U. to add ResNet to two more high rises

This fall, all High Rise dormitories will be created equal. The University has been working this summer on extending Resnet services into High Rise East and High Rise South -- services which have been active in High Rise North since last fall semester. Several aesthetic changes -- including new furniture or new carpeting -- will be made as well in High Rise North, King's Court and English House, Director of Residential Maintenance Lynn Horner said. Construction in High Rise East and High Rise South began in May, and is expected to end in mid-August, according to Michael Palladino, Manager of Project and Planning of Data Communications and Computer Services. These renovations follow last summer's rewiring of High Rise North, English House, Kings Court, Ware College House, and Class of 1925. Palladino said the purpose of the Resnet project -- which will be in progress for the next five to six years -- is to allow students to have an enhanced telephone service, a computer connection to PennNet, and a 55- channel video network. Of these channels, 15 to 20 will be educationally-based, and the remaining stations will be devoted solely to entertainment. Horner said the telephone improvements allow students to have their own telephone number -- even if they share their dorms with roommates -- as well as more capability for installing a fax machine. "The dilemma of as many as four students in one suite sharing a single phone line is solved by wiring with Resnet," Palladino said. "Each individual student can have as many phone lines as needed." The rewiring of the two high rises this summer will complete phase two of the Resnet project with approximately 4,000 students having accessibility to Resnet, Palladino added. He said an application has been made for money for the third phase which would entail rewiring of four to five more residence dorms. The application has not yet been approved -- most likely due to the recent changes in the president's and provost's offices on July 1, he said. Aesthetic improvements are also underway in High Rise North, Kings Court, and English House. According to Horner these buildings are being "showcased" with repainting jobs, a refurnishing and recarpeting of common areas -- something that happens every five years. Residential Director Gigi Simeone was unavailable for comment.