After extensive deliberation, the Office of Technology Services, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs, is pleased to announce the launch of the Adaptive Knowledge-Engaged Network, hereafter referred to as AKENnet, effective April 1, 2026. AKENnet represents a bold step forward in Illinois Tech’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and getting the most out of university infrastructure. Effective immediately upon rollout, all students accessing campus WiFi will be required to correctly solve a mathematics problem every thirty minutes to maintain an active connection.
This is not a drill.
Upon connecting to the Illinois Tech network, students will be prompted to solve a randomly generated mathematics problem before gaining internet access. Problems will be tiered according to academic level:
- Freshmen and Sophomores will receive single-variable calculus problems.
- Juniors and Seniors will receive multivariable calculus and differential equations.
- Graduate Students will receive problems sourced directly from their own qualifying exams.
- PhD Candidates will be required to submit original proof, reviewed by a committee that meets quarterly.
Every thirty minutes, the network will prompt a new problem. Students have ninety seconds to respond. A grace period of sixty seconds follows an incorrect answer, described by the development team as “time to reflect on your choices.” The system will go live across all campus networks, including residence halls, the library, Hermann Hall, and, yes, the quiet floors as well. Basically everywhere.
The initiative follows a university-wide audit of student screen time, the findings have declined to share publicly but described in an internal memo as “concerning.” AKENnet is designed to ensure that time spent on the university network is, at minimum, occasionally interrupted by something educational.
“We are not saying students aren’t learning,” said a university spokesperson. “We are saying that a thirty-minute calculus check-in is a small price to pay for unlimited access to the internet, which, let’s be honest, you are mostly using to watch videos of other people living more interesting lives.”
Faculty, administrators, and IT staff will be exempt from AKENnet requirements. This decision is final and not up for discussion.
FAQ
What if I answer incorrectly? You will be disconnected and given sixty seconds to reconsider. After three consecutive incorrect answers, your device will be flagged for a mandatory advising appointment.
What if I’m in the middle of submitting an assignment? We recommend submitting assignments more than thirty minutes before the deadline. This is also general life advice.
Can I use a calculator? No.
What about STEM students; isn’t this unfair to everyone else? The Office of Academic Affairs is currently developing field-specific tracks. Architecture students should start warming up. Business students, a market projection would not go amiss. This is still under discussion, and more details will follow.
Someone is already selling a script that automates the answers for five dollars. What is the OTS doing about this? We are aware. The student in question has been offered an internship.
I emailed the OTS about this three days ago and haven’t heard back. Per university policy, the OTS responds to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe. Please allow four to six weeks.
Is this an April Fool’s joke? AKENnet is a fully realized, seriously considered initiative from the OTS. We are choosing not to dignify that question with a direct answer.
For further inquiries, contact the Office of Technology Services (OTS) at supportdesk@illinoistech.edu. Response times may vary.