Budget cuts close computer lab

Lauren Francis, Staff Writer

Students returned to campus this fall to various changes, one of these being the elimination of the 24-hour computer lab that was located on the first floor of Smith Hall

A survey was taken of 600 students last spring, most of whom owned a personal laptop or desktop computer, and therefore used the Computer Lab mainly for printing. Consequently, Derek Densberger, Chief Information Officer, alongside other members of the IT Department and administration decided that it was in the best financial interest of the university to shut down the lab.

After a school-wide budget cut of $2.5 million, the IT Department as well as each department on campus was forced to reevaluate its spending and make budget changes. In addition to the $50,000 that was spent on the lab’s student worker wages were the $75,000 for the routine computer updates every three years.

“We did expect some backlash from the students,” Densberger said. “But after monitoring the usage for two years in the computer lab and seeing that between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. numbers were very low, we had to make some changes in order to be cost efficient.”

Returning students were confronted with this change without prior warning, which has caused a stir on campus.

“I think it is the general consensus of the students that this is not a positive change,” senior Jamie Bransom said.

Many students claim that although they had their own computers, they relied on the lab as a place to study or print, away from the distraction of their rooms or floors. Other students are especially concerned with the lack of computers and printers that will be available for student use prior to finals week.

Senior Amanda Lawson agreed with Bransom saying “Realistically, what other universities do not have a 24-hour computer lab open for their students?

Although students saw this as a step back for the University, Densberger defended the decision as part of something that needed to change at the University.

“Many schools spend three to four years slowly making the financial adjustments Vanguard has had to make in the past six months,” Densberger said. “And with that comes hard decision.”

He made the point that the IT Department and administration will continually discuss and reevaluate this adjustment.

“I would probably say that it is not a permanent change,” Desnberger said. “If after three or four months we see a change needs to be made, we will make it. The IT Department takes the voice of the students very seriously as well as their use of the technology at this university.”

Although the 24-hour computer lab is not an option at this time, students can take advantage of a few other places on campus for their typing and printing needs. There are a number of smaller department labs available to students including the Communication lab, Math and Science lab, undergraduate and graduate Psychology lab, sociology lab, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) lab, and graduate Education lab. All of these labs are private and students pay a lab fee for their department to gain access. In addition to the existing Math and Science lab, which is primarily used for classroom teaching, ten computers were put on the second floor of the library that will be accessible during its regular operating hours. In response to the higher usage of the lab during finals week, the computer classroom located in Scott Academic Center will be open for 24 hours two weeks prior to finals, November 23^rd-December 6^th.

Densberger also hopes that by Christmas, multiple printing kiosks will be placed around campus from which students can print at any time. Although the intention was to have these ready for students in the fall, he reiterated his department’s commitment to the students’ needs.

“We missed the mediation window,” Densberger said. “But we are working our hardest to ensure students have access to everything they need at this University.”

Students are encouraged to go to the IT department with any questions or concerns regarding this change.