ASU is launching ASU on Facebook, powered by Inigral, Inc., a new Facebook application designed to promote student connections and success.

The application allows students to connect with peers by class subject, major and college, and students can talk with instructors, view class schedules and find other students from the same hometown.

ASU decided to tap into the existing social network site Facebook to provide students with an online tool that accomplishes university goals and reinforces academic and social connections.

“Research shows that when students are connected to their college community they are more likely to stay in school and graduate,” says Elizabeth D. Capaldi, Executive Vice President and Provost at ASU. “Through ASU on Facebook, students will be able to strengthen existing social connections and build new relationships to support them through graduation."

ASU on Facebook communication is publicly displayed; however Facebook account profiles remain private unless users add their ASU on Facebook connections as friends to their account. This allows students to communicate with professors and peers while keeping personal information private.

Future plans include adding clubs and organizations, study abroad and internship information as well as interactive games to the application.

By Fall 2009, prospective students and alumni will also be able to join. ASU plans to use ASU on Facebook to develop connections across these groups by encouraging prospective students to attend and current students to graduate and remain engaged after leaving the University, creating a large ASU network of prospective, current and alumni students.

To access ASU on Facebook, visit facebook.asu.edu.

For more information about Inigral, Inc., visit www.inigral.com.