Information technology: New kiosk highlights campus, community offerings

Publication Date
Discover Schenectady kiosk

Interested to learn more about upcoming lectures on campus? Looking for a bite to eat from among the myriad choices in downtown Schenectady?

If you have passed through the Reamer Campus Center this term, you may have noticed a bright, colorful kiosk near the 807 Deli.

The touch screen digital bulletin board may soon give you answers.

Blair Raymond, director of Strategic Initiatives and External Relations, worked with Discover Schenectady, which promotes tourism in the county, to have the special kiosk placed in a prominent place on campus. It will highlight what Schenectady offers in terms of dining, shopping and other attractions. The kiosk will also highlight College happenings.

Currently, the kiosk displays only a limited number of events and announcements, including a virtual tour of the campus and information for prospective students.

When the kiosk is fully functional, Raymond can envision it sharing content to promote exhibits at the Mandeville Gallery, athletic games and College events such as the Feigenbaum Forum on Innovation and Creativity.

Due to COVID-19, most events at the College are virtual.

“When the public is again allowed to attend events on campus when the pandemic is under control, the kiosk will be a great way to let them know what’s going on here.”

The kiosk does have a self-cleaning adhesive, but Facilities will clean it regularly as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Discover Schenectady plans to place kiosks at other high-profile sites around the city. The project is a partnership between Discover Schenectady and Schenectady County.

“We are pleased Union College has partnered with Discover Schenectady and Schenectady County to host one of the new informational kiosks in such a prominent location on campus,” said Todd Garofano, executive director of Discover Schenectady.

“We hope the kiosk provides a user-friendly experience to students, faculty and visitors alike and provides useful information on local restaurants, shops, attractions and activities throughout the year, whether right outside the campus, downtown or throughout Schenectady County.”