An improved Wi-Fi system is on track to be completed this fall at San Diego City College. The improvements are a part of a district wide effort at the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). The change sparks innovation and equity for every user.
The new Wi-Fi system, called SDCCD-Campus-Connect, will cover all buildings, including office spaces, classrooms, and study areas, along with outdoor areas. An additional network, SDCCD-Campus-Connect-Guest, will be available to visitors at all SDCCD locations. The traffic within the system is encrypted, ensuring data privacy and protection.
Prior, each SDCCD college had its own Wi-Fi network and a complex set of passwords. Uniforming the Wi-Fi system across the district came from the vision and leadership of former Chancellor Carlos Cortez and Acting Chancellor Greg Smith to advance digital equity, alongside President Ricky Shabazz to lead the efforts at City College.
Now, students and employees at City, Mesa, Miramar, and the College of Continuing Education have the same access to secure Wi-Fi and personalized login credentials.
Associate Vice Chancellor Peter Maharaj, who oversees Information Technology Services (ITS), was hired in April 2021, and spent a considerable amount of time reviewing all aspects of District technology needs, conducting an analysis of the SDCCD and its services. “The topology of the campus and earthquake retrofit on various buildings limiting Wi-Fi services proposed unique challenges alongside supply chain issues and shipping delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he explained. “Waiting for equipment certainly put a comma on the project. Every district was impacted within the California Community College, CSU, and UC systems.”
Despite the delays, the district’s Information Technology Services department alongside Vice President of Administrative Services John Parker, and the entire City College IT team has completed Wi-Fi improvements in the Business and Accounting and the Arts and Humanities buildings.
“Our department is moving aggressively with looking at data and conducting the installation. We are on time for completion, and the entire Wi-Fi system at City College will fully launch this November,” said Areeluck “Rose” Parnsoonthorn, SDCCD’s Director of ITS Operations.
The district’s expansion of Wi-Fi services is aimed at the promotion of digital equity, enhanced security measures, robust network connectivity, safety improvements across campus, and unified experience for the college community. In addition to making access to technology equitable for students and employees, Maharaj states the major goal is also to reduce operation costs and to maximize value for our taxpayers.
The improved Wi-Fi system at City College, in conjunction with the college’s associate degree in Cyber Security and the forthcoming 4-year degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis, will lend to careers of the future, jobs in demand at this campus for many years to come, and will continue to elevate a high level of curiosity between students, faculty, and industry leaders.
Due to the vast improvements for the SDCCD’s Wi-Fi system, Maharaj and Parnsoonthorn were invited to the Microsoft Headquarters in Irvine to learn about augmented reality as it relates to higher education. “Soon prospective students may be able to get support from campus resources and visit inside of student services buildings through augmented reality and technology beacons,” said Maharaj.
He continued, “What starts here changes California, more importantly, we have the opportunity to change the world for the better through education and technology.”
City College is a part of the 1-San Diego technology initiative, a groundbreaking step toward the future of education in the region. Rooted in providing a seamless and unified technology experience, it aims to serve all students and employees throughout the SDCCD. This initiative is set to amplify the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring equitable access to crucial college resources and services. A key goal is to equip students with the skills and resources they need to be workforce-ready, bridging the gap between academic pursuits and real-world applications.
The vision doesn't stop at improving accessibility; it also places paramount importance on security. Users can expect significant security improvements and enhancements, ensuring a safer and more robust digital environment.
Looking ahead, the 1-San Diego technology initiative has ambitious expansion plans by fostering partnerships with esteemed institutions like the Public Library, UC San Diego, and San Diego State University. This collaboration aims to deepen the learning experience, allowing students to engage and interact with a broader community and an enriched pool of knowledge, further enhancing their readiness for the modern workforce.
For more information visit, https://www.sdccd.edu/wifi/.