When students have computer problems, the Tech Center comes to their rescue.
Michael Stern (left) and Andrew Poeckes are a couple of the students who work in the Tech Center.
Students at Morningside College have no need to worry when computer problems strike; the Tech Center is here and ready to help with any problem. Open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., or by appointment, Monday through Friday, the Tech Center is Morningside’s full-service, computer-repair department.
With a staff of 10 students and some full-time college employees, the Tech Center can fix any computer problem. Issues that the Tech Center has dealt with in the past include replacing keyboards, screens and hard drives, and treating viruses. But they’ve had more interesting dilemmas as well. When student John Harris was in a car accident that sent a bicycle bolt through his computer, he expected that he would have to pay for a replacement. To his surprise, the Tech Center was not only able to get him a new Dell computer free of charge, but also salvaged his hard drive so he didn’t lose any information. John’s story is an example of how the Tech Center’s staff is willing to help.
Although it is not unusual for a college to have a technology service center, Morningside’s full-service center is as skilled as any computer technology service center you will find in Sioux City, maybe even better, says Aaron Orndorff, the Tech Center’s supervisor. The students on his staff are skilled in computer repairs and also can help with smart phones and game consoles. They are even willing to assist with non-technology related calls, such as referring people to teachers about classes. The staff members, who usually average three to four years of employment, are very customer service oriented. The Tech Center is a vital resource for students, especially during large projects and finals week, when problems inevitably happen. Orndorff and his staff are always prepared to do their best, and Orndorff says, “Nine out of 10 times, we’ll be miracle workers.”
-Carly Hanson