A free service allowing students to receive cell phone text messages based on selected interests, including class cancellations, student organizations and area businesses, will be available within the next few months.
The Student Government Association approved the service for use on campus at one of its meetings last semester. At yesterday’s meeting, Mobile Campus founder and CEO Roy Eder spoke to clarify some of the service’s details.
Mobile Campus is supported by revenue from area merchants and student groups who purchase text message-based ads that are then sent to students who subscribe online to receive them. Approximately 15 percent of this revenue will go to the SGA at no cost, which will in turn be able to dedicate more money to student groups, said SGA Chief of Staff Devin Ellis.
“We’re very excited to bring Mobile Campus to UMCP,” said Ellis. “The fact that it’s costing us nothing and generating revenue makes this a win-win scenario all-round.”
The service allows professors to create text message groups for their classes, student groups to make announcements to members and businesses to offer discounts and promotions in a limited capacity. Students who are charged to receive text messages or who do not have a cell phone can participate in the program by receiving messages online.
To ensure students do not receive spam, all messages are opt-in only and are limited to two messages per day. In addition, no individual entity will have access to send messages to those who have not signed up for them, Eder said.
Mobile Campus’ privacy policy prevents students’ personal information from being sold or distributed. Ellis said he does not know how many students will sign up.
SGA President Andrew Rose said Mobile Campus will boost communication between students and be a convenience to larger student organizations. Fraternities and sororities doing rush and organizations rescheduling meetings or coordinating events will stand to benefit from the service, Rose said.
SGA legislators have indicated they are in favor of signing with Mobile Campus but face delays in providing the service due to the contract being reviewed by university lawyers. Once the contract is signed, students can expect to make use of Mobile Campus within about a month.
Rose said he cannot reveal details about the contract yet because it is still in the works.
“Although the contracts are still in review, from where we stand things are looking good,” Rose said.
Mobile Campus is already available at the University of Florida, the University of Texas and Santa Fe Community College. Almost 40 other universities around the country are on track to provide the service.
Utilizing revenue from Mobile Campus is part of the SGA’s plan to decrease its reliance on the student activities fee.
Other SGA money-saving initiatives discussed at yesterday’s meeting include drawing funding from technology fees and creating a committee for re-evaluating SGA financial guidelines for distributing funds to student groups.
“There’s always been considerable sentiment that the finance process is too complicated and difficult for students,” Ellis said. “We’re taking a look at what works and what doesn’t so we can improve the finance process for our new administration in May.”
Contact reporter Joe Sherrod at sherroddbk@gmail.com.
