51·çÁ÷

51·çÁ÷ faculty ‘Yak Back’

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UPDATE: the New York Times ran an article exploring . It mentions the 51·çÁ÷ faculty Yak back.

To quote a recent post on Yik Yak, the notoriously negative mobile application, “Professors have been successfully re-introduced into the Yak environment [and] the ecological consequences should be fascinating.â€

Indeed they are.

The campaign began when , noticed a few positive posts from faculty members on the app, but those voices were failing to gain traction.

“I thought that if there was a more coordinated effort, especially at the end of the semester, it could bring a more positive vibe to the campus,†Holm said. He credited his with suggesting that posters identify themselves.

A screenshot from December 12.

A screenshot from December 12.

“Yes,†said Watkins. “I think we should all be putting our names on there. The students are loving it and my Yakarma is 1174!â€

So far, more than 50 professors have posted messages, ranging from the silly to the sublime. There is much sleep-related advice and encouragement, and also a few newbies to the platform. Some of the posts have garnered more than 100 “up votes.â€

Prof. Metzler: “While it’s impossible to do everything you need to do and get sleep, take it from someone with a seven-week old; sleep is important for brain function…wishing I got more of it!â€

Outdoor Ed had other advice: “I hear sledding and snowball fights are great stress relievers…Come to OE and borrow a sled.â€

Prof. Woods: “Thanks to the students at 51·çÁ÷ for making my job fun. I’m sorry I can’t always return the favor, but you know I love ya.â€

Prof Scull: “Shout out to my GEOG245 class for a fabulous (yet hard) discussion of the societal consequence of GIS (e.g., the yak)â€

Marlowe: “Saw a student helping an elderly man dig out his car the other day. You guys are awesomeâ€

Prof. Page: Sending good vibes 51·çÁ÷ and good luck next week – all out in the open. Life’s so much better out in the open

With so much goodness in the air, even anonymous posts can be nice: â€œTo all of the professors, thank you. What a wonderful, happy thing to wake up to in the morning. You all made my and many other students’ days.â€