PERTs: the support side solution to residential computing

Northwest Missouri State University has provided a computer in each residence hall room for almost 20 years. Northwest started with terminals in each room and later progressed to personal computers with Internet connectivity. As Northwest evolved its network and Internet connectivity, the technology and Internet services available to individuals in their homes was also growing. As a result, students are bringing more personal computers and other equipment to campus for use in their residence hall rooms on the Northwest network along with an attitude of "I did it at home. Why can't I do it here?" With the changes in equipment, needs and attitudes of the students, supporting the computing environment in residence halls has become far more challenging. In the fall of 2003, Northwest developed a plan to address the current computing support needs of students living on campus.The PERT (Peer Educator in Residence for Technology) program is the primary component of the plan. The PERT program was implemented in the spring of 2004 and covers many areas of residential computing. The PERTs provide technical and educational support to residence hall students for both personal and university equipment. Additionally, the PERTs act as educators and enforcers with respect to campus computing policies.The authors of this paper will discuss the PERT program in depth including PERT responsibilities, partnering with Residential Life, supervision challenges and ongoing evaluation and development of the program.