By KC IFEANYI

kni002@latech.edu

 

The basement of Wyly Tower of Learning flooded with over six inches of water early Tuesday morning, causing all computing operations, including the Internet, e-mail, Blackboard and the Bulldog Online Student System, to be shut down temporarily.

Sam Wallace, director of facility and support services, said the problem started when a waterline from the fire sprinkler system separated at the joint, causing the leak.

"We started cleaning up as soon as we got enough hands on deck," Wallace said. He said because the Computing Center is located next to the mechanical room for Wyly Tower, minor leaks are common, but nothing of this magnitude.

"We've had pipe breaks and water go, but nowhere near this amount of water and not the mud," Wallace said. "This is probably the worst mess we've seen."

Christie Jones, a senior architecture major, said the whole situation has thrown off her daily routine.

"It was terribly inconvenient," Jones said. "I had to go to the Frothy Monkey to get my work done."

From missing online classes to losing precious registration time, Wallace said he can understand the frustration students, and faculty, may have.

"I think it's been a huge inconvenience for the whole campus," Wallace said. "Everything we do on campus is tied to the computer somehow."

Wallace said eventually everything will be up and running again, but for the time being, he is asking everyone for a little patience.

Wallace said, "It's one of things that happens and you deal with it the best way you can."