The Spectrum Enterprise SpectrumU TV webpage explains that the university-based service “enables colleges and universities to meet this expectation and provide more on-campus value by enabling students to watch TV anytime and anywhere.” Over 200 channels of shows, movies and games are available to watch from near any modern smart device or streaming device, anywhere on campus. Channel availability may waver if off campus while the program is in the early stages. However, this will change in the near future. 

“We will be working on new technology to expand SpectrumU services off-campus starting late this fall or early this spring (it’s currently only available on-campus). This will allow students to use the service from home and student athletes can view TV and movies while on the road at away games,” Stufflebean said. 

The service promises a smooth and efficient experience, as Spectrum states on their website. 

“[Rely] on our exceptional content delivery network to help students stay informed and entertained. Because SpectrumU is IP-delivered, it requires no on-campus equipment to purchase, power or maintain. That saves you time, money and effort while creating the reliability students expect,” the website states.

The introduction of the Speed Queen app, coupled with the new laundry machines across campus, looks to ease a common student complaint around campus. The app is compatible with college-provided iPads, along with other devices. 

“We know students have very busy schedules. This new service will be a time-saver. We hope it will also reduce students forgetting their laundry and occupying machines,” Stufflebean said. 

In addition to being notified of when your clothes are ready to be taken out of the washer or dryer or when machines are available, the app is also capable of detecting when machines need maintenance. Stufflebean promises that a technician will respond to said alert within 24 hours. 

“The new service provider will also service machines every two weeks. Well maintained machines with less down time will reduce student inconvenience and frustration,” said Stufflebean. 

Stufflebean emphasized he isn’t done improving the daily lives of students, stating that faculty, staff and administration will continue to listen to students. 

“Student input and feedback is an important part of our work in improving student life on The Hill. We are committed to affecting change where we can to provide students with an outstanding co-curricular and residential experience,” concluded Stufflebean.

In keeping with Disney’s ever-growing push to dominate the entertainment industry, the $200 billion international company released their new streaming service – Disney+ –  Nov 12. 

The new streaming service offers an interface similar to Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video and features hundreds of classic Disney movies like “Snow White” and “Lady in the Tramp.” It also includes fan favorite Disney Channel shows like “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “That’s So Raven,” movies and shows from the Marvel and “Star Wars” universes, Pixar movies and shorts and documentaries from National Geographic. 

Disney+ will also offer viewers never-before-seen content. The live action “Star Wars” show “The Mandalorian” lured in many die hard “Star Wars” fans, and the promise of multiple new Marvel shows and movies that feature iconic characters like Loki, the Scarlet Witch and Dr. Strange are sure to draw in even more viewers. 

But to me the big allure of Disney+ is the comfort and nostalgia that comes from watching old favorites. My favorite show as a child was “Lizzie McGuire,” a heartwarming and funny show about the relatable Lizzie and her efforts to survive middle school without too much embarrassment. Since the show ended in 2004, the only way you could watch the hilarious hijinks of Lizzie and her animated alter ego was if you happened to catch reruns on Saturday mornings. 

When I heard the show would be back on Disney+, I was excited, but I was also scared. What if re-watching after all these years ruined the show for me? What if some things are just better left in the past? 

I finally gave in weeks after the release of Disney+, and I was happily surprised. Sure, not every joke landed, and there were occasional cringe-worthy moments, but it truly was a good show. Now that I’m older, I can appreciate the underlying themes, especially ones of female empowerment, a bit more. 

In the very first episode, the show explores the ideas of being true to yourself in the face of pressure to fit into the crowd. It also discusses the harmful nature of girls tearing each other down, and how to accept blame. When Lizzie needs cheering up, her whole family compliments her on her intellect, kind heart and ability to maintain friendships. They make no comments about her appearance. 

I’m not saying that Lizzie McGuire is the next feminist icon. An educated viewer could probably find a lot to condemn about the show’s treatment of cheerleaders or the characterization of mean girl Kate. What I am saying is, unlike some other nostalgic shows, many of the Disney Channel shows still hold up more than a decade later. 

To this day shows like “That’s So Raven” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” are applauded for their willingness to tackle important issues like the harmful impacts of photoshop on how young girls view their own body, or the health concerns that come with yo-yo dieting. More importantly, they managed to do this while still being funny enough to maintain their audience. 

Disney+ offers a unique look back at the shows that shaped so many of our lives. I think it’s beneficial to take a step back and review the messages those shows conveyed and what they mean today. It can also be really fun. 

I am concerned about the future of streaming services. I think they will eventually morph back into an upgraded version of cable –  expensive, crowded and usually filled with subpar programing. However, I admit the benefits that come with streaming platforms, not the least of which is being able to watch whatever I want, whenever I want. Now that can include my old favorite Disney shows. 

That being said, Disney+ is a welcome addition to the steaming market for most viewers. If the nostalgia of classics released from the elusive Disney vault is not enough to catch your attention, the new content may be. Though I cannot attest to the quality of these new shows, as a Disney girl at heart I have enough faith in the Imagineers to tune in and find out. You may not be willing to hop on the Disney bandwagon just yet, but with positive reviews of the service rolling in thus far, you may be alone.