New app, LeeU Connect, uses digital platform to engage Lee community

The Fall 2024 semester comes with the launch of a new app, LeeU Connect. The app serves as a platform for students to engage with each other and campus groups such as clubs, offices, honor societies and departments.

Chris Gates, Executive Director of Student Life, and his team have played a key role in the implementation, specialization and use of the app for the Lee community. Nate Tucker, Director of Information Technology, and his team were involved in the integration and security of the app.

Lee University obtained Campus Groups, the software of the app, from the company ReadyEducation. Gates and Tucker came together with their teams to make the app for the Lee community. 

The app is designed to help students explore and connect with different groups at Lee that pertain to their interests and passions. 

“The main goal is that our students are able to find meaningful connections and engagement in ways that caters to them,” said Gates.. 

The app offers multiple features to achieve this goal. In the “Discover” tab, users can find information about groups and people on campus. Users can also discover each other’s accomplishments, groups and events. The “Connect” feature allows users to follow one another, similar to social media platforms. 

In the “Events” tab, users can be informed on campus-wide, office and club events. Additionally, users can register, send their interests and invite other users to attend. 

“Student events…that’s the primary way students connect,” said Tucker.

The app also includes features similar to a video game. Students can earn “badges” and “points” by utilizing different features of the app. 

The app is free for students to download on Google Play or Apple Store. After downloading the app, the user needs to login with their Lee Credentials and complete the onboarding process. The user will set up a profile and express their interests which helps tailor the app to the user.

“We want this app to be a resource for students and a place where they can feel connected and make their Lee experience theirs,” said Gates

The app will continue to change and grow as the Lee community engages in it and innovate new ways to use it to cultivate connections on campus. For any questions or feedback about the app, students can contact studentlife@leeuniversity.edu. Student Life appreciates receiving both as they strive to tailor the app for students.