PointSYNC, the website where students can find events to go to on campus and beyond, has been replaced with a new app named “The Herd.”
A project from Student Activities Involvement and Leadership (SAIL), The Herd includes much of the same information that PointSYNC once did, such as upcoming campus events and student organizations to join.
Keely Sapienza, the director of SAIL, said she had been looking into replacing PointSYNC with a new platform for a few years.
“My office has been looking into a new platform that offers more features, and we officially began the moving process in January to the Modern Campus Involve platform,” Sapienza said.
Modern Campus, which makes website building software for colleges and universities, also made the Involve app that powers The Herd. Unlike PointSYNC, The Herd can be accessed via the Involve app on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Sapienza said she is excited about how easily The Herd can be used by students and loves the new app.
“We have never had an app associated with our previous platform,” Sapienza said. “This app can scan students into events, show students what events are happening quickly, list all of our organizations and how to contact them. And we can provide quick updates on the home page.”
Additionally, Sapienza said she will host training sessions for student organizations on how to use The Herd, though she noted the adjustment from PointSYNC to the new app should be smooth.
The Herd also introduces a new incentive to go to campus events known as “Bison ParticiPoints.” Sapienza said she has not hashed out the point program yet but hopes “ParticiPoints” will be awarded based on event participation and leadership roles. “It’s gamifying your experience as a leader,” Sapienza said.
It is unclear if The Herd will supersede Pioneer Cards to scan into events.
Currently, Campus Activity Board (CAB), Student Government Association (SGA) and It’s On Us are among a few organizations already on The Herd. Each student organization will be added to the app and can send announcements to those part of the organization as well as interested members.
While Involve is the only part of Modern Campus that SAIL uses, Sapienza said it also offers text updates for events and is considering adding it to The Herd.
