FARGO - College applications have a whole new meaning at area campuses.
Mobile apps are popping up for colleges and universities as campus officials look for ways to better connect with students.
The North Dakota State College of Science, based in Wahpeton with a campus in Fargo, launched a mobile app last week that links students to the online learning system, a campus map, event calendar and other resources.
The iPhone version is available to download for free through the App Store, and a version for Android will be available soon, said Dana Anderson, NDSCS interactive media manager.
The college is responding to what this generation of college students is asking for, said Barbara Spaeth-Baum, executive director of college relations and marketing. An unscientific online poll the college conducted showed that 63 percent of respondents have smartphones and more anticipate getting them within the year.
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"They're expecting apps," Spaeth-Baum said.
The University of North Dakota launched an app during the summer for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices that has nearly 3,500 users.
Tim DeBolt, UND's director of e-marketing and communications, predicts that a lot more universities will launch apps this year.
"You're going to see kind of an explosion of it," DeBolt said. "It probably is already happening."
UND has been adding new functions to the app and is working on one with bus schedules, he said.
Meanwhile, North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College are developing mobile versions of their websites.
"Everybody's getting content through their mobile devices these days," said Marc Wallman, an assistant vice president in NDSU's division of information technology. "We're trying to follow the trends."
Jeremy Johnson, MSUM interim director of marketing, said the university decided to make sure its new website is mobile-friendly rather than develop an app. The new site is expected by the end of this month.
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"The apps can be great enhancements, but somebody has to be really interested to be willing to take the time to download your app," Johnson said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
