A life cycle of three years before obsolescence sets in is not uncommon. Financially, this implies a continuing demand upon funding rather than one time special commitments. It highlights the difficulties of personal ownership since a computer purchased upon entrance to university is unlikely to be adequate for many needs four or five years later. If the university accepts access to computing resources as a priority need for students then funding will have to be allocated to it. Joint initiatives with private business and government may help the needed fundraising.
Distance education poses special problems for student access to computing resources.
While it may be possible to provide adequate on campus access, the possibility of providing such access to a widely distributed student population located both inside and outside of the province is unlikely. Access to university and Internet resources is increasingly important while Internet access is spreading rapidly throughout the province. Currently there are unique opportunities to increase computing resource access with the current Opportunity Fund campaign and the construction of a new university centre building. A service allocation model which guarantees a minimum amount of access for students should be instituted for all computing resources where access contention exists. The model should recognize the legitimate need of students, staff and faculty to access computing resources in order to accomplish the objectives of the university.