When Tiffany J. Davis, Ph.D., associate dean for the College of Education, set out to implement a holistic, evidence-based approach to student success using EAB鈥檚 Five Components of Student Belonging, she faced a challenge: tracking student engagement effectively.
Enter Cougar Card Services. On a chance encounter, Davis met with Cougar Card Services Director, Cassie Burner, who shared with her how the Cougar readers 鈥� compact devices that scan student IDs at events for instant, secure attendance data. This automated system replaces manual sign-in sheets and QR codes, giving colleges accurate insights to support student success initiatives.
鈥淭he devices are pretty small 鈥� about the size of your phone 鈥� and are simple setup,鈥� said Del Fierro. 鈥淭he app is already in there. You click into it and engage the auto swipe feature to scan QR codes or swipe cards at the same time.鈥�
The check-in devices can be rented for a short period of time for a specific event or as long as annually. Davis added that she began using the devices as a pilot program before signing up for a year, and that the rental can be prorated to fit a department鈥檚 fiscal budget such as signing up in the spring. During its use of the devices, the College of Education saw immediate benefits.
Davis invited Bruner and Del Fiero as guest speakers at a recent Associate Dean Dialogue 鈥淐ougar Card Engagement鈥� event to speak further about the devices.
Attendees were eager to ask Davis and the Cougar Card team questions on the programs and how the services could fit in with their college鈥檚 needs.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really been helpful,鈥� said Davis of the Cougar Card devices. 鈥淭he automated process of data, sharing it, getting the information to me has been excellent.鈥�
Devices are available for short-term rentals or annual plans with flexible pricing. For more information on the event check-in device rentals visit the Cougar Card Services website.