Renovated computer lab allows for more flexibility in study habits

Students, staff and faculty celebrated the reopening of the computing lab in Alumni Hall with balloons, popcorn and free clothing.

“We started thinking about the idea in February, coming up with different plans and concepts,” Jeffrey Rhoades, manager of Pitt’s Computing Services and Systems Development, said.

The computing lab had been under construction since late June, and the grand opening event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. By 2 p.m., the lab had already registered 500 visitors, and by the event’s close, that total had risen to 665.  

Rhoades said that all labs are evaluated every year, based partially on student input. Alumni Hall was chosen for renovations because of its spatial possibilities.

Upon walking into the new lab, it is clear that the facility has changed significantly. Hardwood floors and bright, orange chairs decorate rows containing a total of 33 new computers.  

The facility also contains charging stations and “quick-print” computers, which were added as a result of student feedback through surveys.

The mobile computing lab, for students to work on their personal computers that runs through a back part of the lab, is decorated by two large photographs — one of the Oakland Zoo and one of students cheering at a football game. The latter photograph, Rhoades noted, was taken at Pitt’s inaugural ACC game on Labor Day weekend. 

Rhoades said that many students had voiced comments about the need for fast-loading computers. Such students didn’t need the entire software package loaded on existing devices; rather, a basic office suite and access to the Internet was preferred. As a result, the “quick-print” stations were created. 

The facility also opened its three team rooms, each of which possesses a round conference table with charging stations and a monitor to which students can connect their computers. Fluorescent whiteboards line one wall and are already covered with notes, equations and cheerful commentary including smiling faces.

Currently, the team rooms are available for reservation and Computing Services and Systems Development is hoping to create an online system to handle the process. 

“It’s a brand new type of space, and we’re excited to see how students use it,” Rhoades said.