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Why not Resources |
Editor-in-Chief Early voting for the extension of a current College Savings Bond program to obtain additional funds for every higher education campus in Arkansas began Nov. 28 at the Monticello courthouse. Regular voting will be Dec. 13 at each district's respective polling place. "The proceeds from the bond issue if passed will be used to replace the administrative, academic software that manages all records of the university and provides opportunities to offer distant education classes," Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. "The present system has been in operation at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for 19 plus years and must be replaced." The bond program will provide UAM with $4.1 million to purchase and install software that will replace the POISE system, which connects the campus to the e-corridor. It will also provide facility improvements at all three campuses. "In addition to the technology, the campus will use a portion of the bond funds for renovations at the Science Center, UAM College of Technology at McGehee and UAM College of Technology at Crossett campuses," Lassiter said. "These renovations are in the master plan." Mark Davis said this will benefit students because it will not only upgrade the technology infrastructure, but it will also allow for brick and mortar improvements. "It's important to stress that the bond will require no additional money from taxpayers or the state treasurer," he said. Chris Simpson, an alumnus of UAM with a degree in Computer Information Systems, expressed his approval of the bond. He said after graduating from college and talking to co-workers that went to college elsewhere, he realized UAM's dire need for technology upgrades. "UAM is one of the few campuses in the state that does not have technology such as wireless internet and up-to-date equipment campus wide," he said. "Plus, a lot of their main computer applications are still running on older software." Sophomore Alisa Haynes said she would not support the upgrading of campus technology due to other issues she deems more important. "It would be nice if the money could be divided to increase dining options, add new laundry facilities in the dorms and increase technology in the classroom," she said. "It would be more efficient for professors to have their lectures printed on transparent paper and viewed on an overhead instead of chalkboard lectures." Junior Amanda Haught said she would vote for the bond due to it not requiring any additional taxes. She considered it like refinancing a loan. "This refinancing will pay for better systems, and
to make the campus 'hot' for wireless connections," she said. "That will be
good for the school."
Lassiter said he encourages everyone to exercise their opportunity to vote in this important election. Have a comment? Please e-mail us. |
