iSouthernMS app to get facelift

Over the past two semesters, a group of SGA senators has been working to improve the iSouthernMS application to make it more accessible and user-friendly for students.

The decision to revamp the app came after senators Suzanne Smith, Jessa Mureno, and Ebonie Hopkins realized it was downloaded a few thousand times, yet it was hardly being used on a regular basis.

Smith believes recreating the app would be a great way for students to connect more with the university.

"The app [would be beneficial] to better reach and meet the needs of a growing and diverse student, alumni and faculty," Smith said. "Also, the app would be a great tool for prospective students and incoming freshmen to gain a better understanding of USM life."

Valerie Craig, manager of IT Advancement at USM, is working with the senators by providing technical support input.

"We met with students, faculty, staff from quite a few areas of the university and collected survey data to find out what our people want," Craig said. "It is not just about the data and information. It is about being a part of Southern Miss in a way that is meaningful to each person."

Currently, the app features SOAR, news, athletic information, a map, important phone numbers, and, most recently, Blackboard. Senators are looking to add an up-to-date food menu, campus activities and a way to allow users to interact with certain factions of campus that interest them.

In order to meet the requests and needs of students, the senators are currently creating a survey to send out via email.

"We encourage feedback whether it be positive or negative in order to provide a satisfactory app," Smith said.

Aiesha Jones, a junior, is looking forward to the new app.

"I have the current app downloaded on my phone, but I've only used it a few times," Jones said. "I think the change will get students excited about what's happening on campus and they will feel more connected with the university."

The app is available for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry, but the senators want to extend its reaches to other forms of technology and make it more accessible.

"We want the mobile application for students to become a mainstay on their phones, tablets, or iPads," Craig said. "Even after [students] graduate, we want to have great features for alumni so they can stay connected to Southern Miss."

The senators are focusing on developing the new Mobile Technology Advisory Board, comprised of students, alumni and faculty who represent different areas of campus in order to combine different views and ideas from a variety of sources. Certain board members would be appointed by the SGA president, and others would be representatives of certain organizations.

As for funding, Smith said funding for the app would come from the same resources that provide for the current one. The board is also relying on students and faculty to help maintain and develop the mobile presence.

The senators are looking to have the application and board in place by next fall.