Upgrading technology for today's wireless world

NEED:
Wireless technology on all four campuses for enhanced learning, access to information, and improved safety

Today’s world is rapidly shifting from a wired world to a wireless world. But not for the 40,000-plus students on Sierra College campuses (Rocklin, Roseville Gateway, Nevada County, and Tahoe-Truckee) each year, where connecting to information and to the campus itself is far from the 21st century.

“Sierra College students, professors, and staff identified wireless internet access as the No. 1 priority to enhance education and the overall college experience.” – Sandra Gallo, President of Associated Students of Sierra College 2007-2008

Today on Sierra College campuses:

• On-campus computer labs offer limited hours forcing students to seek off-campus resources.
• Students have limited access to transcripts, class registrations, and student services online.
• Students have limited ability to submit papers, tests, and other required assignments online.
• Professors have limited ability to post homework, class notes, tests, and up-to-date grades online.
• Students and professors cannot or have limited ability to connect online during class.
• Administrators have limited access to on-demand information online.
• Students have limited ability to interact with professors and peers online.
• Security limitations exist due to outdated technology.

OPPORTUNITY:
Provide wireless access on all Sierra College campuses

Providing wireless Internet access at Sierra College benefits every person who steps foot on Sierra College’s campuses.

• Provides Sierra College students with 24/7 online access to grades, transcripts, class registration, and student services from anywhere on campus.
• Enhances Sierra College teaching and learning via online exams, course management, course curriculum, lecture notes, and podcasts.
• Provides Sierra College visitors reliable, high-performance Internet access and interaction.
• Enhances Sierra College safety indoors/ outdoors by enabling campus-wide and geographically distributed video surveillance and by providing real-time information to security stakeholders to quickly anticipate or respond to any campus threat/ vulnerability.

Enhancing the opportunities provided at Sierra College benefits our communities.

• Sierra College offers more than 80 degree programs, including programs in public safety, health care, and technology. Offering Sierra College students essential career-development opportunities—and technology to maximize their education—fosters a prepared, well-trained workforce for local businesses and residents.

RESPONSE:
Capital Campaign

The Sierra College Foundation has committed to raise $250,000 towards implementing wireless Internet access on all Sierra College campuses. This is a short-term campaign—the end result of which yields impressive results—providing immediate, direct, and ongoing impact to 40,000 students district-wide beginning Spring 2009.

You can view or download the brochure here. (.pdf)