Student Body President Ben Meyers' mission to expand free printing on campus is underway.
The inaugural meeting of his Free Printing Task Force took place Friday in the Reitz Union.
Meyers said free printing has been a part of Student Government platforms many times before, and the initiative is something students have needed for a long time.
"For the first time, we not only have the motivation to complete it and see it done, but the ability to do so," he said. "For the first time, we [will] have the funding to pursue a project like this."
He stressed the importance of making sure every student's needs were represented.
He said his initial approach will be to research the areas on campus where access to computers and printing will be most critical. Then he will create a plan that addresses these needs and put the plan into action.
The committee is led by co-chairmen Jacob King and Laser Kaplan. Other members include seven student senators and the entire Student Government Executive Committee.
King and Kaplan assigned task force members to gather information from each college about its printing and computing needs by talking to IT managers and students. Once the requirements are assessed, the committee will also choose the best course of action to reach those needs.
During a speech at the meeting, Meyers discussed sweeping changes to UF's computer services. He explored options such as dropping CIRCA, who currently manage the computer labs and give student support, and equipping new facilities with Apple computers instead of the Dell machines that are commonly seen in the labs.
The project will be funded from the $1.3 million attained from last year's Activity and Service Fees, which saw a 15 percent increase.
Although all student projects have to be presented to the Activity and Service Fee Committee before getting funding, Meyers said he was not concerned.
He said the turnover time for the project will be minimal and hopes to begin construction by the end of the summer.
