Cedar Crest College, located in Allentown, PA, serves a diverse student body with a strong focus on creating flexible, technology-enabled learning environments.
However, some older classroom and meeting spaces lacked sufficient access to power for students and staff to fully utilize their devices.
The Challenge
With increasing reliance on laptops and other electronic devices, Cedar Crest College needed a power solution that could adapt to flexible classroom configurations and serve high-traffic areas without requiring expensive renovations. The goal was to ensure students always had access to reliable power, even in spaces where outlets were limited or inaccessible.
The Solution
To solve these issues, Cedar Crest College implemented Omnicharge Power Stations in strategic locations across campus, coupled with Omnicharge's SmartCenter platform to enable self-service checkout. The portable power banks can be checked out by students using the Omni Power app, providing seamless access to reliable power.
Key deployments include:
- Nursing Building: Large, multi-use classrooms where students frequently use laptops for exams.
- The Narrows Digital Commons: A digital creator space designed to inspire student innovation.
The SmartCenter platform ensures smooth operations, allowing students to check out and return power banks independently, while administrators can monitor usage in real time. The platform also integrates with Cedar Crest's campus systems, limiting app functionality to users with college email addresses for added security.
Results
Since integrating Omnicharge Power Stations and SmartCenter, Cedar Crest College has seen improvements in both student satisfaction and operational efficiency:
Enhanced Student Experience: Students can work on assignments, take exams, and collaborate without worrying about running out of power. The self-service checkout system provides 24/7 access to portable power.
Streamlined Operations: SmartCenter provides real-time monitoring of power bank availability and usage trends, allowing administrators to ensure optimal performance and service levels.
Flexible Learning Spaces: Omnicharge eliminated the need for costly electrical renovations, allowing the college to maximize the utility of its existing spaces. The portable nature of the power banks also complements flexible room configurations.
Cost-Effective Solution: By choosing Omnicharge, Cedar Crest College avoided the significant expense of retrofitting older buildings with new power outlets, while still delivering modern power access for students.
Why Omnicharge?
Cedar Crest College selected Omnicharge for its unique blend of functionality, flexibility, and cost efficiency. The combination of portable power banks and the SmartCenter platform ensures that students can access power when and where they need it, while the college maintains full visibility and control over the system.
Director of Information Technology Bruce A. Sarte shared his thoughts:
"These Omnicharge stations allow our students to check batteries in and out whenever they need to. They provide an entire day's worth of power, enabling students to stay connected and engaged. The cost-to-benefit ratio far outweighs running electric to difficult places and offers unparalleled flexibility."
Bruce A. Sarte, Director of Information Technology, Cedar Crest CollegeLooking Ahead
Cedar Crest College plans to expand its deployment of Omnicharge Power Stations into additional locations, leveraging SmartCenter to further enhance access and ensure seamless power availability across campus.
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Talk to our team about portable power stations and SmartCenter checkout for classrooms, libraries and student spaces.
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