When Southeastern Louisiana University introduced its Total Mobile Access service last spring, it provided users with access to their class schedules, financial aid records and grades on any smart phone or device, the officials at the university anticipated it would be a popular feature. They did not, however, expect the nearly 100,000 visits received from mobile devices in the one-month period between July 22 and Aug. 21, said Chief Information Officer Mike Asoodeh. This surge in use corresponds with the launch of the platform’s enhanced interactivity, which allows students to actually register, drop/add classes and conduct other university business from the palm of their hands. Southeastern’s innovative mobile access system is catching the attention of other institutions interested in expanding their online services to students via smart phones and similar devices. The university’s system was featured in the August issue of the national technology magazine “Converge,” along with several other institutions that are developing and refining their mobile strategies.
“This is not an app,” said Asoodeh. “An app provides static information and is only part of our overall mobile optimization plan. Total Mobile Access integrates personalized information with real usability. Not only can students view class schedules, but now they can perform actions to change it if