Seamless Move-In Process Earns UNCW App Prestigious Accolade

UNCW Recognized for Best Traditional Event Through App Integration

The Appademy Awards, hosted annually by Modo Labs, honour university apps that exhibit innovation and impactful use of technology. In 2024, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) received recognition in the “Best Traditional Event” category for its efforts to enhance the fall move-in experience through the UNCW Mobile app, which was launched in June 2024. This accolade underscores the university's commitment to leveraging technology to improve campus life and enrich the student experience.

Chancellor Aswani Volety played a pivotal role in championing the campus app, aiming to streamline the student move-in process. According to Jarrett Piner, senior director of enterprise project management, the ITS team collaborated closely with campus stakeholders to align the app with existing move-in procedures. Despite a challenging timeline of less than three months, the implementation team—comprising Danielle Ferrell, Jonathan Graves, Philip Kukla, and Whitney Yenner—successfully integrated the app with the Housing and Residence Life’s "StarRez" database, enabling students to access key information and receive real-time updates and reminders.

Additionally, the team incorporated a campus map using Google API integration, simplifying navigation for students and families. This achievement, as noted by Piner, was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Sharyne Miller, CIO, who ensured ITS project priorities were aligned with university goals. Looking ahead, ITS plans to extend the app's functionality to support other significant university events, such as commencement. The accomplishment demonstrates the university's dedication to fostering technological innovation for the betterment of campus life.

Editor's Note:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has shown how technology can improve campus experiences, with its UNCW Mobile app winning recognition at the 2024 Appademy Awards. This award highlights the university's commitment to making important processes, like the annual fall move-in, more efficient and user-friendly.
The app integrated with the "StarRez" database and included real-time features, making it easier for students to navigate the move-in day. A campus map using Google API also helped users find their way around. This success was driven by the leadership of Chancellor Aswani Volety and Dr. Sharyne Miller, whose guidance aligned the app's goals with the university's priorities. As more universities use technology to solve challenges, UNCW’s approach sets an example. The university plans to expand the app’s use to events like commencement, showing its forward-thinking strategy.

Skoobuzz believes that this achievement demonstrates how technology, when used thoughtfully, can significantly improve the campus experience.