º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024. This marks an unprecedented third recognition as a center of innovative leadership and educational excellence. The University previously received the recognition in 2016 and 2018.
“º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ remains the revolutionary leader in how technology can expand access and opportunity across higher education,â€� said º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “This generation of students comes to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ with a very different skill set, attitude and background than ever before. Our revolutionary model for the future of higher education provides the learning environment, flexibility and career outcomes our students expect.â€�
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for personalized learning, fueling creativity, deepening collaboration and a culture of continuous innovation that connects students to the world.
Through º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s Digital World initiative, all on-campus undergraduate students and select on-campus graduate students receive a free iPad loaded with more than 200 free learning apps and digital access to all course materials. Digital World is a new model for higher education — a model focused on learning technology and data analytics to create a student-centered, accessible, affordable, academically rigorous, and innovative learning environment.
In addition to the Digital World initiative transforming student learning in existing academic programs, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ has expanded the curricular offerings to include an iOS App Development minor, designed to be a complement to Digital World, and requiring no prior coding experience.
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ continues to build on the Digital World foundation leveraging the latest technology to modernize student learning, service, and engagement. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s digital identification system, Saints ID, allows students, faculty, and staff to leave physical ID cards behind and access campus with just their mobile device. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s implementation of Wi-Fi 6 uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to transmit data to more devices, faster and with less battery drain. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ also provides continuous support for learning space renovations including implementation of enhanced technology solutions.