Ohio University administrators are considering removing university-provided computers from dorm rooms in the future, and also requiring all students to own a computer before coming to OU.
What might be considered an adaptation to the times, with the growing number of students purchasing their own computers before they enter college, could leave many students who might rely on university provided computers out of luck in the future. Although OU is still in the planning stages, it would be in the best interest of the university and its students for the administration to continue providing this beneficial service.
One of the best perks about coming to OU as a freshman in the past few years has been the use of university-owned computers. Although the trend might be toward more private ownership of computers, OU could continue to foster good will among new students if it takes into account those who might not be able to afford a personal computer.
Last quarter, students filed only 600 PC removal requests. It doesn't take a math degree to realize that 600 PC removal requests amounts to a small percentage of the thousands of OU students living in the dorms.
The relatively small percentage of students submitting PC removal requests and the university's growing wireless network should not override the selling point of free, in-room use of a university provided computer. If OU is dead set on not having to waste time removing the computers at the beginning of the year, then it should allow students (when filling out their housing forms) to request a computer. That way OU could budget its need for computers and have them only in the rooms that need computers.
If OU is attempting to come up with a way to update the current computer provision policy, it should be done in a way that does not assume all students can afford to have a computer. Although considered by some as a necessity, owning a personal computer is still a luxury. Until the percentage of students requesting university provided computer removal requests reaches a majority, university officials should favor a more selective process that considers every student's financial needs.
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