Entering the computer lab on the third floor of the Delco Building, it’s perplexing to understand why it is in operation. Out of the 21 computers in the lab, only about 10 work properly. Several of the computers have errors, which range from the computer being unable to boot to networking problems, which do not allow students to sign in.
In addition, there’s also a computer covered in wires that looks as if someone was working on it, then decided to leave everything and finish the job later.
Most students enter the lab and shortly walk out due to the low number of available and working computers.
There is a student service fee applied to all enrolled students’ accounts every semester. Therefore, if we are paying for these services, shouldn’t the computers be operating at an acceptable level? At one time students had to bring their own paper to print in the lab.
Recent changes have been made, yet still subpar. Underneath the sign that reads, “Did you bring your printing paper,” is now another that reads, “Please limit your printing.”
Again, it is unfathomable. So, should we, as students who plan to use the lab, still bring our own paper just in case the printer runs out? However, if a student does not pay his tuition and fees, isn’t he dropped from the roll?
It is no longer perplexing but simply unethical for the university to provide this kind of service for their students.
When asked her opinion of the lab, biology major Robin Middleton said, “I think it needs to be upgraded. The printer, and half of the computers don’t work.”
When asked how she felt about having to pay fees every semester, she sighed and replied, “You think since we’re paying for this that it would be better. It makes you wonder, where is our money going?” Robin poses an important question, where is our money going, if we are given services that evidently need much attention and repair?
The first line of the Prairie View A&M Mission statement is, “Prairie View A&M University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service.” We should uphold that.