freeform is a collaborative messaging system similar to other social networking sites.  freeform gives Vanderbilt members the freedom to discuss anything and connect to one another.  freeform can be accessed here: https://freeform.vanderbilt.edu/   Using tools like Open Comments conversations can happen on any web page but they ultimately come back to freeform.  Plus, #Hashtags can be used to alert members to conversations that may be going on across the entire enterprise.  Groups can also be created that only allows members to communicate with other members.  An example of such a group would be a Portfolio Coach and the students assigned to that Portfolio Coach. All of the coaches (and their students) can log on to freeform and see the groups available to them by clicking on the “Groups” tab in the top navigation bar.