Unigo Launches Mobile App to Connect Students and Help Reduce Drop-Out and Transfer Rates

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Unigo Group, a portfolio company of Aequitas Capital, has launched Urge, a mobile application designed to enable college students to create and plan their own activities, then quickly and easily connect with other students at their school who want to participate.

Download Urge from Apple's App Store at: http://urge.do/download

Urge, a community-driven iPhone app, is an innovative communication tool that allows college students to generate activities, and immediately access other student-generated activities with just the tap of a finger. The app accommodates the spontaneous and flexible nature of college students' schedules, allowing them to discover activities happening at the moment or in the near future, and learn who else is planning to attend. They can organize social gatherings, study groups, or outdoor activities, post the activity on the app, and communicate directly with other students who want to join.

"We know that students are more likely to stay in college if they have a fulfilling social life. Urge encourages students to form strong, healthy bonds with their peers through socializing, outdoor trips, study groups, academic-related activities, and other community-driven pursuits," said Brad McMahon, Senior Vice President of Digital Services at Unigo Group. "But even in today's digital world, it is sometimes difficult for students, especially new ones, to discover what's happening on and around their campus, particularly if they are still forming a circle of friends. Urge makes that process immeasurably easier."

With the Urge app, users can add information to activities such as details on location, time, cost, and whether any gear or supplies are necessary. Once an activity is posted, users can also take advantage of a core feature that allows them to message peers one-on-one or in group settings. Urge profiles include photos, bios, mutual friend lists, and shared interests.

"We like to think of Urge as a peer-to-peer activities marketplace where students can connect around interests, coordinate, and ultimately share an in-person experience," said Kyle Banuelos, who led the development of the Urge app. "Urge plays a vital role in creating a positive, thriving college experience for students."

Urge requires a .edu email to verify college enrollment and Facebook authentication to complete a profile. It is the first mobile product from Unigo Group.

To promote the Urge app, Unigo Group will be traveling to select college campuses via their Urge van throughout November. Follow the Urge van on Twitter by joining the #FindRandy conversation.

Students will have the opportunity to compete for complimentary food days on campus and prizes; enjoy Takeover Tailgate parties at select college football games and upgrade their tickets; and collect free giveaway items.

Promotional events are planned for Arizona State University on Nov. 8; University of Southern California on Nov. 13; and University of California – Los Angeles and Berkeley campuses on Nov. 22.

About Unigo Group
Unigo Group improves students' decision-making and outcomes by providing the most personalized and accurate platform for matching students with schools, financing, rewards and jobs. Our network of targeted web properties delivers over nine million unique consumer interactions each year, while our related private student loan business includes more than 100,000 loans originated and serviced, reflecting more than $300 million in student loans provided.

Unigo Group uses its unique insights and proprietary technologies to provide complete and transparent information that helps higher education consumers choose the right school for their needs and future goals. We improve Return on Education™. From picking a school, to funding your education, to maintaining financial discipline while you build your career, Unigo Group is a trusted and reliable partner.

Unigo Group is a portfolio company of Aequitas Capital. Founded in 1993, Aequitas Capital is a diversified financial services company that creates alternative investments including private equity, private credit and specialty finance. The firm leverages its robust network of industry experts to invest in under-served sectors that drive the overall economy in the areas of education, healthcare and financial services. Aequitas helps its portfolio companies and strategic partners reach their goals by providing management expertise, technology infrastructure and a network of support services. 

Please visit www.UnigoGroup.com  and www.AequitasCapital.com for more information andfollow @Unigo.

CONTACT: Dana Taormina
JCPR
(973) 850-7305
[email protected]

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SOURCE Unigo Group

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