In an effort to centralize processes like group registration, event calendars, websites, and transitions in leadership, the University launched a new communications platform for student organizations called Hoyalink at the beginning of this semester. Almost all clubs are expected to adopt the system, introduced by the Center for Student Programs and GUSA.
Despite efforts to publicize its utility, however, the system continues to grow at a slow pace due to lack of student awareness and participation. Currently, 120 student organizations and departments are registered to Hoyalink, including many of Georgetown’s approximately 275 clubs. Since the GUSA Finance and Appropriations Committee provides funding for the software licensing and hosting, student organizations have access to this system, while University departments will pay a modest annual fee to have a departmental presence on the site.
The program is not exclusive to student club leaders. Individual students can also use the system by logging in with their NetID to join clubs and track club events. “The Center for Student Programs is interested in streamlining and improving the student organization and student leader experience,” Erika Cohen-Derr, Director of the Center for Student Programs, wrote in an email to the Voice. “We wanted to find a new communications platform that could centralize processes like group registration, or posting events in a central calendar.”
Early in the semester, board members of student clubs received an email with instructions for registering and setting up the group’s website and information. The email explains that Hoyalink can be used to “publicize organization events, communicate with your members, manage your participation rosters, hold elections, host your organization’s website, and gather information from your advisory board and administrative offices.” It also promises to include some financial procedures in the future.
The Hoyalink system combines the functions of several previous systems such as Keyform, which was used for registration forms; listprocs, for group email communication; and the Explore site, for student organizations’ websites and event calendars. In the next year, student organization financial tracking tools will be added to Hoyalink as well.
Club leaders have been generally enthusiastic about the potential utility of the system. “I really like it—it’s a great way to organize and stay up to date about what is going on on campus,” Maggie Cleary (COL ’14), chair of the Georgetown University College Republicans, said. “The only flaw is that there are not that many people on it.”
Other students agree. “I think that at the core, it’s one of those things that is an innovation that students need and students want,” Mona Ramadane (COL ’14), Co-President of NAS Arab Society, said. “It’s a great opportunity, because besides SAC Fair at the beginning, you don’t really have any opportunities to know what is out there.”
But despite its promises, a lack of general student knowledge remains a hindrance to Hoyalink’s success. NAS Arab Society, for example, continues to use its listserv as the primary mode of contact with the group’s members. “It’s a great idea, but it was not well-explained and not implemented in a way to reach the widest audience possible,” Ramadane said. “There are not enough people… [and] nobody really uses it, so we don’t see Hoyalink being the main contact in the next semester. There is not enough of a community on Hoyalink to start building on it.”
CSP is aware of this, and is working to increase general knowledge about the system. “We are planning some incentives for individual students and student groups to use Hoyalink to manage their involvement,” Cohen-Derr wrote. “I think at this point most users are pleased with the system and glad that we are moving to a more connected platform. However, if there are criticisms I am open to hearing them—we just want a system that will work well for users.”
