EUGENE, Ore. -- (Sept. 23, 2010) - When new students arrived at the University of Oregon this week, they were encouraged to unpack, settle in and reach for their phones to learn more about campus.

Week of Welcome activities occur all week. They began with international student orientation and early residence hall check-in for students who were not able to attend summer orientation sessions, and continue when most students move into residence halls Thursday, Sept. 23.

Week of Welcome activities will educate new students on topics including academic resources, job opportunities, social and sports clubs, how to buy textbooks, health center services and campus safety. The first day of classes is Monday, Sept. 27.

This year's incoming students will be able to access the full schedule of events and point-by-point map directions with a new, free UO iPhone application that is available for download from the Apple App Store.

Originally developed for the Week of Welcome, the app expanded in scope to also include news and campus events, class schedules, campus directory, photos and videos, and the Oregon Marching Band playing "Mighty Oregon."

The maps may be the favorite feature for new students finding their way around campus. The app includes a GPS feature that shows a user where he or she is on campus; maps showing accessible routes, bicycle routes and the safest routes at night; parking and transit maps; and aerial map overlays with campus images from 2008, 1947 and 1913. In addition, there's a "Walk Me" feature that plots a route anywhere on the 295-acre campus, including estimated walking time.

"The iPhone app represents how today's college students want to get information - dynamically and on the go," said Zack Barnett, director, UO web communications. "The InfoGraphics Lab sets the bar high with its use of mobile mapping technology."

The iPhone app was developed over the summer by students and staff in the InfoGraphics Lab in the Department of Geography in conjunction with the Office of Communications. Learn more about the graduate student who led the project.

Another new resource for students is the UO Student Guide mobile web app. The UO Student Guide mobile web app is available for iPhone and iPod Touch. It is expected to be available soon for Android 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2. The web app includes campus events, transit information, and a directory of services and activities. It was developed by a team of UO students at the Erb Memorial Union.

For non-iPhone users, there's good news too. There will be a UO mobile website launching soon. It will include news, events and other information that can be easier to access with any smart phone.

CONTACT: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu

LINKS: UO iPhone app, http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uoregon/id391016299?mt=8; UO Student Guide mobile web app, http://sg.uoregon.edu/

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