What is Slack?
Slack is a messaging app designed with the goal of having complete team communication in one place. It’s almost like GroupMe, AIM and e-mail combined. Within each Slack account, there are a variety of public and private channels. Private channels are often used for discussion between smaller committees, whereas public channels are beneficial for open communication between all members of a team. You can also message people individually. Additionally, you can share documents or photos, which are then searchable by all members of the channel. They even have Emojis!
How does UABSOM use Slack?
A variety of student leadership panels use Slack for communication, but the primary UABSOM account is for the Student Senate. Anyone with a UAB e-mail address can join. Beyond general communication, we use it to prepare for things like Orientation, the Best Medicine Show and interview days. Both students and SOM staff use the Student Senate account. We have now created a #recentlyadmitted2016 channel specifically for you.
Why should I join Slack?
You should join Slack because the #recentlyadmitted2016 channel is going to be the best place for you to have your questions answered prior to matriculation in July. Orientation Leaders and Medical Student Services staff have all joined this channel, so if you ever have a question, this is a great place to post it. I have no doubt that you would have several answers almost immediately. An additional benefit is that one of your future classmates may have the same question, and this is a public channel, so everyone gets an answer.
How do I join Slack?
- Visit http://uasom.slack.com.
- Click on “create an account” at the bottom of the page. Follow the instructions, and make sure you use your UAB e-mail address!
- Once you receive your confirmation e-mail and form an account, you can sign into uasom.slack.com.
- Join the “#recentlyadmitted2016” channel. To do this, click on the (+) icon next to “CHANNELS”, and you should see it listed.
- Download the desktop and smart phone apps to make your Slack experience even more enjoyable.