AMS introduces apps to support student life
On Sept. 9, the AMS announced the launch of the Compass app. Compass is meant to be an additional resource for students to better navigate mental health and wellness support.
“Compass is the AMS’s newest holistic student life platform. The platform centralizes mental health and wellness support, as well as events happening across campus—with the ability to favourite what is most relevant to you,” the executive, Team RTZ said in an email statement to The Journal.
According to RTZ, the app development consulting company Compass has been contracted to develop the app for AMS students. AMS President Zaid Kasim is also currently the AMS correspondent for Compass.
The AMS wants the Compass platform to act as a “one-stop-shop” for all student needs.
“Compass addresses the need for a centralized, consistently updated platform for mental health and wellness resources, support, and information,” the AMS Executive said.
“Students can also access OnQ, Solus, A&R [Athletics and Recreation] booking, and more through the Compass platform.”
The AMS also recognizes that Queen’s has previously had gaps in centralizing services for students.
“Compass is actively filling the gaps that our institution has by providing a holistic approach to mental health and wellness for students at Queen’s.”
The Compass app will have Queen’s Single Sign-On (SSO) to protect student data and privacy.
“The platform has been fully vetted and secured through Queen’s ITS, passed all safety tests and was determined low risk,” RTZ said.
Along with Compass, the AMS also launched “Dialogue” for student use on Sept. 1.
Dialogue is an online platform that allows students, including those abroad, to virtually connect with multilingual health practitioners through a mobile or web app.
“To further support students’ health and wellness, students covered by the AMS Health & Dental Plan have access to virtual health care,” RTZ wrote.
“Wherever our students are, health care is always just a tap away, and you never have to wait in line at a clinic, 90 per cent of requests receive a response from a health professional within 2 hours.”
