The resolution, approved by the senate at its May 6 meeting after the body lost its quorum at its April 8 meeting, also urges the administration to assist students who seek to purchase or have other access to computers, and not to neglect "the central role that faculty development and faculty access to computing must play in implementation of increased student access to computing."

The senate defeated an amendment to the resolution offered by David Benenson, professor of electrical and computer engineering, calling for the administration to provide each faculty member with a current-model personal computer, along with appropriate software and accessories, and to upgrade all hardware and software "on a timely basis."

Don Schack, professor of mathematics, called Benenson's amendment "premature," since the purpose of the resolution simply was to endorse efforts "to go forward with certain plans now, to figure out what they will cost and put out proposals. All of a sudden we want to finish this by prescribing one major cost?" he asked. "Seems to me that's just inappropriately early."

Jim Holstun, associate professor of English, noted that acquiring access to computing will be a "massive expense" for many students. "To build in an escape clause for faculty adds insult to injury," Holstun said.

The Student Access Subcommittee of UB's Information Technology Committee has recommended that UB implement universal access to computing resources-which would require students to have access to, and preferably own, a personal computer-by the Fall 1999 semester.

Joseph Tufariello, chair of the Student Access Subcommittee and dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has told senators that there are numerous benefits to providing this access, including the ability to personalize and customize instruction, do away with most of the poorly equipped public computer labs, improve employment prospects for students and allow UB to market itself as a high-tech institution.

Universities that have adopted universal access have seen increases in admission applications and acceptances, as well as improved retention, Tufariello has said.

The subcommittee had set a target date of Fall 2000 for full implementation of the strategy, but pushed it up to Fall 1999 at the urging of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

Senate Chair Peter Nickerson, professor of pathology, pointed out that the resolution approved by the senate "reflects a processŠthis is the beginning of the process; there is a lot more that needs to be done."

Among the items that must be addressed is the resource issue, Nickerson said. He added that Provost Thomas E. Headrick has promised to provide the senate with more accurate information in the fall on the cost of implementing universal computing access