Rockhurst Recognized for Wireless Technology
University Makes Intel’s 2005 Wireless College Campuses List

Rockhurst University was recognized for its extensive wireless network when it was ranked No. 26 on Intel’s 2005 wireless college campuses list in October.

Rockhurst is the only institution in the region to make the nationwide list, which ranks college campuses according to wireless Internet accessibility. Rockhurst is also the only representative of the nation’s 28 Jesuit colleges and universities to earn the distinction.

The rankings are based on the percentage of each college campus that is covered by wireless technology, the number of undergraduate students and the computer-to-student ratio for each school. The data was collected from university interviews, public documents and industry sources.

Rockhurst’s campuswide wireless network was installed in April. Students, faculty and staff can access it from anywhere on campus, including university buildings, the Quad, residence halls and townhouses, even the athletic fields. Some locations on campus already had wireless hot spots with limited range, but the current network covers every inch of campus.

“Most schools have wireless hot spots but don’t have complete coverage,” said Matt Heinrich, associate vice president for administration. The university’s smaller size makes it easier to stretch a wireless network across the entire campus, while this distinction helps position Rockhurst as comparable to more well-known schools such as SLU and Creighton, according to Heinrich.

The ranking serves as recognition of computer services’ mission to provide members of the Rockhurst community with the technology they need to enhance the learning experience. According to Heinrich, it also helps recruit the best students. Prospective students choose a school primarily for its academics, said Heinrich, but wireless technology is another feature they consider that’s becoming increasingly important.

The network was made possible by a grant awarded by the Higher Education Wireless Access Consortium (HEWAC) and WiSE Technologies, which donated the equipment and installation, in November.

Ready to get connected?
To access RU Wireless, all you need is your Rockhurst username, password, wireless-B network adapter and antivirus software on your laptop. Have questions? Read detailed instructions or contact Computer Services.