University of Missouri

Jan. 27, 2020
Contact: Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, basic@missouri.edu 

The University of Missouri is conducting a pilot of the SpotterEDU app with approximately 20 courses this semester. Participation in the pilot, offered to fewer than 2% of MU students, is completely optional. If a student does not want to use the app to track their attendance, they will be required to check in with their professor through an alternate method, such as signing an attendance sheet.

SpotterEDU uses technology that allows faculty to collect reliable and non-invasive attendance records. In order for the technology to work, a student must elect to download the SpotterEDU app. The app’s beacons connect with students’ phones through Bluetooth technology. No GPS tracking is enabled, meaning the technology cannot locate the students once they leave class.

Students may select whatever means of attendance recording that they choose.

MU academic leaders will be assessing whether the technology results in improved attendance, which previous studies have shown is the number one indicator of academic success. This is part of ongoing efforts at Mizzou to support student success.