Patrick Henry Community College completed an extensive Wi-Fi expansion project to convert three of its parking into Wi-Fi hot spots. When the college closed to the public and students were asked to work remotely, college officials quickly started this project to ensure all students would have a way to access the internet. Now, students or staff members who have no home internet can come to the campus and can work from their cars.
The college’s Information Technology division purchased, installed, and set up three new WiFi portals within a week. The three portals are located outside Stone Hall on PHCC’s main campus, the MET Complex on Motorsports Drive, and PHCC’s initial Patrick County site. Students can connect to these access points from the parking lots adjacent to these facilities.
“Ensuring students have access to every resource they need to complete this semester successfully is a top priority for us,” said PHCC’s President Dr. Angeline Godwin. “We have so many students who, under normal conditions, would come to campus and use our computer labs to complete their homework. We knew we had to quickly find an alternative that we could offer these students. I am so proud of our team for rallying to swiftly meet this need.”
College officials say that security presence will be increased to ensure the campus remains a safe place to work. Students coming to the main campus are encouraged to park as close to Stone Hall as possible for optimal signal strength.