Apple demo store opens on campus

After months of preparation, the new Apple demo store opened in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Bookstore today with Apple representatives on hand to discuss products.

“The major benefit is you don’t have to go to Mayfair,” said James Pike, Apple store demo clerk.

The campus store will provide demonstrations of Apple computers, various iPod models and accessories. There are also discounts available for UWM students and alumni.

Originally the store was planned to open in August, said Kelly Herlache, general merchandise manager, but there were problems with obtaining demo products and discussions between Apple and the university’s legal department on wording for legal documents.

Currently the Apple store is a demo store with no place to repair Apple products or stock products, but bookstore management said an expansion into an actual store with inventory is a possibility if there is enough interest.

“It will be driven by how many orders we get,” said Mary Luce, the bookstore’s customer service manager. “You can’t say right now.”

Professor Stephen Dornbos from the geoscience department said he uses Apple computers for research and thinks the new store will be beneficial by making it easier to buy computers.

However some students are concerned that the school is endorsing Apple and neglecting other companies.

“I think it’s strange,” said sophomore Jacob Perkins, who owns a Fujitsu computer. “Why aren’t they offering other options?”

Luce said she is not sure on why the university went with Apple but that UWM already has a deal with Dell through its Web site.

Those interested in purchasing a computer or other Apple products can place an order at the store and the order should be in within seven to 10 business days.

Files returned to SA

Campus police returned Student Association (SA) files Monday afternoon following a university audit into the organization’s finances. A cart with several boxes of documents and files was wheeled into the office around 2:30 p.m.

Sixteen boxes were returned while 14 more are still being withheld. The files that were returned are not relevant to the case, according to Detective Cook of the UWM Campus Police. There is no timetable on the return of all SA files or the completion of the university audit into SA finances.

SA president Samantha Prahl is still looking into the legality of the situation and has been in contact with an attorney to explore the organization’s options.

“We are definitely looking into the legality of this. Hopefully we will have a better idea of what’s next in a week or so,” said Prahl.

On Oct. 23, campus police seized files from the office after SA objected to being audited by the university. SA had requested an independent audit, which led to the university taking action.

The office was temporarily shut down and the investigation has been ongoing ever since.

BOSS van victim of apparent hit and run

A BOSS van was struck by an oncoming vehicle in an apparent hit-and-run Wednesday night at the intersection of Capitol Drive and Oakland Avenue.

Around 8:15 p.m. a BOSS van was heading eastbound on Capitol Drive when the oncoming vehicle blew a red light and hit the back passenger side of the van, according to the accident report. The perpetrator then fled the scene and was eventually caught by campus police.

There was minimal damage to the van, which is still in use as of Thursday afternoon.

Heavy rain may have been a factor in the accident, as roads were slick and visibility was low that night. No injuries were reported and everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt.

No charges have been filed as of yet.

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