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Bringing IT Home

Penn's commitment to residentially-based personal computing extends the benefits of IT well beyond the walls of the classroom. By focusing network, support, and training resources where most students are using their computers -- right in their living quarters -- Penn helps students make the most of its wide array of online and networked resources.

College House Computing. A notable array of technical resources has been deployed in the College House residences, bringing the ease and convenience of high-powered residential computing to students living in the attractive, community-based campus houses. Since 1997, students living in Penn's College Houses have had access to the campus Ethernet network (which transmits data up to 100 times faster than a 56K modem) and the internet directly from their dorm rooms. The original wired network has been replaced by wireless, and wireless access is also available in public areas of the College Houses. Campus labs and clusters hosted by the College Houses contain numerous public-access computers.

College House Computing has been cited as an outstanding model for its "impressive tech-support network" and innovative student computing services. This recognition was due in part to Penn's Information Technology Advisor (ITA) program. Each year, over 200 students, most of whom already possess extensive technical expertise, are specially trained by Penn's professional IT Support Staff to provide effective, around-the-clock support to their fellow residents in the College Houses.

The College House system also provides unique opportunities for students to live in residential communities that promote the development of their technology-related interests and future careers. For example, the tech-savvy can immerse themselves in a technology-focused environment by living in the Science & Technology Wing of King's Court College House. Tech-oriented young women may also enjoy the added networking and mentorship opportunities found in the Women in Technology Wing of Ware College House. Whatever a student's level of interest and skill, the College House system offers productive and unique opportunities for new mastery and growth.

Remote Access & Off-Campus Housing. Thanks to the GreekNet initiative, high-speed network service is available in all Penn fraternity and sorority houses. Off-campus students can sign up with commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for fast, cost-effective access to the campus networks and to the Internet. Penn also provides extensive technical support for the personal computing issues of off-campus residents. For more details see "What type of IT support will I receive at Penn?" in the Requirements portion of this site.