March 26, 1998

Plemmons Student Union computer lab expanded

Leslie Hitchcock, News Editor

Responding to an increase in student demand, the computer lab in the Plemmons Student Union received 20 new terminals.

The expansion of the computer services included the addition of 15 IBM Personal Computers and five Macintoshes.

There are two reasons behind the increase in the number of computers, said Associate Director of Student Programs Philip Arnold.

The first reason is that the residence halls have computer labs, but since the introduction of card access after certain hours, off-campus students could not use them, said Arnold.

Centrally located, the Student Union is an obvious location for off-campus use, Arnold said.

Secondly, there is a constant demand for computers in the Student Union, said Arnold.

“Previously, there were 16 Macintosh computers and 16 P.C.s, so this was a logical space to have extended use of computers,” Arnold said.

The computers were purchased through Student Development, but were installed by Academic Computing Services, said Arnold.

Another upgrade that will be initiated shortly is the introduction of data ports in Wiseman’s View Lounge and Tradewinds Coffee Shop, Arnold said.

“We plan on putting 16 data ports in Wiseman’s View Lounge and eight data ports in the coffee shop,” said Arnold.

According to Arnold, there will be electrical outlets as well as data ports in the two rooms.

Several quiet study tables remain in the computer lab, but most of them were moved to the Alpine Lounge, Arnold said.

The additional computers was a joint effort between Student Development and Academic Computing Services (ACS, said Director of ACS Dr. Doug May.

“The computer labs have been staffed by ACS for about a year now,” said May.

According to May, the budget is assessed to try to upgrade computers in the residence halls.

“We’re trying to keep up (with student demand), and we’re doing it as fast as we can,” he said.

May said that ACS and Student Development are going to provide additional terminals in the Student Union on which students can check e-mail.

This will alleviate the heavy usage in the computer lab, said May.
 
 
 
 

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