Students Complain About Broken iLab Equipment

When Howard University's iLab was opened in 2000, the facility was lauded by the University's online newsletter, Capstone Online, as providing greater technological access to Howard students. Five years later, some students complain that their access is hindered by persistent computer malfunction.

According to the Howard University Online 2005 fact sheet, there are 10,350 students at Howard. With a limited amount of available workstations in the iLab, junior biology major Yushekia Hill says that finding a working, vacant computer in the iLab can be frustrating.

"Everyone is trying to use the computers at the same time," said Hill. "The other day I went to use one and there were 'out of service' signs on each one."

Danyelle Hadaway said that when she does find a computer, it's often malfunctioning.

"Microsoft (Windows Operating System) takes forever to load and always has errors," said Hadaway, a sophomore print journalism major. "Sometimes when you try to print something out you send it to one printer and it doesn't show up," said Hadaway.

Hadaway added that these printer problems often cause her to be late for class.

Clint Walker, interim director of User Services, said that some computers are in need of repair and that the amount of time it takes to fix a machine fluctuates. "We endeavor to repair all of the machines as quickly as we can," said Walker. "Sometimes that happens in an hour, sometimes in a day and sometimes it may take a few weeks depending on the severity of the repair or the length of time it takes to acquire and install needed replacement parts."

Walker also stressed that all of the computers were in good working order when they were placed in the iLab, but students often disobey the regulations of the iLab, affecting the productivity of the facility.

"Students bring food and beverages into the lab," Walker said.

In regards to printer malfunctions, Walker said students especially abuse their printing privileges.

"Students quickly exhaust the iLab's printing resources by printing multiple copies of documents, party invitations, election materials, posters for various events and many other things," Walker said. "Very often they print so much that they don't even bother to pick up their print jobs from the printer. On any given day, you can walk through the iLab and see the paper recycle bins full of paper."

Walker cited a recent incident of a student printing 500 copies of a resume without picking it up as an example of some students' irresponsible printing habits.

"We are the only college in the D.C area that does not charge its students for printing," said Walker.