The Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center will be the next building on campus to receive wireless Internet.  

   “It’s not official yet,” said Sandra Campbell, director of the library. “We will not be implementing it until January. We don’t have all the proper policies and procedures in place.” 

   Once implemented, the wireless signal would cover about three-fourths of the library. Campbell said it would benefit students just because of how convenient it would be for them to use their laptops.  

   Earlier this year, the campus introduced wireless Internet in Room 120 of the Memorial Classroom Building. And while only a few access points exist on campus, the university plans to gradually install more. Departments expressing interest in the technology include the School of Education, Math and Science, and Forestry. 

   Due to some misconceptions and a signal that only shows up occasionally, some thought the Writing Center in the MCB maintained wireless Internet. According to Bobby Hoyle, director of Information Technology, it does not. 

   “It (the wireless signal in the Writing Center) is not coming from here,” said Diane Payne, professor of English. “I think someone in a dorm has it. They (the IT department) told us not to use it. 

   Payne said she could occasionally pick up two different signals in the Writing Center: “Weevil Guest” and “Internet Oasis.” 

   “It can’t be very good if it’s only now and then,” she said. “I wish we had it. They hardly ever use the ones down the hallway (MCB 120). They should have put it in here where people are. Too bad they didn’t hook it up where students can use it.” 

   In order to meet state regulations, the IT department purchased a wireless card controller, which allows wireless to be pushed across campus as funds become available. Prior to a few months ago, the campus did not possess the proper equipment to meet state regulations for wireless.  

   “I do not know what buildings will get wireless next, but I do know there are plans to make more of them wireless,” Hoyle said.  “Forestry has a request in to purchase access points. It will take hundreds of access points to make all of the campus wireless.”  

   Jay Jones, chief financial officer, asked the Information Technology department to put together an estimate of how much it would cost to make the entire campus wireless, according to Hoyle.  

   “It (the university’s wireless connection) is encrypted and authenticated, meaning it protects the end user,” Hoyle said. “That’s the person that’s actually connecting, whether it be a student, or faculty or staff member.” 

   Hoyle said the IT department was just setting the core foundation for wireless, and a lot of work still needed to be done