Emily Geschke is the current Director of Retail Management and Student Affairs at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a member of the team for over 8 years, holding various positions, Geschke has witnessed Drexel evolve over a period that has provided insight into how to continue the university’s focus on student success and meaningful communication. Many years ago, at a previous position, an IT department attempted to deploy its own, in-house digital signage solution. Due to security issues, the program was sunset. However, for the past 8 years, there has been interest in reinitiating the digital signage program. That is where REACH Media Network comes in.
After the RFP process, Geschke chose REACH to become the school’s new digital signage platform. With REACH’s administrative experience and flexible customization options, as well as the ability to integrate with emergency alert systems such as RAVE, REACH aligns the university’s communication strategy. Now, the school has a large network of digital signage displays that are managed by multiple teams with a variety of content.
Are you looking to implement digital signage into your communication strategy? REACH Media Network will help you through every step. As a service and hardware provider, we are well-equipped to get you up and running with your new signage solution. Additionally, our free creative services and 24/7 support ensure someone is ready to help well after your installation. If you’re interested in beginning your digital signage journey, click the button below to get started today!
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THE SOLUTION
As previously mentioned, Geschke spearheaded the integration of REACH Media Network into Drexel University’s communication network. REACH’s extensive customization options, experience with administrative organizations, and emergency alert integrations were the key factors that drove the decision to partner up. However, REACH also came with a host of other benefits. REACH has a strong partnership with BrightSign, a media player provider that can integrate with REACH’s software. Additionally, REACH also partners with Bluefin to deploy conference room and scheduling displays. These two partnerships would prove crucial, as BrightSign was chosen due to REACH’s history and trust in the brand, and Bluefin would help conference room displays, allowing students and staff to reserve rooms for meetings and events through a time/clock system. When not in use, these screens can act as additional signage to convey information to staff. Ultimately, the school sought displays everywhere that featured updated signs, screens, and other elements that would play a key role in the school’s modern communication network.
THE RESULTS
Since partnering with REACH, Drexel University has implemented 124 screens across its campus. Geschke herself is in charge of 35. This is because the university has given each department control over its content. For example, a marketing department will create content that is pushed to the most locations for universal messaging. But from there, individual content pieces tailored to each department’s events, announcements, and so on will occupy the rest of the display. As a result, the university can maintain cohesive messaging while addressing the individual needs of each student and staff member as it relates to their areas of study. Athletics, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and so on can all have individual announcements and content pieces from each other, so students and staff receive targeted, relevant information. In fact, 98% of all content posted to these displays relates to campus events. Drexel has even started experimenting with video content, such as PSAs promoting mental health.
It appears students are definitely taking an interest in these screens. For instance, the school utilized these displays to push a discount for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. As a result, the number of students signing up for accounts to use this discount definitely increased. Moving forward, the university will maintain student safety by exploring options for re-alerts as a full-screen takeover or as a ticker at the bottom of the screen.
READY TO START YOUR DIGITAL JOURNEY?
Discover how digital signage can transform your organization. Reach out to REACH Media Network today to learn more about our solutions, explore custom integrations, and see how we can help you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
