Enhancing Student Engagement at UIC: How RecRe Expands Access to Essential Gear
At the University of Illinois Chicago, student engagement is at the heart of campus life. From impromptu games with friends to last-minute academic needs, access to the right gear at the right time can make all the difference. That’s why RecRe is proud to partner with UIC to enhance student engagement by providing easy, self-service access to essential items—whenever students need them.
Expanding Access Beyond Desk Hours
Located in the bustling UIC Student Center, next to Dunkin’ Donuts and surrounded by dining options and student services, two RecRe units sit side by side on the second floor, offering 16 cubbies filled with student engagement gear. These smart lockers are available whenever the building is open—from 6:30 AM to 10 PM, ensuring that students can access inventory before and after traditional desk hours.
We know that students’ most active and social hours often fall outside of typical desk staff availability. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, students now have the freedom to borrow gear without waiting for assistance, creating more opportunities for engagement and connection on their own schedules.
What’s Inside the RecRe Units?
The UIC RecRe lockers are stocked with a wide range of items designed to support students in both recreation and academics, including:
🎯 Lawn games & frisbees – Perfect for spontaneous games in open spaces.
🏀 Basketballs – Ready for pickup games on campus courts.
🔋 Portable power banks – Keep students charged on the go.
🔢 Calculators & computer chargers – Supporting academic success.
🚴 Bike tire pumps – Encouraging a more sustainable and active campus.
Each item is available for a 6 to 8-hour loan period, determined by UIC’s student center staff. This flexible model ensures that students can enjoy and return items without hassle, keeping inventory in circulation and accessible for the next user.
A Smart Solution for an Urban Campus
As an urban campus, UIC has a diverse and highly active student body. By incorporating RecRe, the university has created an equitable and easy-to-use system that allows students to borrow high-demand gear at no cost. The student center serves as a central hub, and now, students don’t have to rely on limited service hours to grab what they need—they can simply scan, borrow, and return at their convenience.
Bring RecRe to Your Campus
UIC is just one of many universities leveraging RecRe to increase student engagement and accessibility. Whether you’re in Residence Life, Campus Recreation, or a Student Union, RecRe can help your campus remove barriers to student access and create a more engaged community.
Want to learn more? Book a demo today to see how your campus can benefit from RecRe’s automated student engagement solution.
