Computer lab to remain open

Despite rumors that the third floor library computer lab will close, university administrators decided Tuesday to keep the lab.

The decision was made yesterday afternoon by Dr. Paul K. Swets, interim dean of the College of Arts and Science, in consultation with the provost, vice provost and vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

"There have been a number of discussions about that room being taken over by the tutoring center," Swets said.

As of the fall, the classroom will remain as a computer lab, he said.

"We didn't feel like we had the ability to shift all of the uses of that classroom in that lab to other units," Swets said.

He said the LC304 classroom computers are important to the Department of Communications, Mass Media and Theatre, as well as the rest of the school.    

Last year the computer lab in the third floor was converted into a tutoring center. According to a Ram Page article published Sept. 9, 2011, 76 computers were lost when that lab was shut down.

Since the commons area in the library has opened, 93 computers, including laptops, have been added to the first floor, Technology Services Analyst Curt Braden said.    

"Considering general use labs, we have 135 machines in the MCS," Braden said.     

With enrollment over 7,000, having about 230 total computers on campus could be seen as inadequate to some.     

"[In the] fall, a year ago, we did not have the 16 express lanes," Braden said. "We have added a total of 16 computers just to MCS. The third floor library only had 96 computers; we already have 93 in the Library Commons, so when you look at it we are 12 machines above what we were a year ago."    

Several students voice concerns that there may not be enough computers on campus.

"We need more computers," junior Tim Maddox said.

Other students agree that more computers are needed on campus    

"I don't think there are enough computers to use in this school, that's for sure," freshman Paige Smith said.    

One student has a suggestion for improving computer access on campus.    

Having a small lab in each building might work out better, junior Vanessa Valdez said.     

Considering the number of students enrolled in the university it would be reasonable to have another lab, senior Miguel Fernandez said.    

While the laptop computers in the Library Commons may not be out in the open ready or to go, they still provide needed computers to the students, Braden said.    

There have been multiple occasions where all of the laptops have been checked out at once, graduate student and IT employee Donna Martinez said.    

One of the main uses of on campus computers is to access the widely used J and P drives.    

"It is possible to access ASU drives off of campus," Information Security Officer Jason Brake said.     

To access the P drive at home, go to the ASU website and click the technology link under services, Brake said. After that click the ASU Network under student links and click the remote icon on that page. From there follow the instructions to access the P drive.    

For other drives such as the J drive students can call the help desk for assistance, Brake said.