OIT Responds to WAM Lab Vandalism

As reported in the Diamondback [Budget Cuts Lead to Thefts in Unwatched WAM Labs, Oct. 7], students have damaged and stolen computer parts in WAM labs. OIT is in the process of making it more difficult to detach Ethernet cables, keyboards, and mice. In addition, OIT is examining a range of measures to increase accountability in computer labs and make it easier to clean up crumbs and spills.

“Students probably do not realize that they are damaging the equipment that their technology fee helped purchase,” stated OIT spokesperson Amy Ginther. “They are throwing away student funds.”

Students can report people who are seen detaching equipment, taking apart chairs, and leaving a mess. Students can file a report by going to www.oit.umd.edu and clicking on the thumbs up, thumbs down icon in the lower right corner. They can describe what the person did, the date and time of the incident, and what the person looks like. Anonymous reports can be submitted, but may be more difficult to investigate. Students also have the option of contacting campus police if they witness theft. Students with questions and suggestions can contact Amy Ginther at aginther@umd.edu.

I would like to change to a Mail@umd e-mail account. How can I do this?

You will need to wait because the system is currently being improved. Once the improvements are in place, you can register through www.oit.umd.edu/email. We will keep you informed. In the meantime, you can still give your friends an @umd.edu address to reach you. Your address is your Directory ID plus @umd.edu. Visit www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/4/4193 for more details.

How can I change my voice mail password?

To change your voice mail password, visit the Link2UM Web site at http://link2um.umd.edu, click on the On-Campus Students link, and follow the directions. You can also find information on connecting your laptop or PDA to the university network at the Link2UM site.

Sophomore Letters and Sciences student Gloria Fazio and sophomore R.H. Smith School of Business student Judy Chiang were the lucky winners of the Apple iPod Giveaway Contests in the last issue. Visit www.oit.umd.edu/ipod for information about this issue's contest.