Future plans for VPLU: PHASE 2
VPLU is designed to grow and evolve over time. The framework for phase 1 of VPLU is only the start of this virtual adventure to embark on. In order to build the virtual online world, it will inevitably take time and experimenting. Listed below are some features of VPLU which could be implemented in the future.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
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In addition to quests, there will be events in VPLU. Virtual events will be offered occasionally, and at certain times. Each event will differ from one to the next, depending on the theme. Users will be able to identify upcoming events, as they will be listed in the daily newsletter in the game.
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To identify an ongoing event in VPLU, a digital graphic of the Lancelute PLU mascot will be added next to the title of the room. In Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom game, for example, special events were marked with a digital graphic of Mickey Mouse.
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During a special event, virtual prizes will be given out, (a staple in virtual events for MYVMK, for example). The room itself can be decorated in theme with the type of event. The event can take place in a room on the virtual map, or an exclusive room created by the staff of MYVMK.
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A few ideas for virtual special events in VPLU:
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Bijug Day
Earth Day
PLU anniversary
Thank a Donor Day
Student Orientation
First day of the semester
Clubs Fair
Study Away Fair
Why PLU
Upcoming graduation
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Every week or so, there can be a promotion in VPLU - to promote a certain department or organization on campus. Each promotion could potentially include a themed quest, virtual prizes, a virtual event, and information provided on the daily newsletter. All campus departments and organizations could have an opportunity to represent themselves on VPLU.
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For one week, the PLU Health Center could lead a promotion focused on health topics relevant for university students. This could be especially relevant for the Entertainment-Education strategy (see "Benefits") in which students could become educated while engaging in a virtual quest, or another strategy for presenting information in the virtual world. Such topics might include eating disorders, nutrition, alcohol, anxiety or depression, as these are some of the topics with informational resources through the PLU Health Center webpage.
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PLU Campus Safety could also lead a promotion, perhaps by sharing information about crime prevention on campus. Just as Campus Safety acknowledges that "students and staff are encouraged to be responsible and practice good safety habits", VPLU could be an outlet for sharing these habits with PLU students (PLU Campus Safety). Specifically, the information could be incorporated from the Crime Prevention Guide through the Campus Safety webpage, which offers tips for residence hall safety, as well as safety while driving and walking.
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Clubs could also lead a promotion. At PLU, there are countless options for clubs, from Biology Club and Indigenous Peoples Club to Outdoor Recreation and PLU American Marketing Association (Clubs and Organizations).
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On another week, a promotion could be created to expose students to more information about Study Away opportunities, hosted by the Wang Center. Perhaps the promotion could incorporate images and video clips into VPLU, from the experiences of students who have studied away - perhaps even content from the 2019 Photo and Video contest (PLU Study Away).
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Provided below is an example for what a potential promotion could look like on VPLU, with a range of special activities to promote the Lute Air Student Radio - including a quest, virtual sticker, new virtual space to resemble the LASR studio, and a virtual shirt.
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PROMOTIONS:
April 7, 2019 - MYVMK event
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EXPANSION OF VPLU:
VPLU could certainly offer a new selection of virtual rooms to represent different areas of PLU, in addition to the Anderson University Center. New additions could be added over time; the AUC could simply be the start. Listed below are some potential ideas for new additions to represent the AUC, and the rest of campus.
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The Diversity Center in the AUC is one space which can be implemented in phase 2. In VPLU, the Diversity Center will be a social meeting place where users can engage in targeted discussions of issues of diversity, including race, sexual orientation, and gender. The Center is "committed to empowering the PLU community to engage in dialogue, programs, and initiatives that promote and enhance equity, agency, and action" and this dialogue can be incorporated into VPLU (The Diverity Center).
Whether it's writing for the newspaper, creating a radio show, creating a documentary or acting in a narrative film series, there are multiple student media outlets at PLU. Many student media offices are located in the AUC, including the Lute Air Student Radio, Mast Media, and Mast TV. The "Media Hall" is designed to represent these media outlets. In VPLU, students can click on each place to access information about current student work, and ways to become involved.
The "Old Main Market" is a representation of the Old Main Market store in the AUC, which sells food and drinks. Shelves and items represented. Counter with espresso machine. There is a pop up box which advertises new items and the special drink of the month.
The Commons is the campus restaurant in the AUC, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. In VPLU, students could enter a virtual representation of the Commons, and view the daily menu, and upcoming campus dining events.
