First, the Student Residence Halls present a primary concern when it comes to the Wi-Fi issues. In an effort to see how big a problem this might be, the IT Department provided a professional survey to all residents. The survey did show how upset all the residents are. It found that in each of the residences, the Wi-Fi capability was over-strained. They had a very high-speed internet access through LAN cable, which unfortunately most people couldn’t access.
As a result, the university is trying to raise funds from donors to help underwrite the expenses of new equipment. Hubbard, Blue and Gold, as well as the apartments and the other residence halls, will have the most advanced Wi-Fi out this summer.
Doster noted that the Apartments have a different Wi-Fi system, which doesn’t have the issue of signal interference, than do the other residence halls. Thankfully, our university cares about our opinions enough to make a strong effort to fix the problem causing so much strife. In terms of covering the expenses, Doster said, “I think the school is just going to grin and bear it.”
The second location troubled by Wi-Fi connectivity issues is the Commuters’ Lounge. Here, it is nearly impossible to do homework over the internet most of the time, according to the “regulars” who frequent the Lounge.
Before I asked Doster about the problem in the Commuters’ Lounge, he was not aware of it. The survey the school conducted about internet service in the residence halls did not include commuters nor did it include faculty and staff. Given how earnest Doster was to get this problem resolved, this unawareness should not be misconstrued as a lack of concern. It was a question they weren’t aware they needed to ask.
As soon as I brought this concern to his attention, Doster got a look of understanding in his eyes, and after verbal acknow-ledgment, he made certain this would be handled. His hands typed with deli-berateness on his keyboard without hesitation. The IT Department is committed to ensuring that we as students have an optimal working environment.
Photographs this page by Brandon Ampel
David Doster, Reinhardt's IT Director
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