However aggravating the number system that Angell used last year, its structure was much more solidified than the current flag system. Students now roam the computer aisles like vultures, trying to beat each other to an open computer. Often, when these scavengers finally reach a computer with a flag in the upright vacant position, they are disheartened to discover a user who either does not understand the system or simply forgot to put the flag in its correct downward no-vacancy position. When students try to move the cardboard flag attached to the computer, it often breaks and they are left to wrestle with Velcro adhesive and a clumsy "open" sign that won't stay put.
While students were finally adjusting to the flag system, the take-a-number system has resurfaced. When the site becomes overcrowded, ITD's staff reverts to the old system to control the chaotic crowds. But the confusion created by switching methods seems to cause more chaos than it is worth.
With some modifications, the flag system could have been successful. At the moment, it's not working. Edward Slonina, the Angell site team leader, suggested an electronic station allocation system. ITD has acknowledged the current problem - but they need to take the knowledge a step further and look for some form of an electronic system to implement.
ITD also needs to examine the doubled printing fee - in two years, it has gone from zero to 8 cents. As students already pay for computing privileges within their tuition, 8 cents per page - more than copying at Kinko's - is extreme. ITD claims the charges are necessary to keep things running. By the same token, ITD should not punish students for lack of funding. Instead, ITD should go to the provost, who allocates ITD funds, for necessary increases.
Many students are using up their allocations of $10 per month. ITD needs to consider students' needs. On weekdays, students can add money to their account, but what if their account runs out on a weekend? Students can monitor their accounts online, but a much more practical system would show students the status of their accounts each time they print, along with the warning of cost per page that appears before each job.
In the winter term, ITD plans to set up an advisory group to look at improving the current printing system. But ITD also needs to examine the current station allocation system in Angell Hall, a heavy-traffic computing site. Between students battling for computers and disregarding the number system, Angell Hall has become a hostile place. ITD needs to remember that they exist not to create hassles but to efficiently serve the student body.