Oct. 8, 2003

Contact: David Johnston, KU Memorial Unions, (785) 864-2445.

Kansas Union offers wireless access to KU network

LAWRENCE -- The Kansas Union at the University of Kansas now offers wireless connectivity to students, faculty and staff in the first "KU Wireless Zones" in the union's public areas, thanks in part to $50,000 contributed by students through tuition enhancement technology funds.

"We are thrilled to provide the first official KU Wireless Zones to our customers," said David Mucci, director of the KU Memorial Unions. "This wireless technology allows us to better serve our tech-savvy customers, who demand that the union be the living room of campus and more."

The 77-year-old Kansas Union, just coming off a major renovation, now features wireless access to the KU network on every level. Specific areas equipped as KU Wireless Zones include the Hawk's Nest on level 1, Oread Books on level 2, and dining, meeting and lounge areas on levels 3, 4, 5 and 6. For security reasons, users will need a KU online ID to take advantage of the KU Wireless Zones.

KU Information Services provided the technology with funding from KU students through the tuition enhancement technology funds. Academic Computing Services will provide technical support for users through the Jay Tech Booth on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union. More KU Wireless Zones are planned for locations across campus throughout the next year.