Voices of UD

How are you? We want to know and invite you to share your thoughts about this new normal with an audio or video message. The University of Delaware Center for Political Communication is coordinating "Voices of UD"—a project open to all members of the UD community, including students enrolled in degree or certificate programs; alumni; members of UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI); and UD employees and faculty.

Listen to the latest Voices of UD messages.

It is easy to participate, and you can use video or just audio. Your message can be emotional, thought-provoking, and even funny. Some of the messages may be shared on social media and online. 

This is an open invitation to share your story, and we want to hear from you.  We believe through the power of the spoken word, the "Voices of UD" can unite our campus. Each week, we will share a selection of messages. Check this page for updates! We will also post highlights on Twitter (@udcpc) and Facebook (facebook.com/UDEpicenter/).

Consider these questions: 

• How has your life changed?  

• What are you learning about yourself during social isolation?  

• What impact is the new normal having on you? Society? Your relationships? Your future goals? The 2020 election? Your pets?

• Is online media—such as video chats with family and friends—getting you through this? Are you using streaming services, social media, games, and video chats? 

• Use your smartphone video or voice recording app (Zoom also works) or your computer to record a 1 to 2-minute audio or video message.  

• The optimal length is 1 minute and shouldn't exceed 2 minutes (about 150 to 300 words).

• Do a quick test to make sure your sound is clear and understandable.

• Submit your message to bit.ly/voicesofud2020.
  

• Tell a personal story about how the pandemic and social distancing has changed your outlook or impacted your life. This is more meaningful than a generic anecdote.  

• Your message can be heartwarming, sentimental, funny, or triumphant.

• Think about how you can enlighten or inspire others with your message, which is more powerful than airing grievances. 

• Speak from the heart and in the first person, avoiding the editorial "we."

• Construct your message in three main parts: introduction, explanation of central focus and finally resolution or takeaway.

• Deliver your message as though you are speaking to a friend, using conversational, descriptive words and phrases that fit your natural speaking style and tone. 

• You must be the sole author of your "Voices of UD" message.

• Do not use copyrighted material, e.g. published content such as music.

• Your message may not contain content that is defamatory to a third party, obscene, or inappropriate.

• Your message must be accurate and truthful without misrepresentation of individuals, facts or events. The CPC may request validation of content.

• Voices of UD is open to all members of the UD community, including students enrolled in degree or certificate programs; alumni; members of UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI); and UD staff and faculty.
  

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Delaware does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct 

Contest organizers who are made aware that a student may have been the victim of discrimination or sexual misconduct are obligated by federal law to inform the University's Title IX office. The Title IX office will decide if the incident should be examined further. If you disclose such a situation in your submitted contest entry, the contest organizers cannot promise confidentiality.

If you have experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct and would like to discuss it with a trained individual in a confidential setting, please visit the website of the University's Office of Equity and Inclusion at http://sites.udel.edu/oei/. You will find information about the University's non-discrimination and sexual misconduct policies, helpful resources, and instructions on how to report incidents.

To speak confidentially with a licensed counselor or a member of the clergy, please visit the Center for Counseling & Student Development at http://sites.udel.edu/counseling/. You can also find licensed counselors at Student Wellness & Health Promotion (http://sites.udel.edu/studentwellness/) and within pastoral care. For more information on reporting sexual misconduct, including confidential disclosure, please visit https://sites.udel.edu/sexualmisconduct/how-to-report/. For 24-hour crisis assistance and victim advocacy and counseling, please visit http://sites.udel.edu/sos/24-hour-help/.