A recent multi-million dollar project to renew campus facilities at Mohawk College Student Centre in Hamilton, Ontario had the Student Association looking at innovative ways to improve student communications. As part of this initiative, the association has deployed a student centre-wide digital signage network using Scala Canada software to update students on news and services, and also provide instant emergency alerts should the need arise.
Scala Certified Partner, Gorrie Marketing Services (GMS), based in Mississauga, delivered the turn-key solution that included Scala 5 and Designer software, Samsung LCD displays, network installation, content design consultation and operational training on Scala for managing the network and its content.
“The combination of GMS and Scala software has helped us create a digital signage network to communicate and wow students,” said Steve Kosh, marketing and communications manager, Mohawk Students’ Association. “Our new system makes the messages standout and be fun so they stick with busy students, covering campus activities, social events like upcoming concerts and movie nights, community news and administrative facts.”
The project included 12 independent channels of content and 26 LCD displays ranging in size from 32-inch to 60-inch. The network uses an independent infrastructure to deliver video, audio and device control signals to run the screens found throughout the school’s high traffic areas like the main entrance, reception area and key hallways. The digital network also engages students at essential on-campus services such as the coffee shop, two quick service restaurants and a variety store. Another display can be found at The Arnie – part restaurant, part pub, part entertainment venue. As students enter The Arnie, they are greeted by a giant video wall consisting of nine 46-inch displays. Once inside, there are an additional four 46-inch screens pumping-out the latest scoop via the dedicated Arnie media channel.
