The Ģtv website has gone mobile.
Ģtv launched a mobile application for iPhone and Android phones on February 23. As of March 13, the app had been downloaded by 2,645 users. Known as “Ģtv Mobile,” the app is available as a free download through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
“It's really about helping people to stay connected with Ģtv and to find the information about Ģtv that they need and want,” Jim Begany, vice president for Enrollment Management and Communications, said. “People want to use their mobile devices to access information, and we want to offer information in the most convenient way to our students, staff, alumni and visitors. It's really exciting to see how the number of downloads continues to grow each day.”
The mobile application was developed by a team of faculty members, students and administrators.
It offers icons linking users to the Ģtv directory, a campus map, a calendar of events, campus news, athletics and the Ģtv Facebook page and Twitter feed. It also has an icon for alumni, which leads to news, event listings, contact information, the alumni Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and other sites of special interest to alumni.
After logging in to the app using their personal identification information, students can access their grades and class schedules and contact their advisers. Faculty members can access their class schedules and lists of their current students and advisees, as well as their contact information. All data transferred by the app is secure.
Currently, one out of every six visitors to the Ģtv website is using a mobile device, according to Michael Powers, director of Electronic Communications at Ģtv.
“For many people, mobile devices are becoming the primary way they access the Internet,” Powers said. “We anticipate continued growth of the use of mobile devices to access Ģtv information by students, faculty, staff and potential students.”
The mobile application is receiving positive reviews by users, maintaining a 4.5-star rating on the Apple App Store.
A task force will continue to track user comments and suggestions as part of plans to continue to update the mobile app to meet the needs of users.