Student Government Association members hope a new initiative will help undergraduates afford costly software for their personal computers.

The Student Government Association has recently allocated $5,000 in their budget for this semester to allow 50 students to receive free Microsoft Office software packages.

“I use Microsoft Word every day. So why not make it easier for those students who don’t have the software? Our constituents are very important to us. We feel like this software is essential for all Loyola students to have,” said Jared Brooks, mass communication sophomore and SGA Senator-At-Large.

This is the first year that SGA has provided this subsidy. If students use it, SGA may spend a larger amount of money to help more students next year.

Brooks said SGA is looking long-term to help the student body and he feels allowing students to get a free software package will do just that.

Psychology sophomore Alex Lain was relieved when she received the news that she would finally be able to afford the software package. She is looking forward to working on assignments from her very own laptop.

“I think it’s a great idea. This will be a great help to me,” Lain said.

Aside from the Microsoft Office programs, SGA is allowing students to purchase other computer programs from the bookstore.

Brooks believes this is a step towards helping the Loyola community.

Lauren Fincher can be reached at [email protected]