CHRISTINA DUKE | staff writer
University Relations has just released an APU mobile application for the iPhone.
This application enables students to look up news, calendars, live athletic scores, dining menus, class and final exam schedules, faculty and campus directories, as well as live Twitter feeds. In addition, it provides easy access to APU’s Facebook, YouTube channel and Flickr pages.
While the feature is currently only available for iPhone and iTouch use, a non-iPhone version is to be released within the next couple of weeks according to University Relations.
“A version for Smartphones is almost close to being done,” Web and Multimedia Manager of University Relations Nathan Scheck said. “We’re currently undergoing testing to ensure the best possible use.”
So how exactly does this mobile application compare with those of other universities?
Throughout the past year and a half, a number of schools such as Stanford University, Northeastern University, and University of California San Diego have released their own versions.
However, these schools, because of the available technologies, managed to create downloadable applications available through the applications store.
Stanford University not only carries the same features as the APU mobile application but also has real-time animation with GPS for campus maps. Students can locate shuttle routes and bus locations all from their iPhones.
In addition, a course schedule shows updated class openings that are available. Beginning next fall, employees will be able to use the application to look up personnel records and students will be able to add and/or drop classes.
Northeastern University also has a downloadable application called “Go Huskies.” In addition to those features provided by APUs mobile application, it provides live-streaming access to the student radio station as well as the purchase of athletic merchandise and game tickets.
UCSD has an application unlike any other university called, “California Traffic Report.” This application shows commute times based on current traffic conditions, traffic speeds, congestions and traffic maps based on data from the California Department of Transportation.
While at this point the APU’s feature is just a mobile application, a downloadable application will become available in the future.
“This is the first version of this,” creative director of University Relations Christian Brazo said. “Our goal is to make it the most useful tool [possible] for students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
As soon as the resources become available, a downloadable application will be released that includes the same information as the current application but will hopefully provide live GPS, Google Maps, an emergency alert system as well as live up-to-date trolley locations. These ideas are being discussed now.
“We’re proud of it for what we’ve done so far with resources available,” Brazo said.
Brazo also noted that some of APU’s sister schools gave kudos to the application and are inquiring about the technology being used.
According to Scheck, both he and Web Developer Sung-Hyun Lee made good use of the technology according to Apple application specifications. Many times, applications may develop that do not meet all standards, which consequently disables them from working properly.
Nonetheless, Brazo feels APU has created a large presence in the mobile application area and these are just some of the first steps in that direction.
Perhaps the biggest concern for University Relations, in regards to this application, is feedback.
“We would love to know what students like, what kind of tools we should add and [we] are just really open to students’ wants and needs,” Brazo said.
So far, the application has already received a lot of feedback via Twitter. Not only have undergraduate students replied but also graduate students, parents and alumni.
“Parents and alumni alike are excited to be a part of the university on a new level,” Brazo said.
This opened up new ways for people immediately outside of the university to stay connected.
Brazo’s hope is that the application will allow APU to get more integrated with surrounding communities.
In addition to feedback from the iPhone specific mobile application, once the Smartphone version is released, University Relations would like feedback on this version as well.
Feedback may be given via APU’s Twitter account, “@azusapacific.” For those who do not have a Twitter account, Brazo has requested that all emails be sent to universityrelations@apu.edu.
With all of the features now available through this application, students have university information at the tip of their fingers in a whole new way.
