Office of Public Affairs

(315) 312-2265

Aug. 26, 2003


CONTACT: Mary Schoeler, 312-5500


VERIZON, CAMPUS CONNECT TO INCREASE WIRELESS ACCESS

    OSWEGO -- SUNY Oswego students and faculty will discover an increased ability to use wireless computers in some renovated classrooms and common areas, thanks to a partnership between Verizon and the campus Instructional Technologies office.

    The first phase, equipping nine classrooms and some open spaces in Rich Hall as wireless zones, is complete, said Mary Schoeler, chief technology officer at SUNY Oswego. Rich Hall recently reopened after renovations to convert it into the new home of the college's School of Business.

    "Our security measures will permit users who have a SUNY Oswego account to download software to enable them to access the wireless system securely," Schoeler said.   

    Verizon has proven a generous partner in the process, she said, donating an engineering site survey that ensured that the areas of the building developed as wireless will work correctly.

    "They made sure to include our workers in the installing and setting up to show us how to do the required site surveys in the future," Schoeler noted.   

    The total costs of these services furnished by Verizon without charge have yet to be completely determined, but it is estimated they will be in excess of $50,000.

    "They helped defray a large portion of start-up costs," Schoeler said. "The first time, setup costs for this system are significant, but then growing it will be easier."

    Workers target October as the finish date for the next phase -- for the renovated Johnson Hall lobby and lounge and the new cafe in Penfield Library. Plans call for all academic common areas undergoing renovation or construction in the future to accommodate wireless access.

    Schoeler noted that the wireless initiative is a part of the college's Engagement 2000 strategic plan and its goal to strengthen campus use of technology in support of student learning. It also encourages students to become fluent in the most modern tools to become better prepared for future endeavors.


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Workers from campus and Verizon set up a wireless zone in a Rich Hall classroom.


WITHOUT A WIRE -- Nicole Decker (left), network administrator for SUNY Oswego's Network Services, and Verizon Technical Specialist Kathy Federico (right) test computer network wireless access points in preparation for their installation in one of several Rich Hall classrooms at SUNY Oswego. From left are campus workers Greg Fuller, associate network administrator, and technical support professionals David Kahn and Matt Tunis. Classrooms in Rich Hall, the recently renovated home of Oswego's School of Business, were part of the first phase of a project that will increase the number of places on campus allowing wireless access for computers. 



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