Residence Halls Go Wireless This Fall
July 26, 2010SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 26, 2010 -- Springfield College residence halls will be equipped for wireless access to electronic communications when students return to the campus for the fall semester.
"This is a robust wireless network exploiting the latest technology standards," said Danny Davis, Springfield College chief information officer. "It not only will enable us to deliver current technology, but also will frame us to provide future technologies as they emerge."
Routers are being installed in residence halls this summer. Wireless access in residence halls, along with other zones already wireless on the campus, will serve the full range of Wi-Fi electronic communications devices, such as iPads, iPhones, laptop computers, cell phones, and other products.
"Students have a need to be totally plugged-in," said David Braverman, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "It’s not just useful and helpful, it’s essential. Wireless access is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation, like a lock on a door.
"Use of electronics for academic success, social pursuits and personal use is increasingly important. For example, students conduct research online, use computers to write papers, and submit papers electronically. They communicate electronically with their teachers and group project partners," he said.
"When I told the SOAR leaders about this recently, the reaction was that this is one of the best developments imaginable; our campus gets better and better," he added.
Shepard Allen, a fourth-year student of exercise science, said that wireless access will make residence halls more convenient. "We’ll be able to have multiple computers in the same room for group projects and not have to deal with wires. We’ll also be able to create our own hubs."
Justin Felisko, a third-year student of communications/sports journalism, echoed Allen’s enthusiasm saying, "When I heard about this, I was really excited."
In addition to residence halls, other wireless zones on the campus are Cheney Dining Hall, Schoo-Bemis Science Center, the Wellness and Recreation Complex, Babson Library, the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, and the foyer of the Allied Health Sciences Center.
