Computer Lab at Arkansas Union Will be Closed When Classes Start

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The popular and heavily used general-access computer lab in the Arkansas Union will be unavailable to students for at least the first two weeks of classes. University Information Technology Services crews are ready to install 115 computers and several additional features to the lab, but they are waiting for the furniture to arrive.

The lab should re-open the week of Sept. 8.

“This upgrade was badly needed – there hadn’t been a significant change in the computer lab since it opened 15 years ago,” said Susan Adkins, deputy chief information officer for IT Services. “We did a survey of students who use the lab, asking what they would like to see in the upgrade. The biggest request was for more computers. So, when the remodeled lab is finished we’ll have 30 more computers for students to use. We’ll also have a large team room with projection equipment, a quiet lab area for students who need to work without distractions, as well as new furniture and carpeting. It’s going to be a great place for students to work.”

The lab was originally scheduled to open during the first week of classes, but the furniture delivery was delayed by two weeks. Once the furniture arrives the IT Services crews are ready to work evenings and weekends to get everything installed and operational.

While the lab remains closed, IT Services has set up additional computers in both the Student Technology Center at the Arkansas Union and in the Mullins Library.

Additional computer labs managed by IT Services remain open for students to use in the following locations: the Administrative Services Building, Room 153; the J.B. Hunt Transportation Services Center for Academic Excellence, Room 253; and the Northwest Quad, Building B.