Langston University

PROJECT PURPOSE

Langston University requires additional support in providing reliable broadband service to our students, faculty, and staff due to our rural location and limited resources. Upgrades to in-ground fiber optic cabling are needed to support faster connectivity and throughput for students living and learning on our rural campus. In-ground fiber optic cabling should be replaced to support internet connectivity moving forward with more reliable service. We also endeavor to provide a back-up generator to ensure no disruption in internet connectivity service to our residential campus community and the professional employees providing support to our students each and every day. Power surges in the area often lead to a loss of power, resulting in interruptions to internet service which creates an obstacle to learning. The use of a back-up generator for the purposes of supporting our information technology infrastructure will assist in mitigating these interruptions. These two initiatives support network connectivity on the Langston Campus, thereby improving student access, success, and completion of degrees.

EVIDENCE

Throughout the pandemic, the reliance on internet connectivity has become a necessity. The aging broadband infrastructure on the rural campus of Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma is not currently meeting the full needs of our students, faculty, and staff to ensure dependable internet connectivity. Our students continue to require access to remote learning and face interruptions in internet connectivity due to power outages and outdated infrastructure. Upgrades to our broadband infrastructure with a back-up generator system would transform the learning experience for our students and minimize interruptions due to connectivity gaps.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Langston University is situated in rural Logan County and serves a residential campus of approximately 1,300 students and nearly 350 employees daily. Langston University has a long history of serving students from under-represented communities and with high financial need, as evidenced by our high volume of Pell Grant eligible students and students with need for additional resources through scholarships, grants, and student employment. Throughout the pandemic, Langston University students have had an increased need for additional support. Many of our students work part-time or full-time jobs to afford their education, while also supporting family members who need additional funds. The COVID-19 pandemic created a gap in employment for many of our students and their families, continuing and compounding the hardships they faced. A shift to remote learning required a reliance on internet connectivity, which is a challenge in rural locations without upgraded fiber optic cabling. This proposed project would benefit not only the students, faculty, and staff of Langston University, but upgraded fiber optic cabling would also likely benefit the surrounding community of the Town of Langston City and Logan County residents who visit the campus to utilize resources, hold meetings, and enjoy the use of our campus facilities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Langston University, in partnership with OneNet, successfully completed an upgrade to the main fiber line on the Langston Campus; however, the upgrade did not cover all in-ground lines which are now outdated and in need of upgrade. All in ground fiber optic cabling will be upgraded to existing buildings with service and buildings that do not currently have service will be brought online. The back-up generator system should provide backup power in the event of frequent power outages, to ensure no service disruption affects students.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma