Connecting Students to Connect2: Promoting the Equipment Booking System

In the hustle and bustle of university life, students often have a lot on their plates. Between coursework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it’s easy for important resources to slip under the radar. The Connect2 equipment reservation system really helps here.

Adopted quickly and well by our customer universities, Connect2 leads to greater student use of a whole range of resources. No matter how busy students get, it’s a fast and easy way for them to browse and tap into the important equipment available for their use.

As Connect2 is the key to a well-resourced academic journey, universities ensure their students get into the habit of using it right from the start. Here we share some of the useful methods they use to tell students the system is available and ready to equip them with all they need.

No Booking, No Gear

Firstly, simplicity is often the best approach. Implement a catchy slogan like “No Booking, No Gear!” to emphasize the hassle-free nature of Connect2. This succinct phrase should be prominently displayed on posters, flyers, and digital screens across campus. The idea is to make students aware that they can access equipment without the need for a complicated reservation process.

Link from VLE/LMS

Publicize Connect2 in the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or Learning Management System (LMS). Create a dedicated section and visual link from which students can easily access Connect2. It can also provide information on how to use the service and summarise the kinds of items available for booking.

Videos

Videos have proven to be an effective means of engaging students. Create short, informative videos that demonstrate how to use Connect2 and highlight its benefits. Add these videos to the Connect2 homepage but also share them through various university channels, such as social media, the website, and email newsletters. Consider incorporating student testimonials to add authenticity to the promotion.

Connect2 Emails

Use Connect2 to communicate directly with previous bookers through its email facility. These emails can include updates on new equipment arrivals for a new semester or simple reminders on how to access the service, reminding them that their usual student credentials work.

Screens Beside the Counter

Utilize digital screens located near the checkout counter to display information about the range of equipment available. This dynamic display can include high-demand items, featured products, or special promotions. By showcasing the equipment in this way, students passing by will be instantly reminded of the service and what it offers.

QR Codes on Posters

Enhance the visibility of Connect2 by adding QR codes to posters that lead directly to the Connect2 booking platform. Students can simply scan the QR code to access information or make bookings on the spot. This offers a convenient and immediate way to engage with the service.

Make the Most of the Connect2 Homepage

The Connect2 homepage serves as the gateway to a world of valuable resources for students. To maximize its effectiveness, regularly update and refresh the homepage to keep it engaging, informative and responsive to student needs. Think of it as being your shop window! For example, change the main image or use the ‘announcements’ section to highlight new equipment arrivals and catch students’ attention. Further information and ideas are available here: Connect2: There’s no place like your homepage.

Work with Faculty for Module Integration

Collaboration with faculty members is a crucial step in promoting Connect2 and enhancing the student experience. Ask them to talk about Connect2 (or grab a quick slot yourselves) at introductory lectures for new modules or at the freshman orientation program. Better still, get new cohorts of students to make their initial login to the Connect2 system during these lectures so they are present in the system and ready for their first equipment booking.

Work closely with educators to identify relevant equipment or resources that can support coursework. You could even arrange to include a Connect2 QR code link from assignment sheets. By doing so, students will not only remember to use the service but will also see its direct relevance to their education, creating a more meaningful connection between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Right from the Start: Open Days and Connect2

Open days are an ideal platform to promote Connect2. Set up an information booth where staff and student ambassadors can showcase the service’s benefits. Encourage hands-on interaction with course-related equipment. Run brief presentations to highlight Connect2’s relevance to student life, making it an integral part of their campus experience.

Beyond open days, consider running occasional awareness campaigns or events. For example, you could organize a “Connect2 Day” on campus, where newly enrolled students can interact with the equipment, ask questions, and learn the benefits of using the service.

Furthermore, leverage social media platforms to regularly share updates, equipment spotlights, and user experiences related to Connect2. Encourage students to share their own stories and experiences, creating a sense of community around the service.

Remember that consistency is key. It’s important to maintain a steady flow of reminders and updates about Connect2 throughout the academic year. This ensures that even busy students will have multiple opportunities to become aware of the service and its benefits.

In conclusion connecting students to Connect2 is all about making the service as visible as possible. Once the students are there Connect2 does the rest, showcasing resources and supporting easy reservations.

By implementing these creative ideas and maintaining a proactive approach to promotion, you can ensure students are aware of Connect2’s presence on campus and actively utilizing it to enhance their academic experiences.