An editorial in The Daily Eastern News, the student newspaper of Eastern Illinois University, complains about a policy to require freshmen in some programs (including the journalism program; nice way to get the attention of the student newspaper!) to buy laptop computers. The newspaper says the requirement is a “cost-cutting measure” for the university, which cannot afford to maintain its computer labs.
The Daily Eastern News proposes that the university should hike its technology fees slightly and cut back on buying expensive devices like smart boards and projectors. The editorial quotes James Tidwell, chair of the journalism department, who says that “the university cannot upgrade and support all of the labs on campus unless the fee is hiked, which is unlikely.”
“While there is a need to connect students to their technology necessities, requiring a computer purchase to save computer maintenance costs on campus is beyond reason,” the newspaper says. “The laptop initiatives have good educational intentions behind them, but don’t force the issue because the university has funding problems. Endorse the purchases, don’t require them.” —Scott Carlson
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