Class) for most assignments early in the semester. What more can I do to ensure that you know how you will what needs to be included and how you will be graded? (That’s a real question, not a rhetorical one.)

Students follow the advice and guidelines they’ve been given and do extremely well on their assignments. These are the kind of students that employers look forward to hiring.

HINT: It does happen every semester. At least a few people in each class “get it,” and make it all worthwhile for me. If you’re one of these people, THANK U!