In order to reach out to students, Student Government has started to use a new service called Google TalkBin.
It’s a part of the NCSU Google apps program and is being set up with the help of Daniel Minsk and Michael Wright, Google ambassadors to N.C. State.
TalkBin is a service allowing people to use their mobile phones to send feedback, suggestions and questions to organizations on campus in real time. Organizations can then respond immediately.
Student Body President Chandler Thompson said she is excited about this new service.
“I’m really excited about the Google TalkBin program and the new way students can contact Student Government,” Thompson said.
Thompson explained its functionality.
“It’s a phone number that accepts text messages — no phone calls — from students and it goes to a website that SG officials can access. We can also choose to get emails or texts. These student concerns come to the different people immediately and SG can act on it as soon as we get the chance,” Thompson said.
Since it’s an anonymous way of letting various organizations know about any ideas or concerns, Google TalkBin allows students to be fully honest.
“Student Government will soon post the number in the Wolfline, in residence halls and all over campus so students can use it when they get a great idea or a concern. It will make it easier for students to contact them and hopefully make them feel welcome talking to Student Government. It’s also anonymous, so they can submit ideas or concerns without us knowing who they are,” Thompson said.
The service is free for student organizations, including Student Government, as it is in partnership with the NCSU Google apps program.
Minsk explained how it is being employed presently on campus.
“One: Student Government is actively using it to collect feedback from students. Two: Google ambassadors are using it to allow students to send in questions and comments about the use of Google products. Three: GLBT will be using it to allow students to contact the center anonymously with any GLBT questions they might have. Four: NCSU Dining is currently considering using it to collect feedback at on campus locations. They have not yet signed up. Five: New Student Orientation is considering using it as a way students can ask questions during orientation for an immediate response,” Minsk said.
Daniel also invited other organizations to make use of Google TalkBin as a way to connect to students.
“If student organizations want to start using Google TalkBin, they can do so by sending an email to [email protected] [to get in contact with Michael and I],” Minsk said.
Google acquired the company that created the service over the summer, according to Minsk.
