Simmons CollegeComputers Summary

Written by Krista Evans

Krista Evans

Hometown

Florence, AL

Major

Political Science/International Relations

View all previous student authors

Congratulations—you have graduated high school to be greeted by four years of computer addiction. The chime of Instant Messenger can be heard from every dorm room, and the obsession to check e-mail or Web-CT for homework assignments multiple times a day is contagious. But first years beware: Unlike the protection your home computers have, plugging into the dorm rooms can result in a flood of viruses. To combat attacks to the computer networks, virus clinics are scheduled on the Residence Campus. Technology staff is largely made up of Wentworth co-ops running around campus and fielding phone calls from panicking students. Resident students should bring their own computers, unless they enjoy planning their schedule around openings in the Residence Campus labs. But even students with their own computers opt to save files on the network and print in the labs to save money on ink.

The Ethernet network requires patience at times, but, overall, it works reliably. At the main Academic Campus, the four classroom computer labs are less crowded, but don't wait to print your papers out because you'll run the risk of the lab closing for a class. Several departments host their own computer labs. The library provides space for wireless networking and even has a laptop loaning program. Other computers scattered around the main campus are Express Web Stations wired for basic e-mail and Internet usage. Technology is increasing at Simmons. Professors are encouraged to explore the WebCT resources and post assignments, schedules, and discussion boards online.