Be There or Be foursquare: Oklahoma State students explore campus with new OKState branded foursquare page

Monday, April 2, 2012

Oklahoma State University has launched a branded page on foursquare, a location-based, mobile social networking application. Foursquare, which is accessible from smartphones and other mobile devices through a free downloadable app, enables students and visitors to explore the campus and surrounding area while sharing information about their favorite places.

The addition of OKState’s branded page creates a centralized repository for a community sourced, up-to-date guide to the best places to study, eat, shop and play around the OKState campus. Users can share “tips” and “lists” about locations and their experiences through their foursquare network as well as other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. University partners like the Student Union can offer specials and discounts to users who meet certain criteria, such as checking in during a certain time frame.

Foursquare gives social networking a gaming slant by creating incentives for users to explore campus, discover new venues and make recommendations to the foursquare network. The highly coveted title of “mayor” is awarded to a venue’s most frequent visitor. Users earn points and acquire foursquare badges on their profiles. In addition to the standard badges offered by foursquare, users who are following the OKState university page now have the opportunity to earn the new OKState branded “Orange Power!” badge for visiting select sites on campus.

The most valuable use for universities is the potential of foursquare to impact academic performance. The platform allows students and faculty a means to share location based information to promote good study habits such as computer lab tips, tutoring opportunities, and special study privileges. The library, for example, is reserving a highly desirable study spot for the mayor, a perk which has already spawned steep competition.  

“Foursquare is just one more way Oklahoma State is using mobile technology to enhance the college experience of our students and engage with visitors to our campus,” said Burns Hargis, President of Oklahoma State University. “By connecting our students and their experiences, as well allowing the university to provide valuable information about our campus, we create a rich academic and social experience for students, ensuring their continued success. Visitors benefit by getting a glimpse of Cowboy hospitality and learning why our campus is so special.”

“Foursquare recently expanded the foursquare for Universities program because of the huge value we saw in enabling students and universities to share location based information,” said Anna Frenkel, Marketing Manager at foursquare. “It’s a win-win for the students and universities. We are looking forward to launching even more enhancements in the near future.”

Learn more here: http://news.okstate.edu/foursquare or visit the new OSU page on foursquare at foursquare.com/okstatenews.