Forget Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn; FSU's new social networking site is bringing students together like never before.

Joe Scalia, FSU president, said that the student union chose to create a social networking site because “that's the way people are communicating right now.” Through the social media site, the FSU is aiming to create an online presence for itself, in addition to its on-campus one.

“The main goal (of the site) is for students to engage themselves and their friends in college life experience,” said Scalia.

The Fanshawe Student Union launched the enhanced website at the end of August. John Said, publications and communications manager noted that the FSU's goal was to launch the site to coincide with the arrival of students on campus.

Said explained that the new website did not change previously offered services, including its established marketplace feature and announcement board. The purpose of the update was to add a more social aspect to the website.

“We saw a need to have students on campus communicate with one another in a safe environment ... in a way to help people start on-campus clubs and discuss issues of relevance,” explained Said.

The site is meant to be a hub of social activity on the Fanshawe campus. “It's similar to Facebook,” said Allen Gaynor, the FSU's web facilitator. “Students can add friends, post events … and apply for jobs through the student union site.” They can also send private or public messages to each other, and share videos, pictures and vital information. There is a forum feature for discussions and announcements, which Gaynor said the FSU is highly anticipating. “Students can express what they want to see,” he said. Students can also look to the site for information about on campus clubs and services.

Scalia is most excited about the website's potential for feedback from students. “It's a new avenue for the student government to communicate and engage with students.” He said he plans on being an active member of the site's forum.

The social media aspect of the website was created by Ning, a company based in Palo Alto, California.

Planning for the updates to the website began in March. The previous FSU site had been in place for over seven years, though Said added that it had evolved quite a bit during that time.

Students who join the site before September 30 will have their name entered into a draw to win one of two iPads with Wi-Fi or a 40-inch LCD TV with a Blu-Ray player.

For more information, visit www.fsu.ca