#ExpressWVYOU day photos captured as part of the campaign by students of MHA. (WVU Photo/Emily Sykes)
West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media and College of Creative Arts merged at the beginning of 2024. The merger presented a unique opportunity to increase awareness among students and faculty of their ability to exercise their rights to free expression and position the new college as the de facto hub of free expression in the WVU ecosystem.
Throughout the WVU 2024 Fall semester, the CCAM partnered with Martin Hall Agency to execute a campaign to foster open conversation and communication in a positive and constructive environment. This communication is what prompted the creation of #ExpressWVYOU day.
Before the era of online forums and social platforms, where a thought is a few taps away from the masses, there were public message boards and opinion columns. These safe havens of expression gave a voice to those brave enough to speak. The CCAM seeks to reignite the flames of self-advocacy and allowed #ExpressWVYOU day to serve as a catalyst for students to voice their opinions without fear of censorship.
#ExpressWVYou continues to host a social media challenge. Enter by posting a photo or story showing how you express yourself with the hashtag #ExpressWVYou. Two winners will be selected for a custom #ExpressWVYou Stanley water bottle!
This event, as well as other parts of the ExpressWVYOU event series, are intended to generate discussion among students and faculty as well as create a safe space for diverse perspectives on campus.