Tennessee Tech students avoid the Volpe Library, as they cannot complete schoolwork on the overloaded WiFi, producing an unreliable signal for prolonged work.
Student Trustee Braxton Westbrook said students often do not use the library because of its unpredictable operating hours and poor connections. Westbrook said the problem will only get worse as enrollment increases.
“[I] have the sense that they’re willing to be open longer and that there’s been conversation about extended or even 24 hours, which students were very very excited to here, as am I,” Westbrook said. “Especially if the WiFi and study environment support the long evenings that our growing enrollment brings.”
Trustee Barry Wilmore said connecting to the internet in the modern age is essential to everything that we do. Wilmore said he understands how important those spaces are for students, referencing his time studying as a student.
“I would say that if there are areas, especially like the library where we don’t have good internet connectivity,” Wilmore said, “We need to focus on getting that rectified.”
University President Phil Oldham said problems surrounding rapid growth are fortunate concerns to have relative to other potential issues.
Westbrook said students remain excited about the growth of the University, hoping the Board will address the growth through upgraded amenities for student life.
“They [students] remain thankful that the Board has been making efforts to address these issues and improve the student experience at Tennessee Tech over the years, as do I.”
