Administration eyes possible 24hr lab

Last semester Texas A&M International University students spoke and this semester administration is taking action, implementing a system set to monitor student facility usage.

In a Student Government Association (SGA) issued survey, students were asked if they'd be in favor of a 24 hour computer access lab.

An overwhelming majority approved, under full acknowledgement that it would mean a rise in certain tuition fees.

The more popular cited reasons include complaints of classes taking precedence in current computer labs and lack of printing services available for students burning the midnight oil.

By extending current library hours to midnight, TAMIU administration is putting the success of prospective after-hours lab to the test.

Alfredo Jimenez, College and Arts and Sciences Senator and Student Representative of the Student Technology Advisory Committee, brought up the monitoring issue during open floor in a recent SGA meeting.
"The reason I urged senators to inform constituents to use the facilities is because [administration] is keeping track of how many people are actually using the facilities during the extended hours," said Jimenez.

"If enough students use the library after ordinary hours, [we] can show that a computer lab, perhaps 24 hours, with extended hours is needed."

Initially originated after technology service concerns surfaced on campus, the Student Technology Advisory Committee is comprised of four student representatives with Leebrian Gaskins as chair.

For more information on the committee or SGA technology related projects, contact the office of Student Government at 326-2280.

(Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at stephie@dusty.tamiu.edu)