To the Editors:

Over the past few weeks the administration has had several meetings with students to discuss the ramifications of the decision to close the Biggs Lab in Stevenson Hall this summer. Student representatives have offered to work with us early this summer as we continue to address issues related to the Biggs closing; their input on this matter has been very helpful.

Many points have been raised as we have talked with students about computing needs, the main ones being that there is a need for a 24-hour computing facility (beyond what the small labs in Kade and Lord Saunders provide) and that during peak periods of each semester there is a need for additional public machines (beyond those that will remain after Biggs is closed).

We appreciate the strength of the student response to the closing of Biggs and the importance of providing adequate computing facilities to all students, particularly those who do not have computers of their own. We will identify a new 24-hour facility on central or north campus. We have not yet identified a set location for additional public computers, but we plan to replace a number of the machines being lost with the closing of Biggs.

Through continued conversations, creative thinking, and ongoing work we are confident that, despite space and money limitations, we will be able to meet the needs of students.

–John Bucher
Director of Information Technology