From June 25-28, 2014, 14 WSU representatives from Pullman, Tri-Cities and Spokane attended the third annual OrgSync Conference in Dallas, TX. “[The conference] is a great opportunity to bring our needs directly to OrgSync and make sure WSU students are getting the best experience they can with the system,” explained Ben Calabretta, Assistant Director for the Center for Civic Engagement. Inaddition to speaking directly with OrgSync representatives about WSU’s OrgSync needs, representatives presented two sessions on risk management and on how WSU uses the service learning system. “I was happy to learn about how other campuses are using OrgSync,” added Center for Civic Engagement Assistant Director Tiffanie Braun, “It’s really helpful to learn tips and tricks about improving the system from other campuses so we can give our students a better experience.”
Known as CougSync at WSU, the system helps students organize group events for RSOs, Greek houses, sports clubs; search for community service opportunities; and connect with different campus departments all in one place online. WSU is currently one of the most active users of CougSync, and the hard work WSU staff, faculty, and students have put in to developing the system was highlighted at the conference when WSU was named the OrgSync Campus of the Year. “[Winning the award] was definitely the highlight of the trip,” said Berto Cerrillo, Assistant Director of Student Involvement. The award acknowledges WSU for not only the number of people within the CougSync community, over 25,000, but also honors WSU for the creativity in which WSU students and staff use the software and the system-wide adoption of CougSync for all campuses.
