5 Ways Technology Can Transform Student Life Operations in 2025
Higher education professionals in student unions and services are continually challenged to deliver exceptional student experiences with fewer resources. Technology offers transformative solutions to streamline operations, increase engagement, and optimize space usage. Here are five impactful ways technology can elevate student union operations, complete with real-world examples and leading companies that can help.
1. Automating Inventory Management and Lending Systems
Managing shared resources like billiards gear, gaming equipment, or AV tools can be tedious and prone to errors. Automated inventory management systems streamline this process, ensuring accountability and freeing up staff time.
Example Use Case:
A student union game room frequently faces lost or damaged billiards gear, creating frustration for students and increasing replacement costs. By installing RecRe’s automated lending lockers, students can borrow pool cues and balls by scanning their campus ID. The system tracks equipment usage, sends automated return reminders, and ensures every item is accounted for, reducing inventory loss and simplifying staff responsibilities.
2. Enhancing Event Management with Digital Tools
Effective event management requires tools that simplify planning, scheduling, and engagement. Mazevo, created by the founder of EMS, offers a modern and streamlined solution for scheduling and managing campus spaces, alongside platforms like Eventbrite and CampusGroups.
Example Use Case:
Hundreds of campus clubs and student organizations need meeting rooms throughout the week, often creating a bottleneck in room scheduling. With Mazevo, student union staff provide a self-service portal where clubs can view available rooms, book spaces, and manage their reservations. The intuitive platform ensures fair access, reduces scheduling conflicts, and gives staff time to focus on larger events.
3. Creating Personalized Engagement Through Data Analytics
Analytics platforms like Modern Campus or Anthology, help administrators track and optimize student participation in programs and services. Data-driven decisions ensure resources are allocated effectively.
Example Use Case:
The student union runs a tabletop gaming night, but attendance has been inconsistent. Using one of these platforms, administrators discover that most attendees are freshmen who prefer themed nights like “Fantasy Fridays.” Armed with this insight, they tailor marketing efforts and schedule events to align with student preferences, boosting engagement and creating a better experience for attendees.
4. Optimizing Facility Oversight with IoT and Smart Devices
Smart devices and IoT systems provide real-time data on space usage, energy consumption, and other metrics, helping student unions run more efficiently. Companies like Crestron excel in this area.
Example Use Case:
Occupancy sensors from Crestron reveal that certain meeting rooms are underutilized in the afternoons. Administrators adjust the booking system to allow drop-in reservations for those rooms, increasing utilization and providing students with more flexible space options for informal study sessions or group meetings.
5. Leveraging Campus Digital Communication with Trooh Screens
Campus digital communication is key to informing and engaging students. Trooh, a leading digital display network for campuses, allows unions to share announcements, promote events, and highlight resources in high-traffic areas. Trooh also offers campuses an ad revenue-sharing model, generating funds to support student programs.
Example Use Case:
The student union installs Trooh screens in its dining area and lounge spaces. Between campus-specific announcements and event promotions, Trooh displays sponsored ads that generate revenue for the union through a rev-share model. This additional funding supports new student engagement programs while providing timely and relevant information to students.
6. Supporting Student Well-being with Accessible Digital Solutions
Digital solutions address critical student needs, from food insecurity to mental health support. Platforms like Swipe Out Hunger ensure students can access resources privately and conveniently.
Example Use Case:
To support food-insecure students, the union implements Swipe Out Hunger in partnership with RecRe’s pantry lockers. Students discreetly request food items online and retrieve them from lockers located in the union. This system extends service hours and ensures privacy, reducing barriers for students in need.
Conclusion
By embracing solutions like automated inventory systems, digital communication tools, event management platforms, IoT devices, and well-being resources, student union professionals can significantly enhance operations and engagement. Companies like RecRe, Mazevo, and Trooh provide the tools needed to meet these challenges while improving the overall student experience.
Ready to explore how technology can transform your operations? Start with RecRe and take the first step toward a streamlined, student-centered future.
