Eaton Computer Lab extends hours

Eaton Computer Lab extended its hours from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., beginning on Sept. 16. In addition to the late-night study hours at Tisch Library, the new computer lab hours give students another option for late night/early-morning study on campus.

"The decision to keep the lab open was based on student demand," Jeff Weiner, manger of Instructional Services said.

Despite the lack of campus-wide publicity, Eaton workers said students have taken advantage of the extended hours. The costs of keep the Eaton lab open late are minimal, Weiner said.

"I think the number of students using the lab will increase as more students become aware of the extended hours," he said.

"It's pretty surprising how many students actually show up each night," said Amiti Wolt, who worked the two to six shift for two weeks. "At two, there are always at least 20 people here, and even at five in the morning, there are at least two or three students hard at work."

Students have responded positively to the new service. Sophomore David LaPorte was pleased that Eaton extended its hours and said while he doesn't like the idea of staying up that late to do work, he probably will have to at some point.

"I often use the computers at Eaton because they are connected to the computer labs at Halligan Hall, which provide programs that are not attainable on my own computer," he said

Other students such as seniors Matt Berlin and Tanya Poon felt that the extended computer hours would only have an effect on people who did not have personal computers in their rooms. "I think it is commendable that Eaton provides these services late at night for those students who don't have their own computers and are struggling to finish a paper," Berlin said.

While Eaton is practical for computer work, some feel the lack of room makes it difficult to do other types of homework. Freshman Ben Harburg visited Eaton after the library closed and found that, "There is no working space and with all the computers I just end up checking the ESPN website every few minutes."

Harburg, along with LaPorte, suggested that Tisch Library respond to student demand just as Eaton has and extend its hours as well. Many students feel that 3 a.m. is too early for the library to close.

"It is impossible to do work between the hours of seven and twelve because there are far too many distractions," said Harburg, a regular at Tisch's late night study. "By the time I get to the library it is a struggle to finish the ridiculous amounts of work I have in three hours."

The Eaton extended hours are part of a movement begun last year by former Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senator Pritesh Gandhi to add a 24-hour study center to campus. Tisch was open all night during final periods and its late night study hours were extended until 3 a.m. last year.