The Associated Student Inc. (AS) Board of Directors approved the purchase of two Macs for $19,820.74.
ASI originally requested $15,396.32 in funding to purchase a single Mac computer in July 2023. This request was later unanimously approved by the ASI Board of Directors in August.
“After reviewing the existing computer systems in the ASI Office – Studio 47 Graphics Area, I assessed that we lack the proper equipment to meet the department’s needs as our marketing expands through various engagement avenues and internal growth,” the ASI Executive Director said according to a document on ASI’s website.
However, the request was amended to increase funding by an additional $4,000 to purchase two Mac computers instead of one in September 2023.
“This computer is not a replacement, but a new machine that will support the growth of ASI’s marketing efforts on campus and will be used by additional student staff hired to support the ASI website and social media functions,” the ASI Executive Director said according to a document on ASI’s website.
The computers that ASI purchased are similar to the computers found within the computer labs and library on campus.
Instagram page, CSULATruth originally alleged that ASI had made a purchase of one Mac computer for over $15,000 and criticized ASI for it.
“At the time that the post on the ASI computer purchase was made and shared, this page was not aware that this unanimously approved purchase was subsequently amended to include the purchase of an additional computer, using an additional $4,000 in the request ASI Reserve Funds,” CSULATruth said in a statement to the University Times.
ASI President Yahir Flores responded to the allegations in a statement to the University Times. He confirmed that ASI had purchased two Mac computers for the graphics department.
Flores said the purchase was to replace “outdated machines that were no longer serviced by the campus or Apple,” and they had purchased many computers.
“Initial investment may appear substantial, the anticipated extended lifespan and durability of these machines are expected to yield considerable long-term cost savings for the department,” Flores said
He also said that the initiative was to enhance workflow and efficiency, and the purchase aligned with ASI’s “long-term operational requirements.”
“In my perspective, I don’t view this purchase as a ‘luxury’ or something that was bought because we wanted a name brand,” Flores said in a statement to the University Times. “It’s definitely a significant amount but an investment to serve for multiple years rather than a year investment. The main objective was longevity and having technology that could support our growing website and social media presence for our student marketing team.”
The funds for the computer came out of the ASI Reserve Funding, which was recorded to have a balance of $84,450 at the time of the request. Part of the funds that ASI uses come from student fees that can go to programs, services, club funding, and several other uses that can help others. Every academic year, a $53.75 fee is collected from students to fund ASI.
English major Katelynn Houstonn said she had mixed feelings about this allegation towards ASI.
“I can definitely understand if ASI or other departments at Cal State LA require technological equipment,” Houstonn said. “If they were more transparent with students about what they need it for, I would probably understand.”
However she said she would understand that if the investment is put to good use, although she isn’t sure how ASI can purchase a computer that is so costly.
Other students said they understand that computers like this can get pricey at times.
“I mean, computers these days do go for around that much, So, I mean, it’s understandable,” said pre-computer science major Alexander Tellez.
Although the documents mention the need for better computers in order to achieve the ASI marketing goals, Tellez said that they don’t need such a high-spec computer for this.
“You can get cheaper computers, and you would still get the same output, But I think it’s good just for speed, I guess,” Tellez said.
