If you’re a student at WashU, you’re likely familiar with the struggle of staying connected to one of the schools many Wi-Fi networks: from eduroam, to wustl-guest, to wustl-encrypted-2.0 and back again. Over the past year, WashU steadily made updates to its Wi-Fi in hopes that students and staff alike can have a more seamless Wi-Fi experience, but students still report some technical difficulties. 

According to Jen Stedelin, Deputy CIO (Chief Information Officer) for Academic and Administrative Technologies and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Technology, the most recent changes were made because of complaints about the Wi-Fi.

“At the beginning of the fall semester [of 2023], we started to hear that there were some issues with Wi-Fi,” Stedelin said.” The networking team mobilized a group of folks to explore that further, found the what was causing that problem, and they were able to make some adjustments” 

These adjustments included adding and replacing 2000 “access points”, the actual devices that connect your device to WashU’s network and to the internet, as Stedelin explains.

 “Over the summer, we replace[d] about 2000 [access points],” Stedelin said. “There’s probably one in the room you’re in or the room nearby.”

But since these changes have been implemented, some students such as senior Avery Beber, have continued to report widespread issues with their connection, especially outdoors. 

“I also do a lot of work outside, and I’ve noticed it being worse this year,” Beber said. “Outside the DUC it always works, but outside by Parkside sometimes it doesn’t work, which is not ideal.”

Senior Renee Metzger said her Wi-Fi issues have affected her life as a student.

“Sometimes [the Wi-Fi] works really well, and other times I feel like I’m trying to connect to multiple different networks, and none of them will work,” Metzger said. “I’ll sit in a new class and have no-wifi, and then I’m behind on getting into my notes for the class.” 

So what can students be doing when they run into Wi-Fi problems? Stedelin’s main suggestion is to simply reach out. 

“I would encourage students, if you have a technology problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to IT [or STS]. We’re here to make your experience better, and so we want to hear from you if there’s a problem.” 

STS is reachable by email ([email protected]) or phone (314) 935-7100) and the IT Service Desk is reachable from 7:00am to 7:00pm at (314)-933-3333