Next year, the way Residential Computing and ITSS are funded for in-room network connections and local land-based telephones will change, as will the way students obtain those services. In the past, said services were available to on-campus students who wanted them, and those who signed up were charged accordingly on the monthly telecom bill from ITSS.
What Is It?
Beginning in 2005-06, all students who live in on-campus housing (except Schwab) will be able to sign up for in-room network connections "for free," and all rooms will come with land-line phones. To fund these services, all residents will automatically be assessed a new Telecommunications Fee on the quarterly University Bill, alongside room & board, house dues, etc.
Why?
This has been a long-time goal of Residential Computing (and ITSS), and they've been collaborating with several other University departments including Student Housing and the Controller's Office (aka the Bursar's Office) to bring it to fruition. We believe this new funding structure will better serve students and the University, primarily by getting away from the old fee-for-service model that is inappropriate for essential and standard services. Students have been complaining about the University "nickel-and-diming" them for years, and we are mindful of their complaints.
How Much Is It?
The new fee will be $48/quarter (i.e., $16/month), $43 of which will support network connections. For comparison, this year the fee has been $12/month for data, and $13.95/month for phone, with a $33 phone activation charge. Similar services off campus cost about $50/month for data and $15/month for phone, with high connection fees and comparatively slow speeds.
For More Information
To inform students of these changes and the associated benefits, Residential Computing has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers), available at http://rescomp.stanford.edu/student/services/inrooms/newfeefaq.html and linked from the Residential Computing home page.
