Wireless service upgraded in residence halls

In response to growing demand and expectations, high capacity wireless access is being deployed throughout the residence halls, Student Center and Crites Hall. According to Chief Information Officer, Ann Burk, the high capacity wireless is the first phase of upgrades to the campus network. Other upgrades include switch replacements in campus buildings and redundant fiber connections between those buildings and the network core located in Miller Hall.

Burk said a primary focus of the CSC Information Technology Department is to provide a strong, secure network infrastructure and this upgrade will improve wireless and wired access, backbone speed and ease network management.

In addition to wireless improvement, returning students will notice a change with cable television in the residence halls.

CSC will add 50 to 60 large screen televisions and provide cable service to common areas throughout the residence halls, the Student Center and the Nelson Physical Activity Center. Residents will also be able to contract directly with Great Plains Communications for in-room access.

Jon Hansen, vice president of enrollment management and student services, said the move from supplying in-room cable to providing it in dozens of common areas is an active response to a survey conducted in the spring of 2016.

“The students indicated high usage of streaming video services, as well as minimal use of cable television. This shift in the method students’ use to access entertainment mirrors the societal shift in entertainment,” Hansen said. “This is a positive change for residential students and will significantly enhance their ability to access educational resources and entertainment sources.”