The End of the Landline

This just in from Wheaton College (not sure how many other campuses have already gone the same route):

Re: Elimination of Phones in Residence Halls

There are no longer active phone lines in residence hall rooms. Due to the fact that the vast majority of Wheaton students have cell phones, advancement in technology, and other reasons, it was decided to have the land lines discontinued. Phone lines remain in campus apartments and houses. Phones remain in the residence hall lobby areas for general student use with a prepaid calling card or for emergency 911 use. The Resident Assistant on each floor will also have a phone in his/her room for emergency purposes.

Please follow this link to the Residence Life website for more information on alternative communication systems which students can use: http://www.wheaton.edu/studentlife/reslife/policies-financial-faq/faq#idqo4dRzonbp96pM-Hp7afkQ

We understand that room phones have been a traditional way in which parents, professors and off-
campus community members have been directed by the switchboard to reach you. It will, therefore, be important for you to distribute your cell phone number accordingly. If you live in a residence hall, the College will NOT give out your cell phone number but rather your College email address.

If you live in a residence hall, please discuss ahead of time with your parents how to proceed if they need to contact you in case of an emergency and your cell phone is not available. If it is a true emergency, please have your parents contact Public Safety, who can put them in touch with the on duty Residence Life staff member in your building. If your parents desire contact information of other people, we suggest you give them your roommate or close friend's cell phone. If you have concerns that have not been addressed in this email please contact either --- or ---.

Thank you

The link provides this information:
How can I make phone calls if I do not have a cell phone?

Our residence hall rooms no longer have College provided phones. There are phones in the main lobbies and floor lounge areas where students will be able to dial 800 numbers, campus numbers and 9-911 in case of an emergency. Listed below are some communication options that students can use. These alternate methods of communication are not endorsed by Wheaton College, but are listed for your convenience.

Magic Jack- www.magicjack.com

Skype- www.skype.com

IChat- www.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macsx/ichat.html

Google Voice- www.google.com/voice - Save cell phone minutes by using Google Voice

Calling Cards