Temple University students with laptops will soon be able to surf the Internet over a wireless network in the Student Center.
For those without, a laptop loan program is in the works.
“We are trying to set up [a sort of] cyber café,” said Vice President of Computer Services Timothy O’Rourke, who initiated the program.
“We have made the Student Center wireless so that students can go eat lunch or dinner and check their e-mail.”
There are plans to extend the wireless network throughout the University’s main campus but funding is still an issue, according to O’Rourke.
“My goal is to generate interest in wireless capabilities on campus,” he said.
“This is the way to generate interest–[the wireless network] is all throughout the [Student Center].”
Students who do not have laptops with wireless capabilities will be able to borrow one through a new program through the Office of Student Affairs and Computer Services.
The program, called Surf Station, is open to students, faculty and staff who have at least $10 in a Diamond Dollars account and a University e-mail address.
Students will be able to borrow a laptop for a two-hour period when the Student Center is open.
Borrowing is free for the two hours, however, “if you keep it out for more than two hours, we are going to charge you a hefty rate,” said O’Rourke.
A late fee of $10 per hour is planned.
Twenty-five PC laptops will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the information desk near the front entrance of the Student Center.
Borrowers must present a valid Temple ID and a second photo ID.
The first time a laptop is borrowed, users must sign a contract claiming responsibility for the equipment in case something happens.
The Student Center laptop loan program is being run in conjunction with the wireless network.
A trial period for both was scheduled for this week and the full program is set to begin on Monday, Feb. 17.
Existing laptop owners will also have access to the wireless network, which provides access to the Internet as well as Microsoft Office.
Laptop owners will have to register their computers with Computer Services as well as have a wireless network card.
The Surf Station program is separate from the existing PC-Loaner program operating out of the Tuttleman Learning Center.
The PC-Loaner program is supervised by Dawn Boggs, who manages the circulation department in Paley Library.
The program rents out laptops to students on a first-come, first-serve basis from room 100 in the Tuttleman Learning Center for two-day periods at a nominal charge.
Students must present a valid student ID and have purchased a rental card–$25 for 12 rentals, $10 for five. Program users must also be in good standing with the library.
The PC-Loaner program operates Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
“[Surf Station] is more of a cyber café program,” said O’Rourke. “The laptop does not leave the [Student Center].”
Sarah Watson can be reached at srwatson@temple.edu.
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