Elle Perrin
Student Writer
Sometimes, it’s difficult to find the courage to ask for help when faced with a problem. However, it’s not so difficult to ask for help at Messiah when faced with technical difficulties. Messiah’s Information Technology Services, located in Hoffman Hall, has several resources available to help students with their computer problems.
IT has multiple student workers who are eager and ready to help—all of whom have experience with situations similar to the ones other students are experiencing with their computers. These students work alongside each other to problem solve and complete tasks—it’s collaboration paired with real experience.
Andrew Cameron, a senior computer science major and student IT worker, is enthusiastic about his work with the IT team: “I enjoy working alongside the other SCS and IT staff, and working with one another to fix problems,” says Cameron. “It’s always challenging and fun to get a computer or a problem that I haven’t seen before and work to fix it.”
It’s crucial for students in the field of computer technology to gain this type of problem-solving experience. More importantly, helping fellow students is a direct part of this experience. Vice President of Information Technology and Associate Provost William Strausbaugh says there are many tools available that students might not be aware of: “There are graphics and video stations in the library to work on video projects, carry-in hardware services in student computing services in Hoffman first floor, and a loaner pool of equipment,” says Strausbaugh. “There’s even a way to connect a personal gaming system in student services, and a ride-sharing application.”
Vice President of Information Technology and Associate Provost William Strausbaugh says ITS offers many tools that students may not be aware of. “There are graphics and video stations in the library to work on video projects, carry-in hardware services in student computing services in Hoffman first floor, and a loaner pool of equipment,” says Strausbaugh. “There’s even a way to connect a personal gaming system in student services, and a ride-sharing application.”
“There are graphics and video stations in the library to work on video projects, carry-in hardware services in student computing services in Hoffman first floor, and a loaner pool of equipment,” says Strausbaugh. “There’s even a way to connect a personal gaming system in student services, and a ride-sharing application.”
When it comes to computer problems, Strausbaugh himself has had plenty of experience. He taught computer science at Messiah for ten years and has been a part of administration for 25 years. His role in the department is to provide strategic leadership for telecommunications services and support, information systems, programmer analysts and learning technology services.
“So many activities and responsibilities cross many areas that support students’ variety of learning experiences here at Messiah,” Strausbaugh states. “IT Services has so much to offer, and students should try to take advantage of it in their time at Messiah.”
Ultimately, when computer problems seem overwhelming, the student services and the directors in charge are there to help the trouble-shooting process by working alongside students in need.