The school’s computer network offers a combination of excellent speed and firewall protection. It extends all over the school, including the dorms, and even students who live off campus can access it through a dial-up connection. Unfortunately, even though there is a large 24-hour computer lab that is well equipped with the latest PCs and software, as well as computer labs for each department, the dorms, and the student center, it can be difficult to actually find a free computer at certain times of the day. While the administration is taking steps to improve the current computer:student ratio, the reality is that most people just bring their own computers either to the computer lab, their dorms, or anywhere else on campus that they can link up to the wireless network. In addition to the school wireless network, wireless access is also available at all of the coffeeshops and bookstores in the city for those students who find themselves in need of Web access while they’re spending time off campus.
The technical support staff on campus is always capable whenever students come to them seeking help with their own computers or with any equipment in the computer lab. The main lab is broken up into sections; in addition to the computer room, there is a mini-lounge with vending machines, sofas, chairs, tables, TVs, and restrooms, as well as computer stations where students can check their campus e-mail. There is a basic set of rules to abide by in the computer room; students cannot eat, drink, or use their cell phones, and there is a 30-page-a-day printing limit—it’s rarely enforced, though.