Student Government Association's (SGA) decision to support a proposal making Google the official Ball State search engine and open more 24-hour labs reflects a university desire to improve student access to technology.
Senators passed the two pieces of legislation, co-sponsored by University Computing Services (UCS), at the Wednesday afternoon meeting after limited discussion. The Google legislation passed with a majority vote, while the 24-hour labs legislation passed unanimously.
Most of the Google debate centered on cost. The exact cost is still unknown, but SGA President Steve Geraci said the final cost will depend on how deep the search goes.
Senator Heather Lindley asked where the funds would come from. Geraci said they probably would come out of the general fund and not the technology fee. He also mentioned a fund set up by Director of UCS Fred Nay for alumni donations specifically for student technology.
There is currently a free service provided by Google to do a Ball State search, and Senator Eean Bailey asked if they could advertise that service so the school would not have to pay for the search engine.
"The Google BSU search right now doesn't go very deep," Geraci said. "It doesn't cover nearly the depth that we cover with our search engine now."
If Ball State hired Google the search would combine the depth of the current search engine and the accuracy of Google.
"Just because there is a free alternative it is still university responsibility to provide a service," Geraci said.
Concerns about the 24-hour computer labs included discussion about the need for four more labs, as well as how many student jobs would be created.
President Pro-Tempore Asher Lisec said she recently had a meeting with Gene Burton, director of public safety, about safety issues on campus and he responded positively to the 24-hour labs proposal.
"I asked if he was aware of what was going on, and he said he would be willing to look into extending the escort service and bus services, Lisec said."
Lisec has a ride-along planned with the escort service to evaluate its effectiveness, and said they plan to add decals to their van to distinguish it from other vehicles.
"It was just a plain white van and if it was sitting outside the library why would you just get into a plain white van?" Lisec said.
Academic Affairs committee continues looking into making INQSIT testing more student friendly and improving the attendance policy. Community Environmental Affairs Chair Katie Bills thanked everyone for their help with Campus Clean Up and reminded everyone to use the trash bags being passed out during Homecoming tailgating.
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