School embarks on a series of strategic growth initiatives

Olivet, Mich. – As a result of significant donor contribution and expanding alumni participation, Olivet College today announced the implementation of a full roaming, high speed wireless project to enhance student learning and research. Olivet becomes the first college in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and only the second college in the state of Michigan to have campus-wide high speed, wireless and full roaming Internet access for their students.

The system is expected to be completed in July 2002 and fully functional for the return of students in mid-August. The system will allow students, faculty and staff to be able to access network resources and the Internet via pocket PC devices, laptop and desktop computers and have a high speed internet connection across all areas of campus.

With wireless Internet access, students won’t be constricted to their dorm room. They will be able to access e-mail, communicate with faculty, or surf the Internet anywhere on campus-from a picnic table on Blair Lawn to the Comet Caf lounge. The school is also initiating a laptop and desktop purchasing and leasing options to insure that all students have the tools they need to access the Internet.

“This technology will add enormously to the overall academic experience of our students,” said Dr. Saleef Kafajouffe, vice president and dean of the College. “Access to information, immediacy of communication and direct connection to world-wide databases will mean our students will spend less time looking, and more time learning.”

“I can’t remember a time when the Olivet College family had so many initiatives underway at once,” said President Donald L. Tuski. In addition to the wireless project, Olivet College has plans to announce a number of other significant projects in coming weeks.

“When students arrive in August, we will enter a new academic year with one of the best starts in the history of the college, including the largest incoming freshman class in its history,” said President Tuski. “There are going to be many positive surprises at Olivet. Next month we will formally announce a plan for a major reinvestment program into the campus infrastructure. And we are recruiting many new leaders to take on high-level roles at the college.

“All of these decisions and improvements, including this new Internet project, are driven by our commitment to delivering a new standard of higher education,” said President Tuski.

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