University Releases UAlbany App, Version 2.0

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 25, 2016) – You asked for it, we listened.

The University at Albany’s Office of Communications and Marketing and Information Technology Services have collaborated to develop a new and improved official University mobile application – “UAlbany App Version 2.0.”

Recently released, the new app features a variety of major upgrades, including a complete redesign, GPA calculator, and “MyUAlbany” integration. It is available for free download on Apple iOS and Android platforms.

Among the most noticeable differences is the app’s landing page. Previously dominated by a sea of icons, users can now take advantage of the full screen. Developers have removed all icons in the center of the app and utilized the University’s beloved main fountain as the backdrop.

UAlbany’s new app features a variety of upgrades, including a complete redesign, GPA calculator, and “MyUAlbany” integration. It is available now for free download on Apple iOS and Android platforms.

While original app favorites such as laundry view, transit information, and weather alerts are still available, Version 2.0 is integrated with “MyUAlbany” allowing users to view class schedules, grades, and notices/holds on their University account. There’s also an opt-in for push notifications, which are only utilized during emergency situations on campus.

To access Version 2.0 features, a “flyout” menu has been added at the top left of the landing page. By clicking on the menu, users can navigate by specific categories including academics, campus life, media, and general.

The complete “flyout” menu includes:

Academics:

• Academic Calendars
• GPA Calculator
• Notices and Holds
• Schedule of Classes
• Grades

Campus Life:

• University Events
• Dining Information
• UAlbany Athletics
• Schedule of Classes
• Campus Maps
• Transit Information
• Laundry View

Media:

• University News, Videos, and Photos
• Links to University Social Media Platforms

General:

• Emergency Alerts
• Weather Forecasts
• Help Desk Information
• Giving Back Portal
• Campus Maps
• University Directory
• SUNYCard Information

We Heard You

Prior to the release, the University’s Office of Communications and Marketing surveyed dozens of UAlbany students, asking how the app could improve. They also created focus groups with key administrative members. Brian Smith, UAlbany’s web developer, said many of the new ideas were generated from the feedback received.

“Going forward, we'll be looking for more feedback from student groups and administrative members. We want to ensure the entire University community has access to the mobile information they desire, in the palm of their hand,” Smith said.

Beyond collecting student feedback, the collaboration between UAlbany’s Office of Communications and Marketing and Information Technology Services also played a large role in enhancing the app’s technology – according to Jeff Goodwin, the University’s manager of applications architecture services.

“With the huge increase in use and expectations of the UAlbany mobile platform, coupled with the maturity of available technology, UAlbany’s Office of Communications and Marketing and Information Technology Services have become a tightly woven fabric,” Goodwin said. “This matured integration of knowledge allowed us to create a mobile app with more personalized activities. This app will now know the student. With the addition in ITS of skilled web solutions specialists like Vikram Patil, we are preparing to handle this new reality.”

In January of 2014, two computer science students proposed the idea of UAlbany’s first official mobile app. Both were involved in the development, and witnessed the apps release in September of 2014. After graduating, one of the students, Shivam Parikh, joined the University’s marketing services team as an application director. You can read more about their story here.

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