U of S embarks on new vision for student computing

Posted September 19, 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 19, 2001 2001-09-11-AR

U of S embarks on new vision for student computing

The University of Saskatchewan today opened a new facility that represents a
significant step in the institution's response to the contemporary
information needs of students. The new Arts 110 computing facility will
provide a variety of information technology (IT) options for students,
helping them to become fully IT capable when they graduate.

"Access to information resources is a fundamental requirement of today's
University experience and the quality of the computing environment has
become an increasingly important issue for students," said U of S President
Peter MacKinnon. "We are proud to introduce this new facility as part of our
commitment to enhancing the student experience and improving the quality of
our programs."

"Information technology is no longer confined to the laboratory, but is an
important component of every field of study as we prepare students for the
21st century workforce," said Rick Bunt, Associate Vice-President
(Information and Communications Technology). "Today's students demand
"anytime, anywhere" access and we must meet that demand by providing more
facilities and a wider variety of styles for accessing IT."

The Arts 110 project addresses a mix of access styles reflecting the diverse
needs of today's student population and different uses to which the facility
will be put. There is a classroom-style portion with capacity for as many as
40 students. The new facility also includes: an area for casual use, either
for individual students or for groups of students working together, an area
for "express" use, for short duration requirements such as checking for
e-mail, course announcements, and grades, and docking stations with both
wired and wireless connections to accommodate students who wish to bring
their own laptops to campus.

The Province of Saskatchewan provided some of the funding for the
construction of the facility through funds targeted for IT in the spring
budget.

"This is an investment in Saskatchewan's future," said Post-Secondary
Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel. "It will improve the
information technology infrastructure at the U of S, enhance the student
learning experience and turn out graduates better prepared to participate in
the global economy."

The remaining funding was re-allocated from existing university budgets.

Over the next few months, the University of Saskatchewan will be making
further announcements in this area, including new public access facilities,
new services, and improved access from both on- and off-campus. These
include a new Learning Commons in partnership with the U of S Libraries,
upgraded Internet service, and several projects in partnership with the
USSU.

For more information, please contact:

Rick Bunt
Associate V.P. (Information & Communications Technology)
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8408