SGA approves computer purchases
Student senators listen to the officer address at the beginning of the first SGA meeting of the year.
Despite reservations from several senators, Student Government Association approved the purchase of four new computers to be used in the SGA Office, for a total of $4,480.41. The funds will come from the $5,000 SGA allocates per semester for office supplies. The purchase accounts for 89.6 percent of the allocated funds.
The bill passed with 34 of the 39 present senators voting in favor.
SGA Advisor Nancy Loosle said that some of the computers being replaced were ten years old.
At-Large Sen. Alexis Landreth said that she opposed the purchase because of the cost.
“I just believe that we can get it for cheaper,” Landreth said.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” LAS Sen. Eugene Potts said. “We’ve got one of the better computer science programs in the state — probably the best in the state.”
“They could build you a computer a lot cheaper.”
Marshall Johnson, SGA treasurer, agreed the price was too high, but said options were limited due to a contract through the university.
“Personally, I don’t want to spend this much on it — I mean, if I could get a cheaper option or a better option, I would have,” Johnson said. “But this is the only option we have going through the university.”
Johnson said he expects the new computers, three all-in-one desktop units and one laptop, to last upwards of five years.
Fake Pres. Bardo • Sep 17, 2017 at 10:42 pm
I see students are taking after me.. If there is a budget for new shiny things then use it. If not, then find a way to make the budget bigger for new shiny things.
It seems excessive at $1100 per computer, but hey if it can write a paper, look up cat videos, and play the newest call of duty while staying within the budget then why not.
You never know when someone is going to take away your budget for shiny new things. When they do, you better hope you have already spent every penny.
As Always,
Fake Pres. Bardo.
Nameless Shocker • Sep 15, 2017 at 9:48 pm
As someone who had worked with Information Technology Services at WSU, ITS would offer FREE computer upgrades to computing technology and devices that are older than five years old. Why didn’t the Association inquire about FREE upgrades, instead of just outright purchasing new computers from the contracts?
Half the time, their Association is not even in their offices. And it’s not like they are computing data that would necessitate these upgrades.
Senators, please make sure you that you review all the options from here on. The Association needs to reconsider this purchase to save their budget.