Fitchburg State University
Project Snapshot
PROJECT:
Integrating Technology
INSTITUTION:
Fitchburg State University
LOCATION:
Fitchburg, MA
COMPANY NAME:
Connectrac
WEBSITE:
www.connectrac.com
A large renovation was made easier at
Fitchburg State University, thanks to
the versatility of Connectrac’s
In-Carpet wireways.
THE CHALLENGE
Described as the “living room of the university,”
Hammond Hall is Fitchburg State University’s central student
hub. Being such a focal point of the campus, Fitchburg State
assigned the team at Annese Electric — an electrical contractor
based in Weymouth, MA — to install power and data
connectivity and cable management throughout the entire
library. The university hoped to provide technological access
to students from as many places as possible. In preparation
of the project, Annese researched for a product that could
affordably accomplish this goal without intruding on student
activities and that also had the flexibility to be relocated in
case of future renovations inside the library. With multiple
options presented to them, the team at Annese selected
Connectrac Wireways.
“It was easy to install everywhere,” recalls Annese
Electrical Foreman John Hughes. “Connectrac gave us the
flexibility to give power and data anywhere without core
drilling or saw cutting and spending a bunch of money.”
Hughes and his team ran into one specific challenge
during their installation. In an upper floor in Hammond Hall
lies a study and lounge area with chairs and work stations
placed along a large glass window looking out to the campus.
Being a popular spot in the library, Fitchburg State wanted
to provide connectivity along the window railing. Hughes
and his team put down Connectrac’s In-Carpet wireway with
ease, bringing the carpet all the way up to the window for a
near-invisible aesthetic.
THE SOLUTION
“The transition ramps worked out well. The carpet
came up and finished it to give it a nice look,” Hughes recalls.
“It worked out really well because one half butted against the
window. It went down extremely easy and had the flexibility
to let us do whatever we wanted.”
IMPACT ON LEARNING
Annese Electric pulled off the multi-stage project
seamlessly, bringing connectivity and cable management to
the entirety of Hammond Hall. The process went so smoothly
that Annese brought in Connectrac for another phase in the
Hammond Hall project, renovating multiple floors for more
connectivity and cable management.
“It was a huge project that had a lot of variables
that came with it,” says Connectrac director of sales
Steve Batchelder. “With such a large renovation, you
hope the products you rely on can pull through for
you without any added stress, and we’re happy Connectrac’s
flexibility worked well for the job Annese Electric
put together.”
Editor’s Review
Throughout the past
10 years, research has
shown that technology can
enhance literacy development,
provide greater
access to information,
support learning, motivate
students and enhance
their self-esteem…and obviously, today’s
students have grown up
with technology at their
fingertips and expect it
to be integrated into their
learning spaces. This technology
integration project
at Fitchburg State took
into account schedule,
budget and technology,
and ultimately provided a
low-impact interruption
to operations that has resulted
in a much-improved
space for student study
and learning.
This article originally appeared in the issue of .