by Wendy J. Allyn

The Undergraduate Student Government voted Wednesday not to fund USG President Duane Sherman’s proposed computer upgrades but instead established a task force to review the upgrades.

USG senators were presented with two proposals for implementing a local area network, which would link USG computers together for users to share information.

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Some senators have said the upgrades are necessary for USG to receive and disseminate information efficiently. Others are concerned the benefits will be minimal in comparison to the cost.

According to reports by USG computer systems analyst Mark Collins, costs of the network will be $3,000 to $6,000.

Sherman said the task force will review two proposals in addition to those made by Collins.

The task force is going to look into if we have a need for it and what will be the best option, Sherman said.

Sen. Toby Trimmer said a task force making a thorough decision is better than the senate adopting a proposal right away.

I think if we review it in a task force, it will give us a better option, he said.

Sen. Donald Rehmer said he thought there had been confusion about the benefits of the network, and the task force would help clarify the facts for senators.

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It’s a good thing because I think there’s been a lot of confusion, Rehmer said. It will get all the information out so people can understand it.

Sherman said the task force will have 30 days to form their recommendation which will be presented to the senate Oct. 25.

The senate also voted to spend nearly $1,000 to equip USG office computers with on-line capabilities.