There is talk that administration is planning to close multiple computer labs around campus and replace some of them with various other student resources after summer 2016. While the thought to create new student resources is sincere, there is no need to close these computer labs.

Ronan is a quiet basement lab that many students come to to do work. It offers a different environment than the library, and allows students access to desktop computers (both PCs and MACs), scanners, and printers. With the lab gone, these resources will no longer be available to students in a place where they can quickly come in to get their work done, without the chaos of the library or resident halls.

Woldt computer lab (located in the East campus dorms) is being downsized. Computers are being taken out and desks are being brought in. While this offers students a place to sit down to do work on their personal computer, it does not take into consideration students who rather work on a desktop computer, and the fact that places that offer desktop computers are quickly being taken away, offering less places for students to go that wish to use these resources. Furthermore, there are various places on campus that already offer desk areas to do work, but the areas that provide desktop computers are quickly diminishing.

Many students use Ronan computer lab to get their work done in an environment set up for on-task work behavior. Additionally, many students use the lab for group projects. With the lab closing, the possible areas to complete homework and projects are limited, with the other options (library, UC, etc.) known for being crowded. These areas will only become more crowded with Ronan and other computer labs closing.

While the library is still an option for both of these issues, many students either do not like going to the library or are not as close to the library as Ronan. Additionally, Ronan is one of the only late night computer labs that provides crucial software that students need for classes. CMU has a responsibility to accommodate all students' needs. By closing the lab, administration is limiting the possible study areas for students to use, which is counterproductive in the scheme of things since students are at CMU to learn and should be able to do so in a setting that is most productive for them.

Please help us start a petition to keep Ronan computer lab open so that students can enjoy the amenities and continue using the desktop computers.