Case Study for the University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa Introduces uoMobile!
The University of Ottawa is adding its name to the list of early adopters of mobile technology with the launch of uoMobile, a mobile version of the University's website designed for iPhone, Blackberry, and other web-enabled smartphones. The first and only bilingual mobile website for college students, uoMobile continues the University's commitment to improving the accessibility of administrative services.
Click here to view screen shots of the University of Ottawa mobile solution.
uoMobile, created in partnership with FairChoice Systems, will enhance the student experience at the University of Ottawa by providing students with essential tools for getting around campus. Course schedules, campus events, directory information, and a growing portfolio of essential services are now available to students wherever they are at any time of the day or night.
"The University of Ottawa is committed to providing a sound investment in the student IT experience," says Sylvain Chalut, Chief Information Officer. "The launch of uoMobile positions us as one of the early adopters of mobile-enhanced technology within the Canadian universities community."
uoMobile was developed in both French and English, and the platform features nine interactive channels:
About: review quick facts about uOttawa
Calendar: consult the University's calendar of events
Info Request: request application and program information
Emergency: contact emergency services
My Schedule: access a personal course schedule and map
Directory: search the University's directory
Shuttle Bus: obtain times and routes for uOttawa's shuttle bus system
Links: link to other popular mobile websites
Visit uOttawa: view the University of Ottawa's complete website
The uoMobile homepage also features a real-time announcements and alerts.
"Having the uoMobile infrastructure in place at an early stage allows us to strategically plan for the future," adds Michel Biage, Assistant Director, Student IT Services. "Mobile technology is already an important aspect of our day-to-day lives, and it will undoubtedly increase in the upcoming years."
While uoMobile will serve as an important tool for current students, it also doubles as a powerful outreach tool for prospective students . Prospective students who complete the Info Request form will automatically be entered into the University's CRM, allowing the Office of the Registrar to communicate with them with recruitment information.
"uoMobile will allow us to reach a much larger audience," says Eric Bercier, Registrar. "An increasing number of students now own smartphones, and the ability to further tap into this market is important for our institution."
uoMobile is designed to work on a multitude of platforms, including the iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry Smartphones, and most web-enabled cellular phones.
The University is already planning to expand uoMobile to include other essential services in the 2009-2010 academic year.
Background
The University of Ottawa is Canada's premier bilingual university, serving over 36,000 students in the language of their choice. With an academic staff of 4,098 and over 4,000 employees, the university offers more than 360 undergraduate programs and nearly 120 graduate programs. The University of Ottawa ranks seventh in research intensity among Canadian Universities, and features the fourth largest co-operative education program in Canada.
Related links
FairChoice Systems: http://www.fairchoicesystems.com
University of Ottawa: http://www.uottawa.ca
