The University may be scrapping its $100,000-per-year e-mail system for an ad-based model. The Student Tech Fee Oversight Committee discussed an overhaul of the e-mail system at its most recent meeting. The Committee, comprising six students and four administrators, determines how to spend more than $4 million annually generated through the fee. The e-mail system used by students is hosted by Outblaze, an international Internet service platform. The service costs the University more than $100,000 per year, said Josh King, Student Government vice president and committee member. The Committee seeks to shift to a free e-mail service, and is considering Google Mail and Microsoft Live. King said both would provide students with e-mail accounts similar to their already existing products, but “under the PAWS exoskeleton.” Though students may be familiar with Microsoft and Google on an individual basis, King said both services provide tailored versions for larger organizations. These services would not require a recurring charge, but King said there may be a one-time conversion fee involved. Both would likely feature related ads, similar to the individual versions. The Committee also aims to increase ease of use and awareness of wireless printing, a service available on campus. “We currently have wireless printing on campus, but people are having trouble connecting to it and understanding it,” said Colorado Robertson, Student Senate Speaker and committee member. King said the committee also worked to finalize the printing policy. Beginning in spring 2008, students will receive a $5 credit to use with University printers and printing services. Still on the horizon is whether the committee will seek to raise the fee. Recurring costs covered by the fee – such as licensing fees paid by the University to provide TigerWare – continue to increase. As a result, other programs must be cut from tech fee funding. “The re-occurring costs every year have pretty much hit a ceiling,” King said. In its upcoming meetings, the Committee will determine whether a fee increase should be further considered.
—-Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]