Smartphone applications are now being offered by the University of Toronto Mississauga, Ryerson University and the University of Saskatchewan.
Applications — software that can be downloaded onto web-capable cell phones — allow students and staff to access university resources directly, without actually browsing the internet.
The software offers timetables, exam schedules, course descriptions, important contacts and dates.
“We found before that students were trying to access our websites on their phones, [and the websites] were not meant to be used for such small devices,” Cezar Mejia, a developer of UTM applications, said.
According to Graham McCarthy, library systems analyst and developer at Ryerson University, the applications started off as a “cool idea” among the computer science department.
McCarthy and his team of developers realized students wanted more than what the library systems had to offer from a survey about integrating applications with library services.
Both UTM and Ryerson developed the applications during the summer months and launched it at the beginning of this school year — with nothing but positive feedback.
“It’s been a very good response,” Mejia said.
According to Mejia, after two weeks of its inception, UTM’s applications reached 16,000 hits.
Over a period of four days, McCarthy tracked 598 distinct logins and 806 hits at Ryerson. Of these figures, McCarthy showed 30 per cent from iPhones, nine per cent from iPod Touches and 12 per cent from Blackberries. Other devices included LG, Samsung and Google Android phones.
Although Ryerson’s applications are best suited for iPhones, McCarthy asserted, “[the application] can be used for regular phones with web browsing capabilities.”
In a survey by Maclean’s, Western was ranked as having the best wireless services on campus.  However, Western officials revealed no plans of developing a campus application.
“We haven’t discussed any details with anyone on implementing [smart phone applications] within our term,” Emily Rowe, University Students’ Council president, said.
Debbie Jones, head of information technology services at Western, assured staff members are taking the initiative to know how the program works. “[However], we do not have the manpower to put on this kind of project,” she added.
Jones also mentioned student demand would have be high in order for Western to consider implementation of such applications.
“If there was a voice and a need for [apps] it would be taken into consideration for those who are making the decision.” Jones said.
“I haven’t heard anything yet from students as to whether or not they want these applications on their phones,” Rowe added.  “But it’s the first week of school. Who knows, once students start to find out that other campuses are doing this, it might increase demand.”