Students have compiled a report recommending students living in University townhouses have high speed Internet access.
According to Gilbert Cruz, InterHall Vice-President for External Affairs, the report was compiled at the request of University Information Services.
“The goal [of the report] is to spur University Information Services and other administrative bodies into action concerning the urgent need to connect these residences,” the report said.
All University housing, except the townhouses, are connected to the Internet via Ethernet which provides exceptionally fast internet connection. The report says students living in townhouses are alienated from campus life due to the lack of internet access.
A survey conducted by InterHall of the residents of townhouses shows Internet access has become increasingly important in recent years. The report cites reasons the Internet is used, such as e-mail, academic research, Blackboard service, job searches and resume services.
Physical wiring of the townhouses is not likely because of the labor, disruption and cost involved in such a project, according to the report. UIS places the cost of wiring at over $900,000.
The report suggests a wireless option be implemented to bring Internet service to the townhouses.
“With wireless service, there is a network of security issues,” Beth Ann Bergsmark, Associate Director of UIS, said. “We are trying to find other technological solutions to do this in a cost-effective manner.”
InterHall’s report also suggests that UIS distribute information on how to hook up to the internet as a townhouse resident.
“There is a lack of communication with students on such matters … Ideally for the Fall of 2001, there would be a pamphlet of some sort that clearly lays out all possible means that students have to access the Internet from a townhouse,” the report says.
Bergsmark said a page with Internet access information will be inserted in the UIS technology guide, Student Essentials, this fall.
Once UIS receives a recommendation from network teams, a summit of University leaders will be established to discuss wiring the townhouses.
