UI goes mobile — ITS releases new app for smartphones, tablets

The University of Idaho recently released a mobile app that allows users to access their grades, class schedules, campus maps, a directory and campus news updates from their smartphone or tablet.

The app — which is supported on Android and iOS devices — can be downloaded by searching “University of Idaho” in the Google Play or Apple App stores.

1002315_10151821943058278_1112180739_nBrian Borchers, director of management information systems for the university, said development of the app stemmed from a strategic plan from ITS last year.

“There were a bunch of strategic initiatives that came out of it and one was developing some sort of a mobile presence,” Borchers said.

Borchers said the main purpose of the app was functionality for students — being able to check grades, find campus buildings and search the directory. From there, Borchers said ITS has worked to add other functions to the app and make it useful for faculty and staff as well.

Currently, university employees can use the app to view their paid leave balance, but Borchers said they are working to add the ability to view the last pay stub.

Although most functions of the app — such as UI news and announcements — can be used without a login, students and faculty must use their NetID to access things like grades and the directory.

“It matches the content and security that exists on the website,” Borchers said.

Although the app was released in the Google Play and Apple App stores in May, Borchers said the department was waiting to publicize the app until they felt confident in the product.

“This was pretty much new technology for us so we really wanted to make sure we had things identified and make sure we really understood it before we presented it to the public,” Borchers said.

Borchers said he has received a lot of positive feedback about the application, and is excited to continue development of the app to make it more functional for students and staff.

“I’ve gotten a lot of comments from people saying ‘I find myself using it all the time,’ and that is really the best thing I here because that means it’s functional,” Borchers said. “We’re really trying to understand the concept of mobile development which is more than developing new technology over time. Users of mobile devices expect constant change and refreshing of functionality. There will be more small changes sooner, rather than big changes really spread out.”

Borchers said in developing the app they looked at other universities who had already utilized the technology.

“It matches up well with what other schools had,” Borchers said. “So we know we’re kind of on the right track.”

Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]

About the Author

Kaitlyn Krasselt ASUI beat reporter for news Freshman in broadcast and digital media Can be reached at [email protected]

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