September 15, 2016
(THE PICKET) – In the first few weeks of the fall 2016 semester, the university made efforts to enhance internet access.
The visible additions were Wi-Fi access points in Kenamond, Shaw, Thatcher and Turner halls. New infrastructure was installed in both Shaw and Thatcher to improve speed and performance of the Wi-Fi network with new infrastructure coming soon to Kenamond and Turner.
“Over the last two years, the university has been upgrading its Wi-Fi technology in the residence halls,” James Vigil, the vice president for administration, said in an email.
Vigil explains how the university wants to enhance residents’ technology experience. This includes expanding Wi-Fi coverage and creating a more robust infrastructure to reduce dead spots and to accommodate the increasing number of devices students have on the network.
It’s not just residents reaping the benefits of improved internet access. Fourteen new Wi-Fi access points were added in the library, and the Rams Den offers internet access to students as long as their device is registered on the network.
“We will be deploying an additional 200 Wi-Fi access points throughout campus during the academic year to enhance Wi-Fi for all students,” Vigil said.
Vigil recognized that while the university has been making improvements to the Wi-Fi network, some students still have difficulty connecting their devices to the network. He advises those students to seek assistance from the IT Department.
The IT Service Desk is in the basement of Scarborough Library, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Their phone number is 304-876-5457. They can be reached by email at itworkorder@shepherd.edu and more information can be found online at www.shepherd.edu/itservices.
Westley Elkins is a staff writer for The Picket. He can reached by email at jelkin01@rams.shepherd.edu or followed on Twitter @WesElkins.