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EKU regional campuses offering Wi-Fi access to K-12 students

Posted at 1:29 PM, Oct 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-20 18:41:14-04

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Adapting to virtual learning has been difficult for many, but for students without reliable internet access, the challenge becomes nearly insurmountable. That's why Eastern Kentucky University’s Corbin and Manchester campuses are now offering Wi-Fi access to local K-12 students.

“We have areas just a few minutes from [the EKU Corbin campus] side roads on this bypass that have no internet accessibility," said Ramona Davis, assistant director of the campus' south and east regions. "So, even though schools may provide equipment to the students, if they don't have Wi-Fi, it's not doing them a lot of good."

Students of all ages can access Wi-Fi from the parking lots or other outdoor spaces like the picnic tables 24-7, and high schoolers can even go inside the buildings.

“Those students, we're allowing to come into our lobby as long as they make appointments ahead of time and abide by of course our COVID rules,” Davis said. “We're allowing 10 students at a time to come in anytime during our operating hours.”

Davis says she hopes this effort shows the university's support for its community.

High school students who want to access indoor Wi-Fi at either of the campuses can call ahead to reserve a time.

For the EKU Manchester campus, call 606-598-8122. Times for the Corbin campus can be reserved by calling 606-528-0551.