At the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California, one of the most valuable resources is the abundance of cutting-edge technology available to students. In order to keep that technology up and running, Annenberg employs a select group of trained professionals in information technology (IT), who must be on the scene when technology goes awry.

The equipment room must be kept cool to keep equipment from overheating.

Ever since Annenberg opened its new $50 million building, Wallis Annenberg Hall, in fall 2014, the IT department has been working hard to install the latest technology, like the touch screen monitors and wireless printers. However, with all the new equipment and networks being installed, Annenberg has seen slower wireless Internet, causing students grief and the IT department to respond.

“We had to register their Mac addresses one by one,” said Jesse Torres, a help desk student technician at the Annenberg IT department. “Everyone was complaining about not being able to connect.”

IT Assistant Jesse Torres takes a second to talk to me.

Choppy Internet is not the only problem the new Annenberg building has faced since its opening. According to Torres, the IT department has gone over budget buying all the latest gadgets for the building, and so many rooms now have to wait before they get gadgets of their own. For instance, in the new Annenberg lobby, there is a large empty space where a TV was supposed to be installed, but due to overspending, the purchase has been pushed back.

IT Technician Brian speaks with Jesse about a broken computer.

Without the proper technology, journalism and communication classes wouldn’t be what they are. Although it has faced some minor setbacks, the IT department has done a good job managing the opening of such a media-centric school.

Wallis Anennberg Hall is scheduled to hold its official opening ceremony on Oct. 1.