Having Wi-Fi connections is an important resource for college students. Pitt-Johnstown administrators had announced that campus Wi-Fi would be up and running by Oct. 1. However, there has been a delay and still at least one campus area remains unconnected.
According to Finance and Administration Vice President Amy Buxbaum, some areas were not connected Oct. 1 because of glitches that have to do with a new piece of equipment called a wireless controller, which needed to be reprogrammed several times.
“We have been working closely with the (Computer Services and Systems Development) staff in Oakland (who) are responsible for programing the controller on those glitches,” Buxbaum said.
The Living and Learning Center was the first to get a connection, but would only have it for a short time then would lose it. As of now, the signal is holding and the remaining buildings can be pulled onto the network.
Sophomore business major Ashley Jackson a LLC resident said that the delay wasn’t much of an interference.
“I did use it once on my computer since we have been connected but it isn’t very good, and I never get Wi-Fi on my phone when I am in my room,” Jackson said.
Installation was another factor. Unlike all the other buildings Willow Hall does not have ceiling tiles. Information Technology staff had to cut out the ceiling to install the access points.
However, because of these glitches, the staff was needed to work on the wireless controller. IT staff returned to work on Willow Hall Oct. 10. Once all access points are installed, the building will be able to go online.
Sophomore biology major Amanda Spearman was frustrated with the delay.
“I have a short Ethernet cord, and it can’t reach my desk so I would have to work in bed, where I don’t get anything done,” Spearmen said.
Despite the glitches, Buxbaum said obstacles have been and will be overcome.
“We are very excited about the wireless project, although disappointed that we experienced a couple of obstacles that caused a brief delay in some of our buildings,” Buxbaum said.