Google alerts are emails you sign up to receive whenever any word or phrase you select appears on websites or in the news. Here are five ways counselors can use them.
1. If you work with student athletes, create alerts for their names. When they have a good game and get written up in the local paper, you’ll know.
2. If you have a lot of students applying to particular colleges, create an alert for the college’s name followed by “office of admissions.” You’ll be notified when they release stories about application numbers, wait lists, acceptance rates, etc.
3. Create an alert for any presenter, author, or quoted source that you find useful or inspiring. Then you’ll know when they are quoted in the press, when and where they’re speaking, and if they release a new book.
4. If you’re following any current event or legislation specific to your job, enter the term. For example, we’re keeping an eye on the availability of Cal Grants out here in California and how they’ll be impacted by the budget cuts. For us, that’s a good term for an alert.
5. Want to know when your alma mater makes the news? Create an alert. Show your students how far college pride extends.