By: Kreeshia Aquino
MANGILAO (Feb. 11) – The UOG Computer Center has implemented a new Smart Card ID policy at the start of this spring semester.
According to Randy Dahilig, junior computer operator, the new policy was implemented for the safety and verification of UOG students using the Computer Center.
First, the changes limit computer users to strictly UOG students. Second, a lot of money has been spent on reams of paper for printing, so the changes can limit paper waste and let students be aware of how much and what they are printing.
“We have conducted a survey last semester to justify these changes. From what we found, students preferred to spend less on paper and more on the improvement of bandwidth,” Dahilig said.
IT Support Technician, Eugene Adanzo, assured that the microchip on the Smart Card ID does not infringe on the user’s privacy. The only data it tracks are the user’s number of printed pages, type of file, and file name.
The ITRC Director Luan Nguyen, Ph.D., said the Computer Center is working closely with students.
“We listen to the students, and we also try to figure out how to protect and spend students’ fees wisely,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen pointed out that the Computer Center wants to provide the best service to students, but they are also aware of people who misuse abuse the computers and printers.
Students must visit the EMSS Student Center to get the Smart Card ID. After receiving the card, students are encouraged to visit the RFK Library to receive a barcode and current semester sticker.
Students can visit the ITRC Computer Center and ask staff for more information, such as setting up the card for computer access. If students do not have a barcode and current sticker, proof of current semester schedule must be shown.
For exchange students, faculty and other people interested in using the computers, but who do not have the Smart Card ID, a guest smart card can be available upon request.
Students who are enrolled, but who do not have their IDs, can also use a guest card during the Add/Drop period. These guest users do not have a personal storage, but can print up to 30 pages per session.
Surveys will continue to be conducted for more feedback from students to better accommodate them. Parts of the new policy are subject to change, such as the 300-page limit.
“We are here to service the students, not to restrict them. We just want to stop the paper waste abuse.” Dahilig said.
Zyra Sanchez, a student in her junior year, learned about the changes when she walked in the computer center and saw the newly installed card reader. Sanchez agrees that the changes are reasonable, but students should have been notified of the changes.
“In a way it’s good to minimize the number of pages that students are printing, because some take it for granted,” Sanchez said. “It’s just that we weren’t aware of these changes that are happening. They should have sent a mass email to the students.”
Sanchez mentioned that the 300-page limit for printing might not be enough for one semester. In her opinion, a 500-page limit sounded better.
Mira Hernandez, a student in her senior year, found out about the changes after her friends told her. She has not been able to get the new ID, so she has not been at the Computer Center since she found out about the changes.
“It is an inconvenience to many students who didn’t know about the changes,” Hernandez said.
For more information, visit the ITRC Computer Center or the website at: http://www.uog.edu/student-services/computer-center/faq.