Stories this week at Wake Forest

STUDENTS LIKE WIRELESS OPTION-Four years ago, Wake Forest University freshmen arrived on campus as the first class to be provided with laptop computers. This year’s freshmen, as well as returning students, benefit from another development in Wake Forest’s comprehensive technology initiative-wireless access to the Internet. The university has set up the hardware to enable wireless access in 140 spots on campus, including residence halls, lounges, the library and certain popular outdoor areas. Students pay a fee to go wireless with their laptop computers. Already, more than 600 of this year’s freshman class have signed up for wireless access, and more students will be applying later this month. Freshmen pick up their wireless “cards” (that plug into their ThinkPads) on Tuesday, Aug. 29, between 2-5 p.m. in the Information Systems Building.

STUDENTS TO PICK UP LAPTOP COMPUTERS-Freshmen pick up their new laptop computers on Wednesday, Aug. 23, as they begin several days of orientation. Since fall 1996, Wake Forest has provided its students with IBM ThinkPads. The freshmen will get their computers-and printers-from noon to 6 p.m. in the Information Systems Building. On Friday, Aug. 25, all freshmen are required to attend one of the technology orientation programs prepared for them. The training sessions will occur throughout the day in several buildings. Juniors will swap their computers for new models on Monday, Aug. 28, in the Information Systems Building. They also get updated printers-and may keep their old printers.

COPING WITH THE EMPTY NEST-When children leave home to begin college, parents need help with transitions, according to Johnne Armentrout, assistant director of the Wake Forest Counseling Center. When they drop their sons and daughters off at their residence halls, full-time parenting ends, adds Armentrout, who leads a “College Transitions” program for parents of Wake Forest freshmen during freshman orientation. She helps parents understand some of the changes freshmen will experience, while encouraging them to focus on their own lives.

COMMUNITY SERVICE FIRST-Before they register for classes at Wake Forest, a group of 50 freshmen will experience volunteering in the Winston-Salem community. S.P.A.R.C. (Students Promoting Responsibility and Action to the Community) is a program designed by the Office of Volunteer Services to show students first-hand the important role that community service plays in the life of the university. On Monday, Aug. 21, the students will volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank, the Special Children’s School and several other community agencies. Call the News Service for a complete schedule.