Georgia’s technical college students can now access their entire academic life via their smartphone, thanks to new technology implemented by the Technical College System of Georgia for the 22 colleges statewide. The launch was completed this summer, and TCSG is now one of the first and largest systems in the country to deploy this comprehensive mobile platform across all of its colleges.
 
Today’s students access the Internet and perform most transactions via smartphone. In the past, higher ed institutions relied on paper forms and electronic requests that required a traditional PC. TCSG has joined forces with Ellucian to bridge the gap between the technology students use and the systems already in place.
 
“We’re very excited to have this new technology available for students,” said TCSG Assistant Commissioner Kathryn Hornsby. “The new app gives students an easier way to enroll in any of their college’s courses and get their career started.”
 
More than 5,000 students across all TCSG colleges have already installed the app, and many used it to register for fall semester classes. “Our students, like much of the world, are heavy users of mobile communications technology,” said TCSG Chief Information Officer Steven Ferguson. “The new app is an important part of our continuing work to implement new technologies that enhance college experiences for our students.”
 
Ellucian is a global software and services company that focuses exclusively on higher education, with more than 40 years of experience in the field. Their products serve 18 million students across 40 countries. The cloud-based Ellucian mobile app allows faculty and staff to meet the students where they are, improve onboarding efforts, streamline registration and save time spent waiting in line for service.
 
Some features of the new app include:
 
· An add/drop option for students to manage their course load

· Access to grades and email communications with professors

· Easy access to college calendars

· College-specific notifications

· Management of financial aid

· Quick access to campus maps

· Apple Watch compatibility
 
“With the Ellucian Mobile app, each student has a personalized, digital extension of their college,” said Sheryl Lemma, Director of Product Management, Mobile at Ellucian. “Whether they want to see if friends are taking the same course, email a professor, or check their GPA, the possibilities are limitless for what students can do with the swipe of a finger.”
 
The robust notification system that the cloud-based Ellucian Mobile app offers provides a new level of connectivity for the 22 TCSG colleges. A student can be notified through the app in the event of important campus messages or even an outstanding payment. Around two-thirds of TCSG students attend college part time, and the app gives them a way to stay in continuous contact with their college.
 
Soon, students will be able to pay using the app, with more expected updates being rolled out periodically until the summer of 2017. The app is available on iOS & Android, and can be found in the iTunes or Google Play store.