Easley Student Receives Digital Diploma

When Easley's Stephen Gonzalez graduated this spring, Bob Jones University didn't just give him a traditional paper diploma. Gonzalez also received a digital version, in the form of a badge on his personalized Merit page.

Almost 500 colleges across the country are making sure that new graduates have a validated online showcase of their college achievements on meritpages.com. Gonzalez is among the two million students whose accomplishments, ranging from making the dean's list to studying abroad to graduating, are verified with digital badges by his college.

The badges are not only a way for students to share their achievements with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks, but they automatically build a professional online presence -- and that's critical in making students more attractive to potential employers.

"More than 75 percent of employers Google an applicant during the hiring process," said Colin Mathews, CEO of readMedia. The company's Merit software powers the digital badges and student and school profiles at Meritpages.com.

"By validating and recognizing accomplishments, institutions like Bob Jones University can give students like Stephen an advantage by ensuring that his achievements are easily discoverable," Mathews said.

Unlike other sites that cater to professionals later in their careers and require users to create and build their own profiles, like LinkedIn, Merit pages are automatically created for students by their colleges. College-verified achievements are highlighted for each student, and students can choose to add additional campus activities or work experience to their Merit page.

Commencement badges also make it easy for distant friends and family to share in the joy and recognition of such an important milestone.

"Friends and family love seeing and commenting on achievement badges on Facebook," Mathews said. "Students have worked hard during college and have a lot of people pulling for them. Seeing that commencement badge is cause for celebration for students and everyone in their network."

Parents and students can contact the president of their college to make sure important achievements, like graduation, are being recognized with digital badges from Merit.