The app, called Oohlala, will be the “default source” for all CSA info
The University of Guelph’s Central Student Association (CSA) has announced plans to use a university and college communication app to connect with the students at Guelph. The college social networking application, Oohlala, is available on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store.
The CSA hopes that the application will allow students to stay up to date with the events occurring on campus, while simultaneously increasing the CSA’s connectivity with its base.
“By using Oohlala, the CSA intends to have a greater connection with the students here at U of G, allowing us to stay up to date with the way students commonly interact with each other and their environment,” explained Chris Archibald, the CSA’s Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner.
The application is expected to act in a similar vein as other social networking sources like Facebook and Twitter, but with a greater focus on students and their university. Archibald was quick to state that the CSA’s existing online presence would not diminish or disappear.
“We fully intend to continue to have a presence on Facebook and Twitter,” said Archibald. “However, having an application that students will recognize as their default source of all CSA information will be a huge asset to the interaction between CSA and its members.”
The announcement has been well-received so far, even by students who still find themselves confused as to what the CSA is and what they do.
“I don’t know much about the CSA,” said University of Guelph student Emilie Strain. “I feel like this announcement is a good idea to get the message out about what [the CSA] does and why they’re important.”
Other students have been more vocal in their excitement at the new possibilities open to the university.
“I think the CSA already does an excellent job bringing students news and making sure their voices are heard,” said University of Guelph student Chris Katsaras. “The [newest] addition of social media only proves how dedicated this organization is to the students.”
The CSA is an autonomous, student-run organization that serves as a form of government acting on behalf of the student population. Events and concerts during Orientation Week, environmental initiatives, student groups, The Bullring, and the Guelph Transit Student Bus Pass are all examples of some of what the CSA brings to students.
The organization’s continuing goal is to make an effort to engage the students of the university while helping them feel supported, informed, and connected. The new application intends to continue this effort.
“The app will allow students to experience their [University of Guelph] community in a different light, and feel more connected to everything around them,” said Archibald. “This is important for a university that prides itself on community and engagement.”
Though the application is free to download now, the CSA will be officially launching the application of Jan. 27, 2014.
“We have already started getting word out about the app, and we are officially launching Oohlala on January 27th,” said Archibald. “Starting on the 27th will be an Oohlala ‘Treasure Hunt,’ an awesome virtual feature to assist the launch and get students involved and excited about the app.”