Sage Kiernan-Sherrow | News Editor
Fall term has ushered in many changes for the students of Western. One such change began over the summer when the student engagement portal formerly referred to as “Orgsync” was disbanded after the company was bought out by CampusLabs. Following the disbandment, a new portal deemed “WOU:Engage” has replaced Orgsync as the main mode of relaying information regarding clubs and organizations on campus.
Students are encouraged to use WOU:Engage to “find out where club meetings are, events, updated info on clubs and organizations,” explained Megan Habermann, who is the associate director for Student Engagement. However, she noted that “it’s different (from Orgsync) in the fact that it’s a lot simpler and because it’s simpler,” adding that “it does things … more efficiently.”
One of the previously popular features of Orgsync was the blog designed to help students connect with one another regarding subjects like finding a roommate. Habermann assures that this feature still exists and is now being called a “news post.” Students wishing to make one of these posts can find more information on WOU:Engage by following the “latest news” category and then clicking on “classified ad.”
The function of the WOU:Engage is almost identical to the original but, as Habermann points out, there are a few unique differences. One of the primary differences is an app called CORQ which is situated within WOU:Engage which allows students to make events open to the general public should they choose to. Another difference is the ability to use filters and keywords to get more precise search results; entering in the keyword “free food” will show students every event with a free food component. Lastly, WOU:Engage boasts a “really robust form system” that Habermann remarked will become an asset to clubs and organizations as “future execs will have access to (any form created) because it will attach to your organization,” adding that there’s “no more starting from scratch.” Despite these positive changes, Habermann says that Student Engagement “appreciates feedback” regarding the site, as it is still in its early stages. To contact Student Engagement, email seoofc@wou.edu.
Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu
