This news item was published prior to Apogee’s acquisition and subsequent rebrand to Boldyn Networks in November 2024. Learn more about the acquisition here.

AUSTIN, Texas, and NEW CONCORD, Ohio (Sept. 20, 2022) — Approximately 1,000 students, resident assistants, and resident computer lab assistants living and studying at Muskingum University are enjoying an enhanced on-campus living experience thanks to reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi services with ApogeeResNet (Residential Network)  services and support.

Muskingum University is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to delivering superior technology solutions that enhance the student experience and strategically position the school for growth. The university engaged Apogee in July 2021 to deliver ResNet managed services because of the company’s proven experience and solid reputation as a higher education managed technology services provider for over 350 colleges and universities and more than one million students across the United States. Apogee worked alongside Muskingum University housing and IT teams to install and deploy ResNet in less than 30 days in six traditional residence halls as well as apartments, townhouses, and individual homes.

Established in 1837, Muskingum University is a private liberal arts institution located in New Concord, Ohio. The university is known to be a true residential community and is considered a “hidden gem” in the state. According to U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 overall rankings, Muskingum University placed 16^th in Best Value Schools, 12^th in Top Performers on Social Mobility, tied for 46^th in Regional Universities in the Midwest, and 47^th in Best Colleges for Veterans. Among Ohio universities, Muskingum University also ranked second in Best Value Schools and second in Top Performers in Social Mobility. This is the second year the University has ranked second among Ohio universities in both these categories. At Muskingum University, 98 percent of the undergraduate population receives financial aid from state and federal funds, alumni, and friends of the University. This makes the cost to attend Muskingum University comparable to that of Ohio’s four-year public institutions. More than 90 percent of Muskingum University students live on campus and rely on Apogee ResNet for study, research, collaboration, connection with family and friends, and entertainment.

Apogee ResNet Advantages for Muskingum Students 

Muskingum University campus residents can connect up to 10 devices per student via the Apogee ResNet app. From smartphones to tablets to laptops to IoT devices such as speakers, TVs, and personal assistants, Apogee ResNet can accommodate the devices that students want in their living spaces. Getting all these devices online and logging in is easy via single sign-on (SSO) and eduroam support that enables residents to use their school credentials to add devices to the network. Apogee ResNet also delivers a premium “at-home” digital experience with personal area networking (PAN) capabilities that allow students to seamlessly connect all their devices. Residents can print their homework or term papers wirelessly, use Apple Airplay to watch content with friends, listen to music on wireless speakers, play video games, and FaceTime with friends and family with ease. U.S-based 24/7/365 technical support is instantly available in the app or via phone, email, and chat.

Perfect Timing for Apogee ResNet

“The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our dependence on technology for the delivery of virtual learning, research, and entertainment for our students,” commented Phil Laube, vice president of finance and operations and treasurer at Muskingum University. “Prior to engaging Apogee, the Muskingum University IT and housing teams managed the residential network services on our own. When delivering online learning platforms became critical during the pandemic, we needed to free up our lean staff for strategic educational and administrative priorities. We also recognized that our students were having trouble connecting their laptops, smartphones, printers, and other wireless devices quickly and effectively. If something wasn’t working properly, our students were very vocal about letting us know. Now, with Apogee ResNet, we are not hearing any complaints. Apogee is always there for us behind the scenes making sure everything is working flawlessly for all residents.”

Muskingum University received federal COVID-19 HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) in 2021 to enable investments in modernizing campus technology infrastructure. Laube said that while Muskingum University has not always been an early adopter of technology solutions and services, this was a proven solution that would clearly benefit Muskingum students and help the IT staff manage the campus’ increasing demands on technology. Being able to leverage the federal funds to make needed improvements in internet connectivity and Wi-Fi performance for the student, faculty, and staff campus experience was great timing.

Dr. Susan S. Hasseler, Muskingum University president, added: “While our students returned to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, there still was a need to enhance our technology capabilities, including internet access and Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi reliability, performance, and support that Apogee provides our residents gives them a level of connectivity and internet access that contributes to their overall academic success.”

“We are honored that President Hasseler, Phil Laube, and the Muskingum housing and IT teams trust Apogee to anticipate and satisfy the Wi-Fi needs of students and resident assistants living on campus. At Apogee, we wear our customers’ colors and approach each ResNet as a strategic partnership and act as an extension of the university’s IT team. We are especially pleased to know that Muskingum University students are enjoying a positive experience on campus and that they do not have to stress about Wi-Fi connectivity or internet access,” said Matt Loecke, executive vice-president at Apogee.