At the start of the semester, students were not only greeted with many outer renovations of the Lewis campus, but also received surprises with the interior technological advancements.
One major project completed before classes resumed was the re-numbering of rooms in every building throughout campus. The Crisis Management Planning Committee recommended re-numbering rooms to ensure consistency for directing emergency services, such as fire, police and paramedic/ambulance equipment, and personnel, without delay to the areas on campus potentially in need of this assistance.
To reduce confusion, the new numbers and old number system are being kept in place until the end of the fall semester.
The new print stations in the library use 30 to 60 percent less toner and paper.
The library has been renovated with a new Impact Lab and received new print release stations, which have been placed in all public labs throughout campus. The print release stations, according to John Dalby, the chief information technology officer, are cost efficient and will allow Lewis to use 30 to 60 percent less toner and paper. They will also lower paper jams and waiting time.
The technology department has also installed 12 to 14 projectors, which allow 80 percent of the classrooms to have access to mounted projectors. Some of the smaller classrooms had flat screen television sets built which was more cost efficient, said Helene Bourgault, the director of instructional technology.
Lewis has also obtained approximately 300 news computers on campus, and a third of faculty and staff received new laptops. Technology adjustments with the computers include iTunes and Wireless Internet connection throughout campus. According to Kylen Mills, a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism, it seems that the wireless connection has not improved. “As far as the Internet connection goes, I’ve had my laptop in several dorms and gotten no service. I’ve tried to get my laptop connected to wireless in North Hall and was unable to,” said Mills. Mills also had heard that the fourth floor of Founders Hall did not receive wireless connection either.
Dalby announced that Lewis would continue to close the dead spots on campus.
E-mail addresses for students were also converted to Google services. Google provides students with extra inbox space and quality spam filters, according to Bourgault. Students with full inboxes using the old e-mail services, and those who have sent applications through their old e-mails, will have until December to access their old e-mail accounts.
“I do like the g-mail,” said Mills, “mainly because it has a much better memory space. With the old Lewis account, I would constantly be over the size limit if I didn’t check my e-mail everyday.”
Students are reminded to check their e-mail regularly. Last semester there were instances when students would drive to school when campus was closed due to poor weather conditions because they did not check their inbox. Dalby insists that students update their Send Word Now contact information so they are aware of any emergency update. The Send Word Now can be directed to a student’s cell phone, home phone and email account. However, all emergency information will automatically be sent to the Google account.
With the opening of the Dorothy Day Hall, technology was upgraded throughout the new building, along with key-card lock systems for the residents, which were also added to Sheil Hall and South Hall.
The Nursing lab was enhanced with more complex technology to make it more compatible with hospitals today.
“This was one of the busiest summers,” said Bourgault.
The technology department is still progressing. There will be more emergency phones, as well, planned to be completed by October.
If students have any questions or concerns about the technology advancements, they can contact Bourgault at bourgahe@lewisu.edu or call at (815) 836- 5944.
Nicole Zwartz
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