Student Data Tools

Quinnipiac U Beta Testing Mobile Campus Data App

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 03/30/10

Campus-driven custom applications for mobile devices that provide institutional information will be getting some competition from Datatel. The 7,700-student Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT has begun beta testing a new mobile application from the company that provides users with access to information about classes, contacts, events, and other campus content.

Smartphones armed with Datatel Mobile Access (MOX) will allow verified owners to access personalized information via the Datatel Portal, such as class schedules, assignments, class rosters, events, announcements, and documents. MOX can also provide access to directories containing contact details for campus security and the campus health center. A non-secure version of the program will be available to provide institutional maps, news, and events.

The first release is expected during the second quarter of 2010 for the iPhone and the iPod touch. Versions for BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Nokia Symbian, Palm Pre, and Google Android devices will surface later in the year.

"This is perfect timing to deploy Datatel Mobile Access as we're adding to and expanding our campuses," said Matthew Romeo, director of university applications. "Building a sense of community has always been a Quinnipiac goal and we feel that MOX will help achieve that. Since we're very happy with the Datatel Portal, becoming a beta for the Datatel Mobile Access is a natural progression."

Features in MOX include:

• The ability to exchange contact information from phone to phone;
• Automatic address book updates whenever contacts update their information;
• The ability to access filtered information about events, such as those pertinent to specific campus groups;
• Personalized notifications such as security alerts and library past-due notices;
• Personalized news feeds from the institution; and
• GPS-enabled maps to help users find specific locations on campus.

"Students and faculty are coming to us recommending apps for their smartphones," added Janice Wachtarz, associate vice president for information services. "The faculty wants to access information such as lectures while traveling, and students are expecting mobile access to their academic and administrative information. I would say to most institutions, if your constituents aren't asking for mobile access yet, they soon will be."