Check-in applications built on Argos are music to the university’s ears

Initially, they just needed to identify the correct students within the major who were enrolled in student teaching courses. But after identifying the students eligible to receive the loaner iPads, the University realized it would be beneficial to have an application that used that same information to check those iPads out and back in.

The staff member engaged to develop the solution was familiar with Argos, and the only additional equipment needed was a card reader. Once built, the tool was demonstrated to IT administration, who approved it.

BSU had created a solution that tied a tagged iPad to an individual using their school ID, a card reader, and Argos. The solution was simple, the card reader inexpensive, and the University could now track iPad usage among its student teachers.

The combination of ERP data, Argos, and a card reader opened an array of opportunities for similar tools across the institution. Soon after the Education Department’s application was complete, the Music Department asked IT for a way to track attendance at performances. IT modified the iPad check-out application into a check-in tracker that links a student to a specific music function.

After a demonstration at a ‘technology day’ that highlighted new and existing applications and tools, the solution took off. Athletics uses it to check in students at the pool, fitness center, and sporting events. New Student & Family Programs uses it for leader and new-student orientations.

In all, over 30 departments and groups use the tool, including Advising, Career Services, the Pride Center, the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice, Wellness Committee events, the Jumpstart Program to track lending materials, the Greater Boston Food Bank to track usage anonymously, and Information Technology for security awareness and other events.

When users swipe their card, they are tracked as attending an event, using a service, or borrowing equipment. That record, plus whatever the application tracks (day, time, event type, equipment type), is stored in a behind-the-scenes table in Ellucian Banner. Users then run Argos reports that combine the event data with other Banner data such as student demographics, enrollment, and major.

Since implementing the check-in application, end users at the university report that their marketing and communication efforts are more informed, and that they have been able to use their audience data to better shape future events and decisions.