One group within Information Technology Services serves the technology needs of nearly 9,000 individuals and more than 90 buildings and has quite a variety of devices to maintain and troubleshoot.
ResNET, which stands for Residential Networking, Education & Technology, does that work with a budgeted staff of only four full-time employees plus about 50 student employees. Some of those student workers live in the residence halls as computing consultants who provide on-site support and educational activities to their fellow students.
ResNET, a service of ITS User Support & Engagement, provides on-site technology support for the UNC-Chapel Hill residence halls and the University’s Department of Housing and Residential Education. The group supports clients ranging from first-year students adjusting to life away from home to full-time departmental employees who are responsible for the life and safety of those students. ResNET also supports all sorts of technology: video game systems to departmental computers and smartphones to proprietary software.
Manager has based career on serving students
Paul Wolff became ResNET Manager in February after holding the title of Interim Manager since July 2015. He’s worked with ResNET for 7 ½ years.
“I love working with students,” he said. In fact, every job he’s had in his career has been working with students. He’s also been a high school teacher.
While a Carolina student, he worked for the Department of Housing and Residential Education and the ITS Help Desk. He also served as a Residence Hall Association governor and worked as a residential adviser in Teague residence hall.
Student employees value creating bonds
As the spring semester was winding down, several of ResNET’s student employees took the time to express enthusiasm for their work as residential computing consultants.
Jeffrey Young, Senior Residential Computing Consultant, said the coolest part of his job is getting to meet the residents and his floormates and hallmates.
“I love being a ResNET employee,” added Princess Stone, a Residential Computing Consultant. “My favorite part is the familial bond of our team and our staff.”
Marlisha Blakeney, a Residential Computing Consultant, said the most common job she handles is helping students when their Internet fails.
“The fall is the busiest time,” said Tischan Wade, Senior Residential Computing Consultant. Spring semester is relatively calm.
She appreciates the opportunity to work for ITS. Some people think that if they didn’t grow up learning code, they can’t help people with their computers. But, she added, ResNET gives you that opportunity.