New Wi-Fi system available

A new password protected WiFi system which allows students internet access throughout the campus was enabled Monday, March 3.

The new Wi-Fi system requires students and faculty to log on to the “Pierce Ap” network with a username and password, according to an email sent by Wendy Bass, distance education director.

“Wi-Fi is not new on our campus, we have had it for a few years. What is new is that students will be required to sign in using their student ID and password in order to access it,” said Bass.

The username and passwords for students will be the same as the ones they use to register for classes and faculty will use their email address and corresponding password. The logins for students will be their ID number starting with “88” and PIN password.

For new students and faculty that do not have their ID number or email address set up yet, the network will remain accessible for the next three weeks. After that point, students and faculty will be required to log in to the network according to Bass.

directly.

The problem is that many of the emergency phones do not work. These particular blue lights have a “bandage” on them to indicate that they are not functioning properly, according to Kraus.

The phones in parking lot seven do not work because of an “underground communication issue,” Kraus said. There is no specific date as to when the blue phones will be fixed, but there are plans in place to move forward.

Many board members raised a concern that students do not know which number to call in case of an emergency.

Kraus reminded the board members that Pierce has its own direct line to the campus Sheriff’s office, who have deputies that can immediately respond to emergencies on campus.

“The emergency number on campus is 4311. Students can dial it from their cell phones if the blue lights are not working,” Chair of the PCC Lyn Clark said. “Students need to know this number.”

The emergency telephone number Clark is referring to is, 818710-4311, which connects to the campus sheriff.

The PCC is actively discussing ways to improve safety and security on campus, according to Kraus.

“We definitely care about student safety. At the end of the day, we want students to go home happy and healthy,” Academic Senate President Kathy Oborn said.

Ducking the weather

A man providing roadside assistance sexually assaulted a female student in parking lot 6 on Feb. 10, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

(LAPD)

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Parking Lot located near the Music Building. The suspect arrived on the scene as roadside assistance aid and while charging the victim’s vehicle, proceeded to pull her toward him and grab her breasts and buttocks, according to officials.

The victim managed to pull away from the suspect and lock

The suspect is described as a Latino male between 35 and 40 years old with facial hair and was seen driving a white four-door Prius with a towing company logo on the side.

The incident was first reported to the LAPD, and the Pierce Sheriff’s Department was first informed of the incident on Monday Feb. 24.

Pierce College President Kathleen Burke sent an email to the faculty and staff of the college with a detailed explanation from Sheriff’s Captain Cheryl Newman-Tarwater as to why two weeks had passed after the crime occurred before it was reported to the Pierce College community.

Sheriff’s Deputy Al Guerrero received a letter from the LAPD on the morning of Monday, Feb. 24 with a crime report about the sexual assault according to the email.

Deputy Guerrero followed procedures per the Clery Act and immediately notified his superiors and the administration of Pierce College according to the email.

The investigation is ongoing and the Sheriffs believe their detectives are close to resolving the case according to the email.

If you have any additional information regarding this incident please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at (818) 719-6450.

“I think this will be best for students,” freshman John Hardy said.

Right now, “hot spots” are set up throughout the campus. These “hot spots” are areas where students will get the best signal strength. These areas include places like the Freudian Sip and the Library Learning Crossroads. The site map shows areas where students will get the best signal strength.

According to Bass, there are plans to expand the Wi-Fi signal in the future, but new Wi-Fi towers will not be constructed on campus at this time.

The number of students on the network will not affect the signal strength, however, the speed of the Wi-Fi will be affected by the activity students are performing while connected, according to Mark Henderson, the information technology (IT) manager of Pierce College.

Activities such as downloading movies and music are currently prohibited because it will slow down the Wi-Fi speed, and the copyright infringement is a serious offense and will not be tolerated, according to Henderson.

“Copyright infringement is not a practice that is supported by Pierce College, nor should it be tolerated by anyone. It’s illegal activity. If you see someone participating in such behavior, then it should be reported,” Henderson said in an email.

The IT department’s main concern and focus is safety and security, according Henderson. They are working to ensure that only Pierce students and faculty are accessing the network at this time.

Students react to ongoing construction

“I think it’s taking a little while but I’m excited to see how it comes out.”

-Jessica Pasaye Nursing Major

“I think it’s ridiculous that it got halted and now that I’m leaving I can’t take advantage of it.”

-Kevin Getchius Film Production Major

“The amount of time seems cumbersome. It’s disconcerting to see so much space not being used. It’s an absurd amount of time it’s taking.”

-Frank Harris Chemistry Major

“I love the library that was built but they need to hurry up and finish the cafeteria.”

-Adam Cook Pre-Veterinarian Science Major