Louisiana Tech Using Mobile App to Reach Students Where They Are

This fall, Louisiana Tech University is rolling out a mobile app designed to provide students both on and off campus with easy access to resources and services, increase their awareness of clubs, groups, organizations and events, and help them navigate the university experience. The institution partnered with mobile platform Rah Rah to develop the app as part of its student success strategy.

"In my 30 years of administration, one of the most critical aspects of student success is engagement," explained Sam Speed, dean of student engagement and undergraduate recruitment at the university, in a statement. "Rah Rah gives us a great avenue to provide this connectivity for our students in a familiar format. Putting a path to success in the palm of each student's hand, and simplifying the process for students and administrators alike, is an invaluable asset."

Whether students are living on campus, commuting or learning remotely, they can use the app to search for resources, make appointments with faculty and staff and sign up for local events. The app makes personalized recommendations based on a student's calendar, preferences and in-app behavior, and provides an interactive, annotated map of the campus.

"Putting myself in the shoes of students, whether full time or part time, the ability to connect with the content I'm personally interested in makes everyone feel more connected to campus," noted Wes Cavin, director of student activities. "The more students are engaged and connected, the more likely they are to complete their degrees."

In particular, the app is expected to make a positive impact among first-year students, Cavin added. "Freshmen who don't belong to any groups have a lower probability of completing their degree than students who come in and get involved in student life. Rah Rah makes getting involved much more accessible and appealing to students because the app is designed with students in mind."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • interconnected cloud icons with glowing lines on a gradient blue backdrop

    Report: Cloud Certifications Bring Biggest Salary Payoff

    It pays to be conversant in cloud, according to a new study from Skillsoft The company's annual IT skills and salary survey report found that the top three certifications resulting in the highest payoffs salarywise are for skills in the cloud, specifically related to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Nutanix.

  • a hobbyist in casual clothes holds a hammer and a toolbox, building a DIY structure that symbolizes an AI model

    Ditch the DIY Approach to AI on Campus

    Institutions that do not adopt AI will quickly fall behind. The question is, how can colleges and universities do this systematically, securely, cost-effectively, and efficiently?

  • minimalist geometric grid pattern of blue, gray, and white squares and rectangles

    Windows Server 2025 Release Offers Cloud, Security, and AI Capabilities

    Microsoft has announced the general availability of Windows Server 2025. The release will enable organizations to deploy applications on-premises, in hybrid setups, or fully in the cloud, the company said.

  • digital brain made of blue circuitry on the left and a shield with a glowing lock on the right, set against a dark background with fading binary code

    AI Dominates Key Technologies and Practices in Cybersecurity and Privacy

    AI governance, AI-enabled workforce expansion, and AI-supported cybersecurity training are three of the six key technologies and practices anticipated to have a significant impact on the future of cybersecurity and privacy in higher education, according to the latest Cybersecurity and Privacy edition of the Educause Horizon Report.