New online platform connects SRU students to co-curricular programs
A new online platform, CORE, will make it easier for students to connect with co-curricular organizations and programs.
Aug. 23, 2017
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - There are so many opportunities for Slippery Rock University students to get involved outside the classroom that it can be difficult to keep track of them. But organizers hope a new online platform being rolled out at SRU will make it easier for students to connect with co-curricular organizations and programs.
The online platform is called CORE, which stands for Connect, Organize, Reflect and Engage.
"We came up with that name because those are really the things that you can do within the platform, but I look at it as the 'core' of a student's experience on campus," said Lauren Moran, director of student engagement and leadership, whose office is integral to building and maintaining the platform. "It allows students to explore ways to get involved on campus and connect with any sort of co-curricular experience that's out there."
MORAN
All SRU students, faculty and staff can access CORE at www.sru.edu/core by using their MySRU login credentials. Users can search specific organizations' profile pages that provide information about the organization such as leadership, contacts, events and news, as well as file sharing and access to forms and polls.
Similar to a social media network, a feed on the CORE home page displays information relevant to users, such as news and events from organizations or groups they joined. There are also discussion boards that provide an opportunity for users to reflect on their experiences.
"It pulls all these things that are happening into one place, but it also allows individual students to search for organizations," Moran said. "It's a one-stop shop for students to connect to co-curricular programs."
Advisers and leaders of SRU's more than 150 clubs and organizations were introduced to the platform last spring. Starting with the fall 2017 semester, student clubs and organizations will be required to use CORE for registration purposes.
As CORE is further implemented, additional features will be added, such as the ability for organization leaders to manage their budgets and the developing of a "Service Opportunities" system, which will organize and connect users to community service opportunities and service learning programs. Additionally, faculty will have the opportunity to use CORE as a tool for academic programs, especially in the areas of discussion boards and service-learning.
"(CORE) will transform the way students are involved and engaged on campus," Moran added.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu