OU RANKS IN NATION’S TOP 10 WIRED COLLEGES FOR SECOND TIME

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nk/9-4-08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: OU Public Affairs, (405) 325-1701

NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma ranks in the top 10 wired colleges in the nation, one of only a few universities to achieve the ranking for a second consecutive year.

“The university is extremely proud to be named one of the Top 10 Wired Colleges in the United States,” said OU President David L. Boren. “This is another example of the high standard of excellence at the University of Oklahoma. Access to the very best technology is an important tool to the total educational experience.”

“This is an honor and a clear sign that OU is tuned in to the evolving needs of our students,” said OU Vice President for Information Technology Dennis Aebersold. “I would like to commend both our academic leaders and OU President David Boren. Their leadership and partnership have empowered us to enhance the university experience for students, faculty and staff with relevant and agile technology services.”

Amanda Holloway, president of the University of Oklahoma Student Association, said, “Students at the University of Oklahoma have incredible IT resources at their fingertips. I can be in any classroom and know that I will be able to access the Internet. OU’s information technology team constantly seeks student opinions and suggestions, and they works tirelessly to serve the student body in the best way possible.”

OU retained the top spot from the 2006 rankings and joined a small group of technology-rich universities to make repeat appearances on the list. This year’s ranking that includes such prestigious institutions as Villanova University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, according to PC Magazine and The Princeton Review.

The technology landscape has changed significantly since [2006],” said PC Magazine Editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff. “Only six of the previous ‘Top 20 Wired Colleges’ made the list this year, demonstrating the fluidity of technology and the importance of staying one step ahead.”

The “Top 20 Wired Colleges” honors colleges and universities with the most comprehensive – in terms of size, scope and quality – computing and technology offerings. To rank schools, The Princeton Review conducted a survey for its annual publication The Best 368 Colleges focusing on Academics, Student Resources, Infrastructure, Wireless Networks, and Tech Support. OU was one of only two Big 12 schools to make the list.

OU was recognized for its high-speed wired and wireless networks, classroom technology, 24/7 support, computer labs, technology availability and a host of online services.

“Accessibility is the key to success,” said Quy Nguyen, assistant director of Student Life. “By providing technology to students who may not have been able to access it otherwise, OU Information Technology helps to better educate our students for the ever-changing economic and technological landscape.”

OU is first in the Big 12 in connectivity. High-speed wired network ports are available in all residence halls, university faculty and staff offices, and in most public areas, such as Oklahoma Memorial Union, Bizzell Memorial Library and most major classrooms.

Students have shown the most interest, though, in OU’s wireless expansion. OU IT has blanketed the Norman campus with more than 800 wireless access points to provide wireless coverage in approximately 90 percent of academic buildings. Students can also utilize the wireless network in the residence hall towers, most indoor and outdoor common areas, and other major buildings around campus, including Oklahoma Memorial Union; Bizzell Memorial Library; Gaylord Hall, home of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication; the Michael F. Price College of Business; and the National Weather Center on OU’s Research Campus.

“Wireless is probably one of the most critical aspects for our student population,” Nguyen said. “Even if they don’t have a laptop, many students carry other electronic devices that they can use to download classroom presentations, check e-mail or go to an educational Web site. OU is striving to complement the collegiate experience with technology.”

The growth in technology services at OU is driven by a strategic plan to create a technology-assisted learning environment where technology is widely available, relevant and transparent; to build a campus infrastructure that supports an e-university setting; and to provide the university a respected and valued world-class IT organization.

OU has previously received recognition as one of Computerworld’s Best Places to Work in IT in 2006 and also made Forbes’ “100 Most Wired” list. Computerworld named CIO Aebersold one of the Premier 100 IT Leaders of 2007.

View the “Top 20 Wired Colleges” lists in the September 16 issue of PC Magazine or online at go.pcmag.com/wiredcolleges.