Early risers can now head to the computer labs as early at 7:30 a.m.
As of Oct. 26, the ARC Building, Records Hall, Loree and Tillet computer labs have undergone a shift in hours, now opening at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, according to the New Brunswick Computing Services Web site.
Previously, the computer lab did not open until 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, leaving many pharmacy students scrambling to print out their necessary lecture notes before their 8:40 a.m. classes, said Jonathan Cicci, the vice president of the Class of 2011 for the Pharmacy Governing Council.
This issue was especially problematic to commuter students, said Samantha Llanos, president of the Pharmacy Governing Council.
“Commuter students can’t afford to stay out here late at night to wait for something to print,” Llanos said. “Ten minutes in the morning is not enough time to print anything when you are competing with hundreds of other classmates.”
To combat this problem, Cicci drafted a resolution calling for the opening of the ARC computer lab at 8 a.m.
The Pharmacy Governing Council unanimously agreed on the resolution during an Oct. 6 general meeting.
The council then submitted the resolution to Gregory S. Blimling, the vice president for Student Affairs, and other University officials, Llanos said.
“Then, a week later, things magically changed,” Llanos said.
After hearing rumors from other students that the hours had changed, Llanos received an e-mail from University officials confirming the shift in hours. A sign placed on the front of the computer lab announced the new hours.
The resolution received support from other councils as well, especially the Busch Campus Council, Llanos said.
Although pharmacy students, who rarely have textbooks for their classes and rely mainly on computer print outs for their classes, are greatly affected by this change, Cicci said that the changes will he helpful for everyone.
“Everybody wins in this,” Cicci said. “Anyone who needs to use a computer lab will be able to do so in the morning.”
Though she said the earlier opening hours would not affect her directly, Khadija Subbhan said the change is good for some University students.
“It makes it better in case you have an early class and need to print something out fast,” said Subbhan, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore.
“I am never up at 7:30, but I think it’s good,” said Matthew Hammell, a School of Arts and Sciences junior. “It can’t hurt to open up a little early.”
Hammell said the next problem that needs to be addressed is the early-closing hours of University libraries on weekends.
“Libraries should be more accessible to students, especially since every dorm does not have a student lounge where people can study,” Hammell said.
Both Llanos and Cicci said they are thankful for the change in printing hours and for the quick reaction to the pleas of students.
“A lot of people think the faculty and administration really don’t listen or care, but their focus is the students and they are clearly willing to work with you,” Llanos said.
Computer labs receive alteration in hours
Published: Sunday, November 9, 2008
Updated: Sunday, November 9, 2008
 "Photo: Dan Bracaglia / Staff Photographer")
Dan Bracaglia / Staff Photographer
Students stand by the printers in the Computer Lab at Records Hall on the College Avenue campus. Computer labs recently changed their hours of operation to open at 7:30 in the morning.
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