Wireless network now available in 'hotspots' around campus

Wireless internet is now available at EMU on the first floor of the Campus Center, the second floor of the Commons, and the north end of the Seminary. It will soon be available on the main and third floor of the library, and in Common Grounds.

Students who have wireless internet capability on their computers need to bring their computers to the Information Service desk in the Campus Center to register to the network. They must also read and agree to the "Acceptable Use Policy for Wireless Networks on Campus."

"We are striving to have wireless connectivity in a secure way. We need to know what computer and whose computer is using the service in case there are any problems," said Jack Rutt, director of Information Systems. There is a $10 service fee for computers that are not already registered at IS.

Students with their own wireless access points are only permitted to use them in the resident halls and must register them at IS. They should be in encrypted mode to minimize interference with EMU's service. IS is considering expanding the wireless capability to residence halls and classrooms in the future, but needs to consider the cost and necessity.

"To dedicate $5,000 to wireless was not an insignificant consideration," said Rutt. "Our $250,000 budget keeps the network going with little room for other expenditures."

IS already invested in wireless internet for the dorms, and the faculty has raised concerns about the distractions internet accessibility will cause. "I am sensitive to the issues raised on both sides," said Rutt.