CMU Online outreach team receives technology upgrade

As the CMU Online Business and Community Outreach teams hit the road to meet with prospective students this fall, they did so with a major upgrade: ten iPads and accessories, thanks to funding from the Go Grants Initiative.

"The whole point was to help enrollment growth and interact more with the community," said Kelly Barton, director of Military & Veterans Relations for CMU Online.

Throughout the year, Barton and the CMU Online outreach team members attend professional conferences, education fairs and military bases across the country, engaging with prospective students. 

Barton said the iPads let them showcase all things CMU right at their fingertips.

"I have a good overview of a lot of programs, but sometimes I get questions that require deeper answers," she said. "Now I can look it up right there. I can pull up the bulletins and get really into the nitty-gritty of each program."

The most important aspect of trading in paperwork and index cards for iPads is improving the application-to-enrollment process for future CMU Chippewas.

"I've had instances where I get back, and I cannot read their email address or their phone number," she said. "So, the tablet for leads makes it much easier. They're putting in their own information, and it's very clearly going straight into Slate, and I don't have to touch it."

"I'm sure we will do a much better job on getting leads this way," she added. "So, I think we are definitely going to get a good ROI on it."

Go Grants in Action showcases the stories of how CMU students, faculty and staff are making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve through the Go Grants initiative.