GoalQuest Inc. today announced the successful implementation of UScene, a Web-based product that enables prospective students, admits and current students to explore on and off-campus venues as part of their GoalQuest program experience. Through this service, a GoalQuest editorial team composes reviews of area venues; the content is then offered to students participating in one of the company’s recruiting, yield or retention programs. GoalQuest began offering UScene – part of its Universe™ suite of tools – to all of its clients last fall. There are no additional fees associated with the UScene component.

Students can explore UScene reviews while browsing the various recruiting and retention topics within a larger GoalQuest program. For example, after completing a GoalQuest FYRe™ (Freshman Year Retention) activity on time management, a student can peruse UScene reviews of area entertainment/cultural spots, restaurants and local shopping options. An optional feature allows students to rate each destination and add their own personal review. These ratings are stored in a database so that students can later browse destinations by popularity and other factors.

During the company's program Setup phase, GoalQuest interviews students and staff alike to understand the unique activities available on campus and in the surrounding area. An editorial project team assigns researchers and writers to develop a list of key destinations, which is submitted for client approval and expansion.

GoalQuest writers create "insider" reviews of each venue or activity, editing the content with input from school administrators and designated student-experts. GoalQuest then integrates topics into the program, strategically placing them to optimize overall program engagement in each client's GoalQuest initiative. Reviews may include photos, maps, directions, business hours and contact information.

UScene was designed to work seamlessly with other GoalQuest Universe modules, such as UPeers™ and UBlog™, which let program participants start conversations, find study partners and develop friendships within safe, secure virtual communities.

"UScene is an important part of our strategy to acquaint new students with on and off-campus venues where they can take in a movie or cultural event, enjoy an outdoor activity or simply relax with friends," said Jade Smith, director of first year programs at LMU. "We believe our UScene initiative complements our existing first year programs by giving students another way to reach out and connect with their new community. Because most UScene venues are within easy striking distance of campus, they may also encourage students to spend more of their weekends on campus exploring the many excellent opportunities that await them."

According to Peter Kraft, GoalQuest chief executive officer and co-founder, "Numerous factors draw prospects toward a particular university while encouraging matriculated students to remain. While each school's academic choices, location and cost of attendance continue to be extremely important to recruitment and retention, getting students excited about their social and recreational options is another key component in developing long-lasting affinities with the place they will call home while in college."

About Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount, a private four-year Catholic university in the Jesuit/Marymount tradition, was founded in 1911. The University is located in Los Angeles, Calif., and is the only Jesuit/Marymount university in the world. With 5,466 undergraduate and 1,637 graduate students, LMU employs 380 full-time and 427 part-time faculty members. Loyola Marymount is committed to developing the "whole person" - in mind, heart and spirit - through the liberal arts and sciences.

About GoalQuest
GoalQuest Inc. is a New York City-based software company specializing in innovative solutions for higher education. The company's proprietary software assists colleges and universities in maximizing recruiting, enrollment yield, retention, parent communication and advancement efforts. Its suite of products, including eCRUIT™, FYRe™, PICS™ and AlumNet™ as well as its Universe™ tools such as UPeers™ and UPortfolio™, are based on a revolutionary technology that immerses participants in highly interactive content. The tools provide clients with a full-featured reporting center and automated activity alerts that monitor the real-time interest trajectory of users. GoalQuest is a NASPA strategic partner. For additional information about GoalQuest, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.goalquest.com or e-mail info@goalquest.com.