The city assists technology projects

Baruch has received funds to begin working on a number of technological projects on campus.

According to campus news, with City Council member Rosie Mendez's support, $520,000 in capital funds has been allocated in the City Fiscal Budget for 2011 to complete the installation of a wireless communication system.

"Not every councilmember has a college in their district and I am fortunate to have Baruch," said Mendez.

"The funded projects are essential to supporting the educational and research activities of the college," said Arthur Downing, chief librarian and information officer.

According to Eric Lugo, director of government and community relations, these projects were initially proposed in the spring of 2009. However, since there were no new city capital projects funded for the year due to the recession, the college requested them again for 2010.

Due to the efforts of both Mendez and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Baruch was able to receive the allocated budget when the budget was passed in June.

Downing stated the completion of the projects should be evident in the spring of 2011.

"The planning stage is already underway for all the projects, and the procurement process usually takes several months and the installation of equipment an additional few months," said Downing.

Students will have wireless access in the lower floors of the Newman Vertical Campus, along with a professional service desk in the main computing lab when the projects are completed, according to Downing.

Specifically, the School of Public Affairs will have the necessary equipment to maintain a "geospatial data lab" that will help city and non-profit agencies. In the Subotnick Center, students and faculty will have the resources to store and analyze "enormous amounts of market data."

Every year a list is submitted with monetary requests for different concerns within the district, according to Mendez. With six priorities to address this year, the projects at Baruch were considered higher priority, providing a greater chance for the college to receive support through the allocated budget plan.

According to Campus News, the college was also granted $180,000 in capital funds from Stringer's office towards new computer technology equipment, which will benefit areas "requiring geospatial processing."

Stringer was unable to comment regarding the donation.

"Baruch is one of the premier colleges and I believe it is very important that there is access to any type of communication systems," said Mendez. "This is necessary in keeping with technology."