Hastings College

From Static to Dynamic: How Hastings College Created a Smarter, More Engaged Campus with AIScreen

The Challenge

 

Hastings College, known for personal learning, used outdated tools like flyers and emails. Students missed events, and critical updates were delayed, hurting engagement and campus awareness.

 

The Solution

 

AIScreen introduced a digital communication network across campus buildings. Content included professor hours, wellness tips, event schedules, and game day alerts, all managed by departments independently.

The Impact

  • Upto 34% increase in student participation at campus events, driven by better visibility and timely updates.

  • Nearly 45% faster response times during urgent announcements and emergency alerts.

  • Nearly double the clarity in student and faculty communication, based on survey feedback.

About 70% reduction in paper usage, supporting Hastings College’s sustainability efforts.

“AIScreen helps students thrive because they’re in the loop. When they see what’s happening around campus, they feel included and connected. It’s not just information on a screen, it’s a reminder that they belong here. That sense of connection makes student life stronger.”
Sophia McDermott, Dean of Students
Hastings College

About Hastings College

At Hastings College, the student experience is deeply personal.

 

Located in the heart of Nebraska, this small liberal arts institution is built on relationships, mentorship, and a spirit of innovation. It’s a place where students are known by name, and where every announcement, opportunity, and event is meant to help them grow.

 

But as technology evolved and students became more mobile, Hastings College faced a growing challenge: how to communicate clearly and consistently, without overwhelming their audience.

 

That’s when the college turned to AIScreen to unify its message, elevate engagement, and transform how the campus shares its voice.

 

A Personalized College with Outdated Tools

Hastings College prides itself on preparing students for life, not just graduation. With a hands-on approach to learning, a robust campus life, and an emphasis on real-world readiness, it’s a tight-knit community designed to support and empower.

 

But despite its forward-thinking academics, internal communication remained stuck in analog habits:

 

  • Paper flyers cluttered common spaces and quickly went unnoticed

  • Event participation suffered due to last-minute or missed announcements

  • Critical updates, like academic deadlines or weather alerts, were slow to reach students

 

“Our community was full of energy and opportunities,” said the Director of Student Engagement, Sophia McDermott. “But our communication didn’t reflect that energy.”

 

And so the question emerged:

 

“How do we bring campus life to life, visually, instantly, and meaningfully?”

Finding AIScreen: Built for Connection, Not Complexity

The answer arrived after a conversation with a peer institution that had deployed AIScreen across their campus. What Hastings saw in the demo was more than digital signage, it was a smart communication network designed for campuses that care about both clarity and culture.

 

AIScreen’s clean UI, drag-and-drop scheduling, and ability to segment content by location made it ideal for a college where every building serves a different purpose, and audience.

 

“AIScreen didn’t feel corporate,” said the VP of Student Life, Ron Chesbrough. “It felt adaptable, student-first, and easy for every team to use.”

 

Implementation: A Digital Thread Across Campus

Hastings College began with a phased rollout, installing screens in:

 

  • Academic halls, to display professor office hours, tutoring availability, and class schedule changes

  • Student center and dining hall, for upcoming events, club meetings, and student org shoutouts

  • Library and study spaces, for reminders on deadlines, mental health services, and quiet hours

  • Athletics and residence halls, to highlight game days, team victories, and safety alerts

 

Each department was trained to manage its own content while maintaining a unified brand style. And students? They noticed right away.

 

“Now I actually know what’s happening,” said one sophomore. “It’s like the whole campus is talking to each other.”

“AIScreen has completely transformed how we communicate on campus. We no longer rely on outdated posters that students might miss. Instead, we deliver eye-catching, real-time updates that students pay attention to. Our events have higher turnouts, and our ability to share important information instantly has never been better.”

Director of Student Engagement, Sophia McDermott

Hastings College

The Results: Engagement, Awareness, and Energy

Within the first semester of AIScreen rollout, Hastings College observed measurable improvements:

  • Hastings College
    34%
    Student event participation increased by 34%, thanks to well-placed digital screens and rotating event promotions.
  • Hastings College
    45%
    Response time to urgent updates improved by 45%, enabling quicker campus-wide communication during critical moments.
  • Hastings College
    2x
    Communication clarity was rated nearly twice as effective by faculty and staff, improving understanding and reducing confusion.
  • Hastings College
    70%
    Paper usage dropped by approximately 70%, significantly cutting down on waste and printing costs.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter, More Unified Experience

Hastings College is now exploring advanced use cases, including:

 

  • Wayfinding for prospective students and campus tours

  • Digital art exhibitions and student media showcases

  • Live countdowns for graduation, registration, and community events

  • Faculty research spotlights and alumni success stories

What started as a tool for announcements has become a vibrant part of daily life. AIScreen helps Hastings College deliver not just messages, but momentum.

 

“It amplified what we already had: community, purpose, and pride,” said one student ambassador. “Now it’s right there on the wall, everywhere you go.”

Conclusion

The University of Minnesota’s adoption of AIScreen’s digital signage platform has revolutionized campus communication. By replacing outdated, fragmented methods with a centralized, cloud-based system, the university now delivers real-time updates that capture attention and enhance engagement. This transformation has led to increased event attendance, faster emergency notifications, and significant cost savings through reduced printing. With plans to expand interactive kiosks and live-streaming capabilities, the University of Minnesota continues to leverage AIScreen to create a more connected, informed, and safe campus environment.

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