Center provides service, discounts and jobs for students without leaving campus By Mark McMaster In recent years, computers have become as commonplace in higher education as textbooks and chalkboards, and the Union Technology Center is ready to provide them for KU students. Located on the third level of the Burge Union, the UTC is conveniently near the center of campus. While the business specializes in Apple products, hardware and software are also available for IBM/Windows PCs. The UTC is unique because it offers special discounts to students on faculty on Apple computers and many brands of software. Because the center receives special educational pricing from these manufacturers, many products are sold at price less than one would find at other computer retailers. Students are encouraged to compare the prices at the UTC to those at large discount stores. In addition to low prices, the UTC offers certified Apple service to both its customers and those who already own computers. The computer-savvy employees are able to provide technical help after the sale, a service not always available at larger chain retailers. Store coordinator Steed Bell emphasizes that the UTC is a service that exists for the benefit for the community. "Our mission is to provide for the students and faculty of the school," he said. "We can offer discounted prices and certified service right on campus." The center usually employs a number of students in part-time shifts. Although they are currently filled, Bell said that positions will probably open the summer before the 1997-98 academic year. Interested applicants should be familiar with computers, particularly with the Macintosh, and retail skills are also helpful. KC's largest private employer has presence on campus By Melody Ard Whether students are trying to learn about far away lands, keep track of each other or simply phone home, communication services such as the internet, pagers and the telephone are a vital part of keeping in touch. Sprint, whose world headquarters are in the Kansas City Metro are, is the largest carrier of the internet in the world, according to Martha Lally, local and regional media relations manager. In addition to the internet, Sprint offers a variety of other services to both local and international customers. enue. We serve more than 15 million businesses and residential customers. We are the largest private employer in the Kansas City Metro are," Lally said. "Sprint is a global communication company at the forefront of integrating long distance, local and wireless communication. We are a leader in advanced data communication services. We have $12.8 billion in annual rev- KU students use such services for many reasons, including research and entertainment. Students have access to the internet at 18 different computer labs on campus, as well as with personal computers in many of the dorm rooms. The Career Fair Mass Impact is a paid product of The University Daily Kansan,119 Stauffer Flint Hall,864-4358 September 4,1996 Mass Impact Manager—Dena Pisciotte·Account Assistant—Kelly Kepler·Cover photo—Steve Puppe·Cover graphic—Andy Rohrback·Design Dena Pisciotte Terraplane takes off for student transport Story by Melody Ard • Photos by Geoff Krieger Bicycles have become more than children's toys for some KU students. Since students are not allowed to use their cars to get to class, they are forced to find alternate forms of transport. Instead of walking, many rely on bicycles for a quick way to get to class. "They (bicycles) are probably the best form of transportation on and off campus. They are better than trying to park your car or riding the smelly, stinky bus; and they keep you healthy," said Dave Irvin, sales manager at Terraplane Bicycles and Goods. Terraplane Bicycles & Goods is located at 916 Massachusetts St. and offers a variety of bicycles for customers interested in cycling for transportation, exercise or as a hobby. Irvin said that Terraplane custom fits rider to the bicycle, taking the individual's interests and needs into consideration. The store also repairs bicycles, as well as selling bicycle accessories and snowboards. Terraplane attracts the attention of KU students through television, radio and print advertising campaigns. Several times during the year, Terraplane offers KU students special discounts when they present their KUID with each purchase. Above: Aaron Plepow, left, and Mike Combest, repair a bike. Left: An inside view of Terraplane's goods.