The New Role of Computer Labs in a Laptop-First World

August 12, 2025 |  Data, Students
2 min

Even in an era of laptops and cloud software, computer labs aren’t obsolete, they just need to be reimagined with data-driven design.

Most students now arrive on campus with their own laptops and access to cloud-based software. Meanwhile, IT leaders at community colleges and universities are contending with shrinking budgets and growing competition for campus space. In this environment, the once-essential computer lab has come under scrutiny. 

Are these spaces still worth the investment, or can they be reimagined to better serve today’s learners?

That’s the question at the heart of our recent webinar, “Are Computer Labs Still Relevant?” The session brought together Mark Haidl, Director of IT Infrastructure, and Dale Storie, Associate Dean (Research) from the University of Regina. Together, they shared how their teams used data to reshape computer lab strategy, reducing underused hardware, reclaiming valuable space, and tailoring solutions to a set of unique needs.

As Haidl noted early in the conversation, 

“The assumption was, if every student has a laptop, we can just close labs. The data told a very different story.”

The Shift in Student Tech Habits

The University of Regina, like many institutions, noticed a shift in how students accessed technology. Some labs were sitting at less than 10% utilization, while others were full during peak times. “Not every student has access to a quiet, well-equipped place to work at home,” Storie explained. “Labs still fill that gap. And when you have usage data, you can show exactly where and how they’re being used.”

The realization was clear: lab usage wasn’t disappearing, it was evolving. The challenge was to adapt resources to match real student behavior rather than outdated assumptions.

Data as the Decision-Maker

Instead of making sweeping closures, the University of Regina turned to LabStats usage data for a precise, campus-wide view. “We weren’t making random cuts,” Haidl said. “We were making targeted adjustments based on actual student behavior.”

Armed with this insight, IT teams removed underutilized machines in some spaces, added flexible seating in others, and reconfigured layouts to better support group work. They also improved lab visibility, because as Storie pointed out: 

“If you can’t find a spot, you won’t use the space. We wanted labs to be discoverable, not just available.”

Related Blog: Solving for Discoverability On and Off Campus

Tailoring Solutions to Each Faculty

One of the most impactful strategies was treating each faculty differently. In the Business school, some traditional labs were converted into collaborative spaces with movable furniture and shared screens. In Engineering, specialized labs with high-powered desktops remained intact to support resource-intensive coursework. This faculty-specific approach allowed the university to optimize resources without compromising access to specialized tools.

Beyond Cost Savings

While the changes helped free up budget, both Haidl and Storie stressed that financial efficiency was only part of the equation. 

“This isn’t about saving money for the sake of saving money,” Haidl emphasized. “It’s about creating sustainable, adaptable environments that support student success.”

By making labs more intentional (whether that meant high-tech, high-power environments or flexible, student-friendly study spaces) the University of Regina created a campus technology footprint designed to remain relevant for years to come.

Key Takeaways for IT Leaders

For IT leaders considering similar initiatives, the University of Regina’s experience offers several lessons:

  1. Start with usage data. It cuts through assumptions and provides the evidence needed to guide change.
  2. Engage faculty early. Data-driven conversations make collaboration and buy-in easier.
  3. Customize solutions. Different departments have different needs—avoid blanket strategies.
  4. Think beyond hardware. Visibility, discoverability, and flexible design matter just as much as access.

The future of computer labs isn’t about survival, it’s about reinvention. As the University of Regina’s story shows, with the right data and a willingness to adapt, these spaces can remain vital parts of the campus technology ecosystem for years to come.

Watch the full webinar on-demand.


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