Skip the lines: WSU launches app for faster food, funds

From staff reports

A new app could help students avoid long food lines between classes and order on-campus dining options for delivery.

The app, called GET, features two sections: GET Food and GET Funds. Students and faculty can order food for pick-up at locations across campus, or manage their RDA and Cougar Cash accounts.

“You can deposit money and order food all in one motion,” said Craig Howard, the director of WSU’s Administrative Services Information Systems. “You’re carrying it all with you.”

In order to make purchases, users must log in with their WSU identification number, and pay using either Cougar Cash or RDA funds. Users can convert money from their debit or credit accounts within the app. Or, parents and guardians can use it to make deposits into their student’s account.

“Everyone walks around with their phones, but not necessarily with their laptops,” said Sarah Larson, an associate director of Dining Services. “Now, you can surreptitiously order food from your phone during the last 10 minutes of class.”

Released on Tuesday, the app is ready for download at the App Store for iOS users. An Android release date has not been secured, but is expected by the end of the month.

“Overall, it will save students time,” said Sharae Randall, the CUB’s executive director of marketing and communications. “It can hopefully get students through quicker.”

The app’s current locations are Carlita’s, Freshens and Gridiron in the CUB. Carlita’s and Freshens have designated pick-up lines, and Flix Express offers delivery. Future locations will include the espresso stand in Lighty, Reunion in the CUB, and Cyber Café in the CUE.

Users can save their favorite foods and delivery locations for easy ordering, search for a specific food to see what location they should order from, and view their order history. Those without smartphones can place orders from dining.wsu.edu/getfood.

At some locations, GET orders are accepted at times that differ from that location’s actual hours. Some foods may not be available for online ordering due to this policy, such as breakfast burritos from Carlita’s.

GET is produced by CBORD, a company that specializes in campus and cashless card systems.

The app is used at colleges across the country, including Brown University and Montana State University, as well as some non-academic organizations.

Reporting by Alysen Boston