02
April
2020
|
13:30 PM
America/Chicago

Information Technology Helps Students In Need of Computers

Thanks to the University of Houston-Downtown’s Information Technology Department, students who did not have access to computers now have this much needed resource at their fingertips to help them complete their online classes this semester.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and Harris County’s Stay at Home orders leaving students to finish the semester through virtual instruction, Information Technology came up with a program to provide students with used/retired computers that are in good working condition. Computers were provided to students based on data collected in the Student Needs Assessment Survey that was issued during the transition to online learning.

As a result, 224 all-in-one computers were distributed to students during the week of March 23. In addition, some students received WiFi adapters or USB adapters for their home Internet.

“Without the dedication of our many Information Technology staff on campus and remotely, the distribution of the computers would not have been possible,” said Hossein Shahrokhi, associate vice president of Information Technology.

The UHD Police Department is also assisting in the efforts this week as they have collaborated with IT to distribute computers to students who have requested them at the UHDPD offices.

“We are very appreciative to Chief Benford and UHDPD for their willingness to help,” Shahrokhi said.

Shahrokhi wanted to remind students to complete the Student Needs Assessment Survey if they haven’t done so already. Likewise, he wants them to be aware of the resources available through IT, including its Taking Classes Online and Remotely website that includes information such as how to get free internet access at home. Also, the IT Service Desk remains open 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.