Imagine all the additional spaces which could be represented in VPLU in the future. Eventually, the virtual map for VPLU could expand to resemble each area on campus, with the inclusion of academic and administration buildings, the arts, athletics, campus restaurants, residence halls, and student life areas (plu.edu/map/?). Provided below are some ideas, including (but not limited to) potential spaces: ​
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Lagerquist Concert Hall â—¼ Karen Hille Phillips Center auditorium
Red Square â—¼ The Welcome Center (admin building)
Student Lounge (Ingram Hall) â—¼ Art Gallery (Ingram Hall)
The library â—¼ Student Success Center (library)
Foss Field â—¼ The Olson Gymnasium
PLU Community Garden â—¼ Nesvig Alumni Center
Counseling Center â—¼ PLU Health Center
PLU Center for Gender Equity â—¼ Names Fitness Center
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Student lounge in Ingram Hall (Nov. 9, 2017)
Welcome Center in Admin building (April 23, 2019)
MUSIC:
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Each room in VPLU will include a soundtrack in the background - either music or sound effects. For example, the Commons can feature soft sound effects of student chatter, dishes, and sound effects from the machinery. An instrumental music piece can be featured on a loop in the Old Main Market. There is a potential that student work from the music department can be implemented into VPLU.
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Music can be turned off on the user's toolbar. Consider the simplicity of turning on or off the music in MYVMK (see screenshot, taken April 26, 2019).
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VPLU and ADMISSIONS:
When prospective students come to PLU for a tour, it is a possibility that they can learn about VPLU during their tour. Just as there are presentations during tours,students on the tour can learn about VPLU through a presentation, in which the presenter can even log into VPLU and show live footage from the virtual onlne world.
PLU MASCOT:
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In VPLU, users will occasionally be greeted by the PLU mascot, the Lancelute. Created in virtual form, the Lancelute will make surprise appearances. If users can find him, they can receive a virtual prize.
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The virtual Lancelute can function as a "non-character player." While the mascot will interact with VPLU users, the Lancelute will be operated by a user behind the screen. The Lancelute will communicate through predetermined phrases, including (but not limited to):
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"Hope you're having a great day!"
"Let's go LUTES!"
"Did you hear about the "____" event which is coming up soon? Hope you can check it out!"
"It's a great day to be a Lute."
"Good luck with your finals, Lutes!"
"Remember, if you have a concern in VPLU, click the button on your toolbar to talk to a VPLU student staff member!"
A photo of the Lancelute (from a postcard at the Lute Locker)
USER ROOMS:
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VPLU users will be invited to select a virtual room style, in which they can have a private space for themselves and friends, aside from the virtual rooms available to all users (from the virtual map). This room will belong to the user, and the room will be themed to a space on the PLU campus. In the future, there is the potential that users can decorate and design their room with furniture and virtual decorations.
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Here is a list of room options available (additional styles can be added in the future):
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Regency room
Scandivanian Center
Outdoor seating area (modeled after the outdoor seating area on bottom floor of the AUC, the space between the Scandinavian Center across and the Campus Ministry Office)
Old Main Marketing meeting space (a similar layout to the "meeting space" on the virtual map, inspired by the seating outside of the OMM store)
One of the guest room designs in MYVMK; this is how the room looks once the user first purchases the room (prior to decorating it).
Screenshot taken April 24, 2019.
QUESTS:
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In VPLU, users can participate in a series of interactive quests. A virtual quest is a themed series of tasks, in which the user can read material, answer questions, and perform certain actions in the virtual online world. In VPLU, quests can be themed for specific departments and organizations on campus. Quests should be entertaining and educational. Upon completing a quest, users are rewarded with a virtual item. There is also the potential that physical incentives could be offered in the future. The quest can change every week, or a few options available at a time.
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In addition to learning information and answering questions, quests can also be fashioned in which users are presented with a narrative scenarios, in which they follow along with a story. As the story continues, the user can select from of options, perhaps giving advice to the characters in the story. There is also the potential that PLU students can submit a potential story. Various categories can be offered. For inspiration, consider the virtual storytelling games, "A Bird Story" and "To the Moon", in which users observe a story unfolding, and the dialogue exchanged between the virtual characters. At certain points, the user can decide which room to explore, and which steps the characters can take.
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Potential quest themed topics for VPLU:
Staying safe on campus (Campus Safety)
Campus health (Health Center)
Upcoming meal specials (the Commons)
PLU student media (Communications department)
PNW adventures (Outdoor Recreation)
Studying around the world (PLU Study Away Program)
PLU Mission and Values (PLU Admissions)
Career and Job Searching (Nesvig Alumni Center)
Scandinavian history (Scandinavian Center)
Food insecurity on campus (PLU Food Pantry)
Student input for change (ASPLU)
Financial Literacy (Business Department)
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Virtual Family Kingdom - a list of current quests to participate in. Screnshot taken April 23, 2019 .
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STICKERS:
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Considring the popularity of stickers among PLU students, virtual stickers could be implemented in VPLU. Stickers are often available at tabling events in the AUC. These materials have thus become part of the campus culture. For example, PLU students often use stickers to decorate their laptops or water bottles.
In VPLU, users could potentially be able to collect virtual stickers. Users could collect stickers after completing a virtual quest, or receive a sticker during a special events. Exclusive stickers are given out by the virtual PLU mascot, who can be found only occasionally. There is even a possibility that students can submit designs for stickers to be added.
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A potential quest theme for VPLU.
