Ball State University Student Technology Suites (STS) hosted an open house with live demonstrations on Jan. 23 for interested Ball State students. STS stemmed from a history of transformative student technology and exists in hopes of creating a beneficial space for students to succeed.  

On campus student technology has undergone a large transformation in the past 15 years. In 2009, computer labs were sprinkled across campus for students to take advantage of, but as time went on and laptops became more popular, computer labs were abandoned.  

During 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear that even though Computer Labs were no longer a necessity, there was still a necessity for spaces on campus to offer technological equipment for students to learn and grow. 

Then the idea for STS was born. The suites are similar to computer labs with high-tech equipment, perfect for hardworking students and their assignments that take up Canvas to-do lists.  

STS is perfect for private study rooms, taking tests, meeting with other students, practicing for presentations and interviews, brainstorming projects, relaxing in between classes and even recording voiceovers or podcasts.  

“We initially thought it was a great test-taking space, but after studying the areas with the help of the Digital Corps, we realized there could be so much more,” Manager of Unified Technology Support Labs Melissa Sorrell said. 

The STS open house allowed students to explore this new area and understand all the possibilities that could come from this space. Ball State students Kyla Anderson and Missy Rambissoon from the Digital Corps demonstrated the use of different audio and video technology to their peers, applying and spreading their knowledge.  

STS hopes with this open house and promotional material of this area that more students will take advantage of the suites and they will continue to grow.  

“The long-term goal is to offer a space for students to use their own or our technology in a dedicated student space for a variety of needs,” Sorrell said. “We aim to offer things that students might not have access to in other areas on campus since many specialized labs and equipment checkouts require students to be in a particular major.”