Sept. 4, 2012
Samantha Morley
[email protected]
Although official enrollment data will not be available until later this week, UCCS is expected to report a record number of freshmen this fall, and many of them needed dorms or other housing close to campus.
Correction:
It has come to the attention of The Scribe that Timberline Village has a shuttle system that runs every day, and R.J. Canales is a senior resident assistant, not a resident assistant. Both buildings should have 70 cable channels, and Internet, if it has not been set up by press time, is expected to be available as early as this week.
Although official enrollment data will not be available until later this week, UCCS is expected to report a record number of freshmen this fall, and many of them needed dorms or other housing close to campus.
To alleviate this problem, the university negotiated a contract with the Sunset Creek Apartments on North Nevada Avenue, allowing 140 students to move in by Aug. 14.
But students living there have pointed out one major downside: no Internet.
All schools ranging from elementary to college level have started to base more of their curriculum on online activities. UCCS is no exception.
Most classes require some form of online interaction to locate assignments, view messages on Blackboard, access student email and complete homework. But students in the Timberline dorms at Sunset Creek do not yet have Wi-Fi access.
“I have to go to the library for Internet,” said freshman Shae Bennett. While some students do not consider it to be a problem, others find it a hassle to catch the shuttle.
The Four Diamonds parking lot is the nearest shuttle bus stop for the Timberline dorms, and students have to walk at least two blocks to reach the lot.
While lack of Internet may mean a lack of distractions for some students, a majority of residents are frustrated and want Internet service to do homework off campus.
“I have to do my math homework on paper instead of online,” said Breanna Frigetto, another freshman living at the Timberline dorms.
The absence of Internet and cable service is due to a lack of a contract agreement between Comcast and UCCS.
“Comcast cables run throughout the Sunset Creek Apartments,” said R.J. Canales, a resident assistant. In order to connect the students’ Internet, UCCS must form an agreement with Comcast directly.
Non-UCCS residents have Wi-Fi access separate of the Whistler and Taos Halls.
“All residents have access to Wi-Fi here,” said a clerk at the Leasing Office. “They can usually get an Internet connection in their apartment.”
The issue is supposed to be resolved by Sept. 10. Cable services should also be provided by this time.