University of Memphis Law School Enhances New Student Orientation with a Mobile App

Orientation Week is a pivotal moment for incoming students, setting the tone for their entire academic journey. For the University of Memphis School of Law, ensuring students felt informed, connected, and ready to embark on this new chapter was a top priority. Faced with the challenge of managing segmented schedules, streamlining communication, and eliminating paper handouts, the school sought a more efficient solution.  Enter Guidebook—a mobile app platform designed to transform the orientation experience. Through a user-friendly, centralized app, the university achieved higher engagement, reduced waste, and empowered students with real-time updates and on-demand resources—all from the convenience of their phones. Let’s explore how this solution took shape and delivered results.

The Challenge: Streamlining Orientation Week Communications

As the only law school in Memphis, The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is known for providing an affordable and rigorous legal education. It prepares students for success through a blend of foundational education, experiential learning, and partnerships with the local legal community. Orientation Week is a pivotal time for incoming students, but the school faced several challenges:

• Communicating complex and segmented schedules to students.
• Eliminating reliance on printed handouts, which quickly became outdated.
• Improving communication and engagement with students during Orientation Week.

Administrators sought a better way to connect with students and keep them informed during this critical time.

The Solution: Build an Orientation Day App With Guidebook

To address these challenges, the University of Memphis School of Law launched a mobile orientation app powered by Guidebook. This app enabled:

• Seamless Onboarding Process: Pre-event tasks were rolled out in a structured, easy-to-follow manner.
• Real-Time Updates: Students received instant notifications about schedule changes and important announcements.
• Centralized Communication Hub: All orientation materials, schedules, and resources were housed in one accessible location.
• User-Friendly Interface: Both administrators and students could navigate the app with ease, eliminating the need for technical support.

Key Features in University of Memphis’s Orientation Day App

• Personalized SchedulesThe app segmented schedules using Guidebook’s filters, allowing students to easily access their specific tracks. This eliminated confusion and ensured everyone was in the right place at the right time.

• Centralized Resource HubStudents accessed all essential orientation materials, campus maps, and resources directly within the app. This digital-first approach replaced paper handouts, saving time and reducing waste.

• Real-Time UpdatesGuidebook’s instant update capabilities and push notifications empowered administrators to make changes on the fly, keeping students informed about schedule adjustments or announcements in real time.

Results: A Better Orientation Experience

• Full App Adoption: Students fully embraced the app, making it a staple of their orientation experience.
• Improved Engagement: The app facilitated better communication and interaction between students, peers, and staff.
• Efficiency Gains: Administrators saved time and reduced the cost and hassle of printing and distributing paper schedules.
• Ongoing Improvements: Year over year, administrators used app metrics and feedback surveys to enhance the app’s effectiveness.

→ Read the Full University of Memphis Case Study

Why University of Memphis Chose Guidebook for Their New Student Orientation App

The University of Memphis School of Law selected Guidebook for its flexibility, ease of use, and feature-rich platform. Key benefits included:

• Ease of Use: "I can't imagine what the event would've looked like otherwise," said Meredith Aden, Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs.
• No IT Support Needed: Administrators created and updated the app independently, without needing technical expertise.
• Enhanced Communication: Guidebook provided a centralized platform that improved engagement and information sharing.
• Sustainability: The app replaced thousands of printed handouts, aligning with the school’s sustainability goals.

How to Create a Custom Mobile App for Orientation

When choosing a mobile app for orientation, universities should prioritize:

1. User-Friendly Platforms: Ensure the app is intuitive for both administrators and students.
2. Customizable Features: Look for tools like personalized schedules and real-time updates.
3. Scalability: Choose a solution that grows with your needs and supports year-round events.
4. Reporting Tools: Metrics and feedback surveys can help refine the experience over time.

Ready to streamline your orientation with Guidebook? Speak to our sales team today and discover how we can help!