The Student Technology Fee Oversight Committee continued its discussion about wireless improvements on campus yesterday afternoon at its last meeting of the semester.
Jane Cassidy, newly-appointed STF Oversight Committee chairperson and vice provost for Human Resources and Facilities Management, reminded the committee that current costs and projects must be covered before any money can be allocated to further wireless improvements.
The committee collectively decided to cut any wireless improvements from Patrick F. Taylor Hall until upcoming construction and renovations are completed.
Alex Grashoff, Student Government Speaker of the Senate, said it does not make sense to update a system that will not be used for two years, when technology could upgrade by then.
Information Technology Services plan to be included in the renovation process.
Grashoff said he hopes the Patrick F. Taylor renovation project will not be like that of the Business Education Complex, which did not take wireless technology placement into consideration.
The committee continued to discuss prioritizing which campus locations to improve.
Last month, The Daily Reveille reported unfavorable student opinion about Wi-Fi access in Lockett Hall and Middleton Library.
At the meeting, the committee concluded that Middleton wireless improvements should be top priority, as it sees more traffic.
If funds are available, ITS will be able to decide where to spend them on wireless improvements.
“I trust ITS to make decisions about what they can and can’t complete,” said Thomas Rodgers, SG Graduate Council president.
The upper level Student Union lab and second floor Middleton labs are set to close by the end of the semester.
Schwartzenburg said library staff would likely see the soon-to-be empty space used for students, not faculty.
Michael Smith, director of User Support and Student IT Enablement, said printing will continue to be available in the upper Union, and ITS is currently researching other possibilities for the Student Union, including technology that would allow for printing via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
The committee is not set to meet again this semester, but did approve the SG president and Cassidy to make decisions about changes of $25,000 or less.
“It’s not about where you’re using [Wi-Fi] in class. It’s just about where you’re using it.”
Student Technology Fee Oversight Committee chairperson Jane Cassidy speaks during the Student Tech Fee Meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2014 in Thomas D. Boyd Hall.
