Dylon Harrison
Staff Writer
On Aug. 15, ISU announced that Wi-Fi will now be free to all current students and this policy change is not expected to reduce internet access across campus.
The Information Technology Services (ITS) department is still figuring out the details on refunding students who already bought a computer account for the semester, but the
refunds are expected to go out by mid-Sept. Students should contact ITS if they
do not receive this refund by the end of Sept.
ISU’s new president, Kevin Satterlee, made the decision to discontinue the fee, in
collaboration with ITS. This was Satterlee’s first major presidential initiative. He has also said the school will cover the difference in the IT budget caused by the removal of the computing fee.
“From my perspective, students pay enough fees already, and this is just a way to reduce
some of the additional fees,” said IT Service’s Chief Information Officer, Randy Gaines.
Prior to this year, the computer account fee generated about half a million dollars for ISU Technology, and was purchased by thousands of students.
For students living on campus, these computer accounts are the only way to have consistent
WiFi where they live.
“Wireless and the computer lab is the big deal,” Gaines said. “Wireless access and computer lab access is pretty critical, so I’m excited that students no longer have to pay
for that.”
Students will continue to receive a printing allowance for use of ISU printers. Like the accounts,
this allowance will be free. However, it has been reduced to $15, from the $25
students have had in previous years.
The change is based on the average amount of printing done by ISU students in a semester. If a student exceeds this limit and needs to print something for academic reasons, they can contact ITS and attempt to receive an additional allowance, to help meet all academic requirements.
Gaines said the main reason the spending cap is placed on printing is to make students consider if what they’re printing is necessary. This helps to avoid wasting paper.
“There are a lot of classes that require computer accounts,” said sophomore Victoria Steckline.
“It’s nice for older students, but there’s also a limited range issue.”
Multiple students have expressed concern in the quality of ISU’s WiFI possibly declining, but ITS does not expect this to happen.
“I’m freaking elated,” said junior, Stephanie Kinsey, who lives in an apartment off campus.
“It’s not worth it to buy WiFi for the ten hours a week I’m on campus.”
One of her classes requires a computer account. Otherwise, she had not planned to purchase one. “I would have been paying $35 for a class that I’ve already paid tuition for,” Kinsey said.
Students have reacted positively to the change in the computer account policy on social media and occasionally in person.
The original announcement of the policy change only specifically included the plans for the
2018-2019 academic year.
ITS works with ASISU to try to meet student needs as well as possible, but they welcome
feedback from all students. Any students with questions are encouraged to reach
out to 208-282-HELP.
