ELLISVILLE – Jones College students were quickly downloading the first-ever JC Mobile App when it launched Monday. In one day, almost 600 people downloaded the app, like Jenna Jones, a freshman from Laurel.
“I got the email Monday and went ahead and downloaded it. I really like all the helpful features on it. It keeps you up to date, it has all your assignments, your schedule, your payment balance, everything!” said Jones.
Everything is at their fingertips, explained Executive Vice President of Marketing, Dr. Finee’ Ruffin. Over the last year, the Jones College Marketing and Information Technology departments have been working with the development team, adding content with Jones College students in mind.
“The goal is to enhance the student experience. It brings everything into one app,” explained Ruffin. “We are meeting students where they are and they are on their phones, all the time.”
After taking online classes, Latoyia Hatten of Laurel said she decided to take courses on campus and appreciates having the resources at her fingertips.
“I love it! I really needed something like this because I am not familiar with the campus but now, I have the campus map here to help me,” said Hatten.
Some of the features available on the app also include chatting within the app, allowing students to avoid having to share personal phone numbers or email addresses, and allowing more collaboration with their peers.
“I really like the idea of being able to chat on the app,” said Jacey Mangrum of Mount Olive. “However, seeing the cafeteria menu on here, that might be my new favorite thing!”
To access the app after downloading it, Jones students and employees log into their MyJones portal with their credentials. Everything from campus events to student services and payment plans are now, easily accessible.
“We took the student experience at the center and then started breaking it down for the mobile app. Students can access their account balance with one touch. They can see how much they paid, what they owe, and what they need to do next. There’s a financial aid check list, your financial aid steps, a To Do List, course grades and assignments are linked there, as well as a walking map across campus taking you anywhere you want to go. It literally connects you to everything we have!” shared Ruffin.
As current students utilize the resources on the app, Ruffin said they will introduce an app for new students interested in coming to Jones College to help them through that process, making it easier for them too. Eventually, another app will be developed specifically for employees, even though they can use some of the resources on the current app. The Jones College Mobile app can be found on Google Play and the Apple App Store for free.
