Discussion then moved to specific packages and prices. One major point that arose is the difficulty of achieving a balance between the desire to keep prices low and at the same time provide systems adequate for four years. The Mac office is put in a position of not wanting to encourage students to buy more than they need but still providing enough. The issue is whether or not this is being accomplished. Bruce Barnard, the Bookstore Manager, explained that each department has its own mission.
Textbooks is the only department with the goal of simply breaking even.
The Mac Office's goal is to provide computers to students, cover its expenses, and make a profit. The only way this policy could be changed would be at a higher level such as the Board of Trustees. The remainder of the meeting was spent in discussion of the average price of Macs. The average price has been steadily rising and it appears that this will be an continuing trend. The possibility of offering machines from third party vendors was also discussed.