University of Cebu

UC adds text messaging service to address needs of students [view full image]

A CEBU-BASED university has capitalized on the short messaging service (SMS) to serve the needs of its growing student-base by coming with an exclusive SIM card.
The Go-led University of Cebu (UC), which is known for its maritime education program in the province, has partnered with telecommunications provider Globe to develop the “UC SIM” that carries all information the school needs to deliver to its students, such as school activities and or emergency announcements.

Communication
UC director for student affairs office Becky Ancheta believes that with information being vital in this age of high technology, UC has decided to embrace technology communication and maximize the use of SMS in relaying information to its large pool pf students.
Ancheta said UC, with its four campuses around Metro Cebu, is one of the largest universities in the province.

Convenience
UC’s four campuses include UC Main (Colon), UC Lapu-lapu Mandaue (UCLM), UC Banilad and UC Maritime Education and Training Center.
While the “UC SIM” is not compulsory, Ancheta said the school has been encouraging its students to avail themselves of the service as it provides them convenience in accessing school announcements since they no longer have to go from one department to another.
The service is also said to benefit the parents as it allows them to personally inquire the grades of their sons and daughters, tuition balances and enrollment schedules, among others.

Discounted
Globe Telecom regional business head for Visayas and Mindanao Vince Ong added that because the SIM was developed exclusively for the university, students can also enjoy discounted rates for prepaid voice calls and other services.
UC students could exchange text messages in discounted rate of at least P0.75 per message. Parents can also send tuition payments and allowances via the G-cash service.
Ancheta said the need to take advantage of the technology is a priority for the school, especially that the growth of enrollees is increasing each semester and every school year.

Enrollment
UC has a total of 42,000 enrollees to date. Majority of their students are enrolled in Nursing, Maritime and Information Technology (IT) courses, she said.
Ong said UC is the first university in Cebu that availed itself the “menu base” exclusive SIM deal with Globe Telecom.
Other universities which have similar partnership with the company have a different service set-up, he said.