Findings Show Deepening Tension Between Desire to Serve Students and Reality of Demand Outpacing Network Resources in Higher Ed
ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - Apr 21, 2015) - With competition increasing to attract and retain students, colleges and universities face a deepening tension between their desire to serve students' increasing Wi-Fi and residential networks (ResNet) needs while balancing the pace and costs of bandwidth growth, according to the report released today at the 44th Annual ACUTA Conference & Exhibition. As schools invest in technological upgrades, reporting significant jumps in funding, bandwidth and outsourcing, they are also increasingly on the lookout for ways to improve the value and performance of their ResNet to meet student demand.
A total of 550 respondents completed the 2015 survey -- the largest number since the study's inception. Published by The Association for College and University Technology Advancement (ACUTA), the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and the Association of College and University Housing Officers- International (ACUHO-I), the report is the fourth installment of a five-year study to measure the pulse of ResNet practices and policies in higher education.
Key insights from the 2015 ACUTA/NACUBO/ACUHO-I State of ResNet Report include:
"Schools have seen the competitive advantage that comes from the expansion and growth of ResNet bandwidth and Wi-Fi access on their campuses, but with this growth comes an even wider set of challenges. Schools must continue to examine new ways to enhance network performance and limit risk while stretching value," said Dee Childs, chair of the ACUTA Environmental Scanning Committee and Chief Information Officer at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
According to John Walda, NACUBO President and Chief Executive Officer, "ResNet has moved beyond an IT issue. Officers from all parts of the campus are now joining forces to explore new avenues to reduce complexity, time and cost limitations to better support student outcomes and educational mission."
"As more learning occurs outside of the campus classroom, the value and importance of the ResNet and how it connects students in the residence halls continues to grow as well," said Mary DeNiro, ACUHO-I Executive Director. "These survey results demonstrate that continued growth."
The full report, available free at www.acuta.org, provides further trends and insights into higher-education's ResNet structures, present and future network infrastructure issues, and staffing service and support.
About the 2015 State of ResNet Report
Three leading professional organizations (ACUTA, NACUBO and ACUHO-I) representing college and university Business, IT and Housing Officers have joined forces to conduct the fourth annual study of ResNet practices. ResNets provide wired/Wi-Fi internet, cable TV services and more to students living in residence halls. The survey was conducted from December 2014 through January 2015. A combined total of 550 respondents representing 465 unique colleges and universities -- the largest number since the report's inception -- completed the survey, compared to 412 in 2014 and 251 in 2013. Of the 550 total responses, 204 respondents indicated their primary job was related to Business and 99 to Housing, while 247 respondents were from IT.
About ACUTA
ACUTA is an international nonprofit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to advance the capabilities of higher-education communications and collaboration technology leaders. ACUTA represents nearly 2,000 individuals at more than 700 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the very largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA's corporate affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. www.acuta.org.
About NACUBO
NACUBO, founded in 1962, is a nonprofit professional organization representing chief administrative and financial officers at more than 2,100 colleges and universities. NACUBO's mission is to advance the economic vitality, business practices and support for higher education institutions in fulfillment of their missions. www.nacubo.org
About ACUHO-I
The Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) has more than 1,000 member institutions located around the world, all committed to creating positive residential experiences for their students. ACUHO-I supports these members in the pursuit of their goals through education, avocation, and invaluable network connections. www.acuho-i.org
Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
Pat Scott
ACUTA Communications Director
859-721-1659
pscott@acuta.org
Kellee Edmonds
NACUBO Public Relations
Director
202-861-2549
kedmonds@nacubo.org
James Baumann
ACUHO-I Communications Director
614-292-0099
james@acuho-i.org