
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union Contact: Stephanie Kozemchak;
(505) 263-6800, e-mail: skozemchak@nmefcu.org
UNM Media Contact: Steve Carr (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
February 13, 2007
New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union Helps Complete UNM’s Wireless Initiative with a Gift
The University of New Mexico received a huge boost recently to help provide a uniform wireless network initiative on the main campus with a giftfrom New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union. The University’s credit union has been a large part of campus life since the early 1970’s serving the financial needs of students, faculty and staff. Because of the credit union’s commitment to improving the quality of education in all the communities it serves in the state, New Mexico Educators is eager to support the implementation of a campus-wide wireless network at UNM.
“New Mexico Educators is dedicated to education and our partnership with the University of New Mexico. We are pleased to provide this level of support for our state's flagship University and e know that this wireless network extension will fill a great need for the faculty, staff and students. This effort will be an excellent first step in the 21st Century, and I am proud that we are supporting it and look forward to seeing its benefits,“ said Ralph Wallace, New Mexico Educators’ Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“We all know that as new communication technologies come of age, we will need to interact with the world in new ways,” said UNM Provost Reed Dasenbrock. “On college campuses, new technologies enable the 'scene of learning' to change – we can study in new places and new ways and connect to the world in ways which enhance our learning.
“Thanks to a fabulous and extremely generous gift from New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, the UNM main campus will now be completely wireless, extending this new scene of learning everywhere on campus. This contribution is just one of New Mexico Educators many efforts to give back to the community and invest in the future of New Mexico.”
Research has shown that available technology is part of a student's decision about which college to attend. For today's increasingly Net-savvy students, wireless network access is standard expectation at an institution of higher learning. Lacking a comprehensive wireless network on its Albuquerque campus, the University of New Mexico is at a competitive disadvantage in attracting the best students within the state to remain in New Mexico for their post-secondary education.
Expanding the current piecemeal wireless network on UNM's Albuquerque campus will improve "anywhere, anytime access" by students and faculty to both academic and administrative resources. Students will find more opportunities to spontaneously collaborate on class-related activities. Plans call for UNM to conduct a student survey in the next month to align implementation with student priorities for coverage.
Currently, approximately 30 percent of UNM’s main campus has wireless availability with almost no coverage to open space areas such as the duck pond and the plaza. With New Mexico Educators support, UNM will be able to increase its wireless abilities to 85 percent of main campus. The remaining 15 percent are areas that would get low utilization, such as Johnson field and the parking lots.
“Students today live in a mobile world, and expect to do their work from wherever they are and whenever they can. This will allow students to be more productive and successful,” said Moira Gerety, director of UNM's Information Technology Services. "By late 2008, UNM will be able to better attract the 18-25 year olds who we want to retain in New Mexico. We are thrilled that New Mexico Educators is committed to public service and the University; our students will be grateful.”
Wireless resources will include the Library, Internet, and the University's learning management system – WebCT. The new wireless network will enhance students’ ability to send and receive e-mail, chat with professors, advisors and classmates, share files, download and upload assignments, create Web-based study groups and extend wherever learning happens on main campus.
In addition, New Mexico Educators is providing UNM with a financial literacy connection on its Web site for students to obtain information to support them in making sound financial decisions. Information about the cost of credit, budgeting tips, savings, investing, credit reports, how to buy a car or house are just a few if the educational topics students will have access to. It is a win-win for everyone.
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