ResNet Testimonials

From ResNetWiki

ResNet is a great organization for a variety of reasons. Why? We asked our members the following questions:

• What do you get out of ResNet?
• Out of the list?
• Out of the RARG?
• Out of the Symposium?

Below are the responses to these questions. Feel free to contribute below. Testimonials received by Friday, September 26th will go to help a promotional effort in an upcoming conference, but testimonials are welcomed anytime.

Are you interested in joining ResNet? Start by joining our Mailing List.

[edit] Testimonials

"When I started supporting a residential network, most ResNet programs were still getting started and there was a lot of uncharted territory out there- How will this new network be used? What technologies should we purchase to ensure a positive experience? What is the best way of providing support? While many of these questions have been answered now, our program has been successful by participating in the ResNet organization. As a peer group, I've been able to bounce ideas and questions off of others in my same situation, as well as gain advice on new things to do or try to improve the service we provide. The various Symposiums have been a collaborative resource and informational repository far outweighing the cost of attending.

I'm confident that as things continue to evolve with student computing, networking, operating systems, and support that the ResNet organization will be a place to help steer my program to success and allow me to share those successes with others."

-Todd Thomas
University of Northern Iowa

"I started working at ResNet as a student at the University of Connecticut. It helped me grow in knowledge and find a career path. Now, as a full time employee at Providence College, managing the IT Helpdesk, we support student technology issues, including the residential network. With my background of working as a student for a ResNet program, I helped start a formal ResNet support program at Providence College. I used my experience as a student, along with the experience of the thousands of other people on the ResNet listserv and the networking I did at the Symposiums, to really get the program off the ground. The presentations gave me some general ideas for support and solutions for problems, while the conversations during meals and the Birds of a Feather sessions helped with more specific questions and thoughts in my head. Being someone who finds it easier to get information in a face-to-face setting, the Symposiums have helped quite a bit. The listserv serves as my first "go to" resource when I see a strange problem come up or want to share a new tool I created. Having gone through the beginnings of a ResNet program, I use the listserv and Symposiums to assist others and share my knowledge and experiences. The collaborative nature of ResNet and generosity of those involved with the organization is outstanding. As a newcomer about 4 years ago, I felt lost and I was welcomed with open arms."

Jim Rizzo
Helpdesk Manager
Providence College


"I am one of the more unique members of the ResNet community as I do not work for an educational institution. I currently am employed by Blackboard but have remained connected to ResNet since leaving the EDU space in 2006. The focus of my work has obviously shifted with the different needs of working at a commercial organization. ResNet was and remains the most dynamic, engaged and relevant professional organizations I have been involved with. My role as a Network Communications Specialist for Millersville University was the first professional IT position I held. The ResNet attendees and contributors were the best mentors I could have expected. Professionally and technically they guided me to effective tools and best practices that have helped me continue to succeed in my career. The ResNet listserv, wiki, user contributed links and media are all some of the best resources offered by "in-the-trenches" IT and student community professionals. Many other professional organizations lose relvancy and credibility as the discussion often disintegrates into negative reactions to vendors and internal politics. ResNet members continue to keep the signal to noise ratio at a level that makes our community a trusted and reliable resource. It is a privilege to continue my participation and association with ResNet and I recommend the group to other professionals with highest regard"

Ryan Dorman
Sr. Infrastructure/Security Engineer
Blackboard Inc.

"Can you remember a point in time when students did NOT arrive on campus with 2 or 3 workstations, laptops, iPods, iPhones, Wiis, Xboxes and multiple identities on Myspace, Facebook and Second Life? Although that may seem like a page out of history, the reality is that less than a decade ago (e.g., 2000, 2001), many universities and colleges were still debating whether or not to provide a "connection per pillow" in their residential housing environments. The first ResNet Symposium was held at Stanford University in 1994 to guide discussion, tool development, policy, and organizational structure around the emergence of computing technologies and Internet connectivity in residential settings. Since then, the ResNet organization has grown and now takes the place as the only professional organization in higher ed focusing entirely on student technologies and their integration with the academic mission. ResNet provides an international forum for discussion, collaboration, and professional growth via the organization's many on-line resources and its Annual ResNet Symposium and Professional Development Seminars. Members of ResNet not only feel an enormous commitment to their jobs and universities, but have formed life-long personal and professional bonds through their involvement in ResNet."

Dee Childs Deputy CIO Information Technology Services Louisiana State University