Thefts, funds, hours raise concerns at USG meeting

Originally published: Sept. 30, 2010
Publication: THE GLOBE

The theft of two Apple iMac computers from Thayer Hall's second floor 24-hour computer lab has caused Point Park University officials to cut hours and students to complain that they cannot get their work done under the present schedule.

At a United Student Government (USG) meeting Monday, student complaints were brought to attention about changes in scholarship and other financial allotments in the study abroad program.

"As an advertising student, working in the 24-hour computer labs, specifically on the Macs during late hours, happened frequently. I would work on class projects and student organization marketing," sophomore advertising and public relations major Zoe Sadler said in an e-mail interview. "Adobe editing programs cost a lot and I can't afford to purchase the programs. I need the Mac labs to have a workspace with the tools necessary for me to succeed in my major."


During a 39-minute meeting, USG members acknowledged that a pile of complaints about the computer labs have been pouring in since the beginning of the semester because hours were cut from the prior 24-hour schedule. According to Dean of Students, Keith Paylo, the lab is now available from 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

"They can't get their homework done. They can't print their papers. They cannot perform as well as they would normally, as students, because they don't have 24-hour computer lab service," said Meagan Stroud, chair of the USG Student Complaints Committee.

The two iMac computers were taken from the computer lab in June. Security camera footage showed the thief's face, but it was not recognizable, as previously reported in the article published by The Globe on Sept. 23.  In response to these complaints, USG sent an inquiry to Point Park's administration, which has publicized the 24-hour computer lab to incoming students for years.

"This is a serious issue because it is beginning to interfere with students' academic performance, particularly the completion of assignments required for their classes. In today's technologically-centered world, it is impossible to be a student and not use a computer and printer," stated a section from the e-mail sent to Paylo. "Many students did not come to the University with one or both of these items because they were specifically told that they would have 24-hour access. Point Park advertises that we have these facilities on

Possible solutions that USG raised in the e-mail included extended library hours or having a desk attendant for the lab until cameras are installed.

Tim Wilson, Director of Information Technology Services, will be attending next week's USG meeting to discuss the problem.

"The entire student body should not be punished because of the wrongful actions of one or two individuals," Stroud said.

Another concern raised regarded the changes that have shrunk the amount of financial aid students receive when studying abroad. Students studying abroad pay Point Park's tuition, but the aid would differ this year. Federal, alternative and personal loans would remain the same, as would federal and state grants. "Institutional aid," such as academic and talent-based scholarships, would not be applied, causing students to see huge increases in what they would be responsible for paying.

According to the study abroad program guide, the maximum amounts of aid for students attending Regent's College in London is $1,500 for Schools of Arts and Sciences, Communications, and Business, while Conservatory of the Performing Arts (COPA) students would receive a maximum of $4,000. Those attending the American University of Rome would receive a maximum of $1,000 for non-COPA students, and a maximum of $3,500 for COPA students. Those attending Wells in Paris would receive nothing.

"I have seen, in the last five years, a very significant increase in the tuition cost, which again went from the American, we'll say, and in many cases especially in private education the tuition cost being significantly higher in the United States rather than across the world, to where it is now most of the institutions across the world have either caught up or are now exceeding the tuition costs," Paylo said.

"We will be looking into it and seeing what we can do for our students," Stroud said.

Michael Potoczny, USG President, encourages students to contact USG members with concerns such as these.

"The more physical documentation that we have, the better chances we have to fix the situation," Potoczny said.

Thefts, funds, hours raise concerns at USG meeting