Ensuring Equitable Access to IT Resources for All Students

October 19, 2024 |  LabMaps, Remote Access, Students
2 min

IT teams have the unique ability to bridge gaps by ensuring students can access the hardware and software they need to excel academically.

At LabStats, we’ve partnered with colleges and universities nationwide and uncovered a critical insight: access to IT resources plays a pivotal role in student success, particularly for part-time students, hybrid learners, Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation college attendees.

IT teams have the unique ability to bridge gaps by ensuring students can access the hardware and software they need to excel academically. Here’s how data-driven strategies can support students’ unspoken tech needs.

Improving Access to Computer Labs

Computer labs are more than rooms filled with equipment—they’re hubs for research, collaboration, and academic success. For many students, especially first-generation, part-time, or those in specialized programs, computer labs provide essential access to tools and software they otherwise lack.

However, access to these vital resources is often hindered by:

  • Limited hours of operation
  • Staffing constraints
  • Building accessibility
  • High demand during peak times

Students shouldn’t have to compete for resources, adjust their schedules, or travel long distances to complete assignments. IT teams can use usage data to identify demand patterns and create data-driven solutions to improve access.

Leveraging Data to Address True Demand

Understanding how computer labs are used over time is the foundation of optimizing access. LabStats usage data, visualized in Power BI Dashboard templates or quick reports, provides insights that help IT teams:

  • Adjust lab hours: Extend hours in high-demand labs and adjust schedules to better align with student needs.
  • Redeploy resources: Move underutilized computers to areas with higher demand.
  • Optimize software: Increase licenses for popular applications or redeploy software to labs where it’s most needed.

With these strategies, IT leaders can eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks and provide equitable access to essential technology.

Real-Time Resource Availability

Navigating campus technology can be daunting for students and faculty. LabStats simplifies this with LabMaps, a tool that displays live computer availability.

With LabMaps, IT teams can:

  • Highlight available computers in a given lab and their exact locations.
  • Can be integrated into digital campus maps, websites, or displayed on kiosks.
  • Help students and faculty locate hot desks or available workstations quickly.

By making real-time availability accessible, IT teams empower students to find resources without frustration.

Optimizing Loaner Laptop Programs

The surge in loaner laptop programs, especially for Pell Grant recipients, has provided critical support to students. With LabStats, IT teams can:

  • Track usage: Use tags to monitor loaned devices and analyze how they’re being used.
  • Optimize inventory: Ensure enough devices are available to meet demand without overspending.
  • Prevent barriers: Identify underutilized or misconfigured devices and adjust as needed to support student success.

Simplifying Access to High-CPU Computing

Many students rely on minimally equipped laptops, shared devices, or Chromebooks, which can struggle with demanding academic software. Instead of investing in expensive hardware or virtualization solutions, IT teams can provide remote access to powerful on-campus computers through the LabStats Remote Access Dashboard.

With this tool, students can:

  • Connect to high-CPU campus resources from anywhere.
  • Access the software and hardware needed for coursework without additional investment in personal devices.

This solution ensures equitable access to technology, enabling all students to meet academic challenges head-on.

Proactive Support for Student Success

Students shouldn’t have to request help to find the technology they need. By leveraging LabStats, IT teams can anticipate and address student needs before they become barriers to success.

Key Benefits for Students:

  • Access critical resources without delays or roadblocks.
  • Gain autonomy with real-time insights into available tools.
  • Experience a supportive IT ecosystem designed with their success in mind.

With LabStats, access to technology becomes a foundation for student success—not a barrier. Equip your IT team with the tools to meet the diverse needs of your students today.


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