THUNDER BAY — An ongoing technology upgrading project at Lakehead University has received $1 million in provincial funding.
According to a Lakehead statement, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities is supporting improvements to its Wi-Fi, audiovisual and technology equipment at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, "resulting in a $2 million benefit to students in Engineering and the Sciences."
Lakehead and its Student Tech Fee Committee also contributed $500,000 each, while audiovisual automation and controls manufacturer Crestron added a $60,000 rebate for further enhancements.
The funding will pay for upgrading aging instructional technology in approximately 35 rooms at the Thunder Bay campus within the ATAC building, the Ryan Building, and the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse.
It will also go toward the addition of Wi-Fi in the Centennial building.
The project will benefit students in the faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering, Science and Environmental Studies, Business, and Social Sciences & Humanities.
At the Orillia campus, audiovisual and conference equipment will be updated in 15 instructional spaces.
Lakehead University Student Union President Lahama Naeem expressed her appreciation.
"Technology and Wi-Fi are essential tools for student learning and advancement...We are certain that these upgrades will have a lasting impact on students and their experience at Lakehead University," Naeem said.
LU President Moira McPherson said the provincial investment significantly increases the enhancements being made to Lakehead's collaborative, immersive course delivery technology that will improve access to remote learning tools.
Work on the improvements began in September 2021 and is scheduled to wrap up later this year.
