The following is part of a guest column written by UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. It was published in the August 12, 2013 edition of The State Journal-Register.
"Students soon will arrive for the fall semester on the University of Illinois Springfield campus, and the image of this annual rite of passage is often one of students (with the help of their parents) hauling all manner of “essentials” into campus housing.
That image will most certainly be part of the scene when our residence halls open on August 21, but for increasing numbers of students, whether residential or commuter, undergraduate or graduate, the most important item they bring to college this year may be one that weighs only a few ounces and fits handily into their pockets—their mobile devices—their smartphones.
The fact is, mobile device usage influences the college experience even before students arrive on campus, playing a significant role in the college decision process."
Read the full column online
