Yeshiva University is officially part of the 21st century, thanks to the release of their new YU Mobile App. Students can now have access to news, events, courses, photos, shuttle ride scheduling, making appointments with the career center, and more, all with a touch of a finger.
The idea for the app began a few years ago, and it is now finally ready to use. However, like with the release of all new technological developments, the reactions from the app’s users have been mixed.
After asking several students what they thought about the new app, most of the students admitted to only using the app to book shuttles between campuses. Most students who were asked were quick to point out the flaws with this system- particularly how it is unfair for those students who—I know, unheard of—do not have a smartphone.
For students who do not have a smartphone, booking a shuttle can be a fairly tedious task. They have to go to a computer room on campus, book the shuttle, print out the confirmation email, and bring it with them to the shuttle along with their I.D.
Another issue most students had with the shuttle booking on the app was that the app often freezes and does not load when they are trying to book a shuttle. Additionally, when trying to book a shuttle for 12:00 AM- 2:00 AM, the app will book it for 12:00 PM-2:00 PM the next day, so students still need to call the security office to book a shuttle for those times.
However, Don Sommers, Chief of Security, has assured that the app is still being tweaked and various improvements will be made. Sommers and the Office of Security are in constant contact with the software developer at the Communications Department, and hopefully all of the glitches with the app can be addressed. Already, the app has proven a huge time-saver for the office of security. Time will tell it if the same will be true for the student body.