Winthrop’s recreational services app allows students easier access to clubs, intramural sports and fitness classes. The WU Rec Services app is powered and programmed by IMLeagues, and anyone with an IMLeagues account can create a page for their class. Winthrop is currently one of seven schools to have an IMLeagues programmed app branded specifically for the university.
Previously, students did not have to sign up for fitness classes, club sports or intramural sports activities — they simply showed up. With the integration of the app students can now sign up for activities ahead of time and because the app is available for both Apple and Android, students can access forms on-the-go.
The West Center offers a variety of group fitness classes with one of the more popular classes being the spin class, which is often wait-listed shortly after a new date is added due to student engagement. The Rec Services app can be utilized in pre-registering for classes that fill up quickly.
Laura Davis, coordinator for recreational services and the West Center, said the app was a great way to send reminders to students and for instructors to see who is coming to classes. Students can sign up for fitness classes up to a week before the class is held. Davis recalls the water main break in Rock Hill last semester and how the app allowed for fast communications of cancellations.
Davis said that “instructors are getting to know the patrons that are coming to the classes better” and taking attendance is easier for instructors with the app. Students in leadership positions in clubs now can view their current members and communicate with club members with important information.
Emily Port, a sophomore at Winthrop and treasurer of WU skydiving club, said that the club uses the app to help new members fill out forms and get members officially added to their roster.
Port said that before the app, it was hard to get people to sign up for the club via computers. Port credits the rise in the number of active members in the club to the app.
“The WU Rec Sports app has helped us comply with requirements from the university and keeps all our forms in one spot,” Tabitha Way, junior and president of Winthrop’s archery club said.
Prior to Winthrop having its own IMLeagues app, the WU archery club used IMLeagues independently. “It’s mostly the same but more specific and [there are] no ads which is really nice,” Way said. The archery club faced a few challenges using the app but that it’s a “learning process.”
“The programmers for the app and the club sports director are always helpful in solving things quickly,” Way said.
Assistant Director of Sports Programs Cameron Edwards wants students to know that the app is constantly being updated by developers to “round out” the experience for Winthrop’s students. Features to come in the future are form submissions for club sports and a detailed FAQ section.
Students can reach out with any features or content they would like to see on the app as Winthrop works closely with programmers on the continued development of the app.
Photo: Ann Marie Juarez/ The Johnsonian
