An Interactive Virtual Campus Tour for the University of Georgia on Roblox.
RoblUGA is an online game designed to serve as a campus tour for potential University of Georgia students. Hosted on Roblox, one of the most popular metaverse platforms, it meets potential students where they’re at in the virtual world. RoblUGA introduces users to beloved UGA traditions, such as walking under the arch and ringing the bell, and provides interactive information guides for other significant campus icons on UGA’s notorious North Campus. Users can pick up UGA gear in this online environment, building pride and connection before a student even steps onto the physical campus grounds. RoblUGA expands the legacy of the UGA campus to the metaverse, offering a platform for potential students to explore the campus, meet one another, and connect with UGA.
Problem
When I began to think about going back to college for an advanced degree, I scoured the internet for information about universities and their programs. While the beautiful digital pages of the institutions’ websites (including the University of Georgia) were approachable and informative, I realized that I wanted more. With 75% of today’s institutions planning to use virtual recruiting, the approaches being used often do not meet potential students where they are at and are less engaging than today’s generation is accustomed to in the virtual world. Roblox is an online gaming platform with user-created games that has 67 million daily active users, 83% under the age of 24. My idea for this project stems from combining college recruitment efforts with this popular online gaming platform for an experiential UGA virtual campus tour, RoblUGA.
Product Features
This product is particularly unique in the recruitment area since there are very few other products in the country that are identical to it. It is an innovative approach to addressing several issues that need to be addressed by the various stakeholders involved in collegiate recruiting.
The primary features of the RoblUGA campus tour include:
- Interaction with Campus Traditions: Since 1785, when the university first opened its doors, various customs have developed on campus. These traditions are what make our institution unique and what we must preserve for future Bulldogs.
- The Arch, which stands on North Campus above Broad Street in downtown Athens, has become an iconic emblem of Georgia. It has even been used to symbolize the triad of wisdom, justice, and moderation that support the university. The number of out-of-town students, first-years, and seniors I’ve seen posing for selfies in front of the Arch is unfathomable, making it a popular tourist attraction on campus as well.
- One of the oldest traditions at UGA is the iconic Chapel Bell, which has been located on the North Campus since 1832. After a UGA victory, it is the responsibility of the student body to ring the bell.
- The fountain in Herty Field is another iconic symbol of Athens that new students should learn to recognize. It is customary for first-year students to cool off in the pool after the long trek from downtown.
2. Gather Campus Swag: Visitors can be rewarded for exploring the site by being given digital objects, such as school logo hoodies. This is a terrific method to encourage people to explore the campus. People will remain engaged in your world for a longer period of time if it contains a greater variety of entertaining and interesting stuff that are dispersed across it. There are certain things that can be given out for free, but there are other items that can only be obtained by completing specific tasks, such as answering trivia questions about UGA history.
3. Real-Time Interaction with Other Users: A key aspect of RoblUGA is the ability for potential students to interact with one another while exploring the campus. This creates a sense of community, allowing users to forge new connections and friendships with like-minded individuals.
4. Campus Landmarks and Buildings: To create an authentic representation of the UGA campus, RoblUGA will include accurate models of major landmarks and buildings, such as the Main Library, the Tate Student Center, Sanford Stadium, and the Miller Learning Center.
5. Live Chat with Campus Ambassadors: Campus ambassadors, current UGA students, will be available to answer questions and share their experiences through live chat. This feature offers prospective students a valuable source of insider information and advice.
6. Virtual Events: RoblUGA will host virtual events, such as open houses, lectures, and concerts, to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of the UGA community. These events will allow users to get a taste of campus life and culture.
Implementation
The first step in creating RoblUGA will be to assemble a team of developers, designers, and UGA students or alumni familiar with the campus layout and traditions. This group will collaborate on the project, ensuring that the final product is accurate, engaging, and appealing to potential students.
Next, the team will work on designing the virtual campus, incorporating 3D models of buildings and landmarks, as well as interactive elements like the Arch, Chapel Bell, and Herty Field fountain. Additionally, the team will develop a system for live chat and interaction among users, as well as the virtual events feature.
Once the development phase is complete, the RoblUGA team will launch a beta version of the game to a select group of users for testing and feedback. This will help identify any areas that need improvement or refinement before the full release.
Finally, the team will work on promoting RoblUGA to prospective students through targeted marketing campaigns, social media, and partnerships with high school guidance counselors. The goal is to make RoblUGA a prominent and essential part of the University of Georgia’s recruitment efforts.
Impact and Benefits
RoblUGA has the potential to make a significant impact on various aspects of college recruitment and the overall experience for prospective students:
1. Enhanced Recruitment Efforts: By tapping into the popularity of Roblox and providing an engaging and immersive campus tour experience, RoblUGA will attract a larger pool of potential students and increase the visibility of the University of Georgia.
2. Improved Connection to Campus: By allowing potential students to explore campus landmarks, participate in UGA traditions, and interact with current students, RoblUGA helps foster a sense of connection and pride in the university before the user even steps foot on the physical campus.
3. Support for Underserved Communities: Students who may not have the financial means or geographical access to visit the campus in person will be able to explore the University of Georgia through RoblUGA, providing equal opportunities for all students to experience the campus and make informed decisions about their college choice.
Technologies and Platforms
RoblUGA will be developed on the Roblox platform, which allows users to create, share, and play games created by other users. The platform has a user base of over 43 million daily active users, with 83% of them being under the age of 24. Roblox’s popularity and accessibility make it an ideal choice for the RoblUGA project.
Roblox uses the Lua programming language, which is beginner-friendly and widely used in the gaming industry. The platform also provides various tools and resources for game creation, making it easier for the development team to build and maintain RoblUGA.
Clients and Partnerships
The primary client for RoblUGA will be the University of Georgia, with the goal of integrating the platform into the university’s official campus tour offerings. Additionally, RoblUGA may partner with local businesses in Athens to provide virtual storefronts or sponsorships, further enhancing the campus experience and promoting the local community.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Throughout the development of RoblUGA, the team encountered several challenges and learned valuable lessons:
1. Assembling a well-balanced team with diverse skills and knowledge is crucial for a successful project.
2. Being prepared to pivot and adapt to new ideas and circumstances is essential in the rapidly changing world of technology and gaming.
3. Ensuring compliance with platform guidelines and avoiding the use of copyrighted material is important to prevent potential issues or account suspensions.
Capstone Journey and Reflections
The development of RoblUGA started with a passion for emerging media and the desire to create an innovative solution for college recruitment. Throughout the project, the team faced various challenges, such as assembling a diverse team, navigating platform guidelines, and adapting to new ideas. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered and successfully developed a unique and engaging virtual campus tour experience.
The capstone journey also offered valuable insights into the importance of networking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. This experience has prepared the team for future professional endeavors in the emerging media field and beyond.
Advice for Future Emerging Media Students
1. Strive for a deep understanding of the subject matter, rather than simply memorizing information.
2. Network with a diverse range of people, including faculty, staff, and students. Building strong connections can be as important as the knowledge you gain.
3. Be prepared to adapt and pivot in the face of new challenges or ideas.
4. Learn from your experiences, both positive and negative, and use them to grow and improve.
Final Thoughts
RoblUGA offers a unique and engaging approach to campus tours, utilizing the popular Roblox platform to attract and connect with potential students. By accurately recreating the UGA campus and incorporating interactive elements, live chat, and virtual events, RoblUGA has the potential to revolutionize the way colleges and universities recruit new students. By adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of virtual recruitment, the University of Georgia can continue to attract top talent and maintain its reputation as a leading institution of higher education.
