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A new phone app is making it easier to stay engaged and in the know on Brock’s campus.
Available for both iPhone and Android devices, the Brock University app provides live transit information, traffic reports, campus maps, a comprehensive list of student events and details on food venues on campus, among other features.
The new creation is Brock’s third app, adding to the existing lineup that includes Brock Sports, with information on various sport and recreation activities, and the soon-to-be rebranded Brock Mobile, set to be renamed Brock Safety in the coming weeks to focus on University safety resources. More information on each app is available at brocku.ca/apps.
The Brock University app, part of the BrockU 4U initiative, links back to the BrockU 4U website, where resources are available to assist with academic, wellness, safety and financial concerns.
“The idea is to provide unique features through this app that are not available through the website — features you’d want to have in your pocket while on the go, like bus schedules, traffic conditions and the weather at Brock,” said Sebastien Marchal, the University’s Manager, Web and Digital Strategy.
Users are able to configure the app to their favourite bus stops and routes to get up-to-date information about when various buses are leaving and arriving.
When on the hunt for a quiet study space, the app can also be used to quickly check which floors of the University’s library are busier than others. The level of activity on each floor is estimated anonymously based on how many devices are connected to the Wi-Fi network in each location.
“The information is fully dynamic and updated constantly,” Marchal said.
Photos of study spaces across campus are also included with a brief description of the typical noise level in each area.
The app is connected to ExperienceBU and includes all Brock-related events, as well as student clubs.
“It’s intended to make it easier for students to stay engaged and to get involved in the community and life at Brock,” Marchal said. By ensuring students get the most out of their university experience, the hope is to encourage them to not only start but also complete their studies at Brock.
Created with student consultation throughout the summer, the app will continue to evolve over time with new features added and changes made based on feedback received online.
“We’ve packed a lot of cool features into the app in a short amount of time,” Marchal said. “It’s a foundation for the future and we’re going to keep building on it.”