The campus network is now one step closer to a $6 million upgrade.

The Board of Trustees approved the first of three phases that will install fiber cables to 31 buildings, acting as the backbone of the voice, video and data network on campus.

The board approved Anderson Electric of Mattoon to do the installation for a proposed cost of over $378,000.

Installing the fiber optics won’t interfere with the current Internet connection, said Jeff Cooley, vice president for business affairs.

“This project will be put in parallel with the existing network,” Cooley said.

The second phase will involve cabling to individual buildings, while the third phase will put in network electronics.

Part of the network infrastructure will be funded by the increased student technology fee of $48.

Anderson Electric was employed previously in reconstructing Booth Library.

“We are very satisfied with their qualifications,” Cooley said.

The BOT also approved Eastern’s share of the state group insurance program.

In 2001, Gov. George Ryan requested higher education give back $45 million to Central Management Services for the program. This year, Eastern will give back $1.7 million.

The university will make the payment in four even installments in September, December, March and May, Cooley said.

The board also approved a list of depositories for non-appropriated funds. The decision was a routine approval and did not release any funds.