Student Computer Ownership Programs
"Providing each of us with a notebook computer
is like
providing everyone with a technology minor."
(Student, University
of Minnesota, Crookston)
The policy of requiring college and university students to have
constant access to a computer is not a new one. Virginia Tech
College of Engineering has had all its students purchase a computer
since 1984. However, only in the past few years has this policy become
more common among institutions of higher learning. A look at ten colleges and
universities that have placed their requirements and policies on the Web
reveals considerations involved when initiating the practice at any
institution.
Ownership Policies
 Least specific
- Mandatory access, but ownership not required
More specific - Ownership required, computer of student's choice
Most specific - Ownership of one model of computer required
- Clayton
College and State University (GA). The school provides all students with
multimedia notebook computers. The cost is partially covered by an "information
technology fee" and the balance underwritten by state and private funds.
- Rose-Hulman
Institute (IN). Entering students must buy an Acer laptop of the model
designated by the Institute.
- University
of Minnesota, Crookston. UMC, which calls itself the original ThinkPad®
University, provides IBM ThinkPad® notebook computers to entering freshmen.
Cost is covered by a quarterly "technology access fee" that includes hardware,
software, warranty and insurance. Full-time students keep the computers as long
as they are enrolled and turn them back when they leave. Part-time students pay
a reduced fee and check out a notebook computer daily.
- Wake
Forest University. Wake Forest also provides IBM ThinkPad® notebook computers, as well as color
printers. Students take the machines with them when they graduate, and the
computers are upgraded every two years.
Other Requirements
Although the extent of specific requirements varies from institution to institution, it may relate to
Hardware. CPUs (e.g., processor, RAM, CD-drive), monitors, printers
(usually optional since schools provide free or fee printing),
network adapters, cables, modems, sound cards, zip drives, machine
requirements of individual departments.
Software. Operating system, email, Web browser, spreadsheet, word
processing, anti-virus programs, network access, software requirements
of individual departments or courses. Several schools surveyed
require Windows and Microsoft Office as their standard software
package.
Orientation and training. Use of computer and software, general
computer literacy. Rose-Hulman provides
an online orientation to the use of the computers. At UMC all students
must take an Introduction to Information Technology course where
they learn the use and care of their computers and software.
Computer Support & Services
Types and degree of support and service range from the minimal to
the complete, but may include
Sales, usually discounted, of machines, software, parts, peripherals.
Of the schools surveyed, those who made special arrangements with
specific computer companies named IBM (3 institutions), Dell (2)
and Acer (1).
Installation and repair service, including warranty service. Several
schools that require ownership provide loaners while a machine
is being repaired.
Computer support centers or help desks, which can be online or
in labs, sometimes available 24 hours a day, to answer student
questions. Georgia Tech
places technology advisors in every residence hall to provide
telephone and on-site technical support with networking questions.
Free email accounts. UMC also
provides a Web page account.
Free Internet access. Some schools place a limit on the number
of free hours.
Documentation, paper or online, that deals with the institution's
policies and procedures regarding student computer ownership.
Georgia
Tech has a very comprehensive manual.
Wired facilities. Places may include classrooms, labs, libraries,
dorms, lounges.
Secured storage facilities on campus.
Financial Assistance for Computer Purchase
Financial aid. All the schools that addressed this issue state
that the cost of required hardware and software is part of the
expense figure used to calculate eligibility for state and federal
aid. The latest average amount suggested in calculating this expense
when applying for student aid is $2500. UMC includes
its technology access fee in the determination of and eligibility
for student financial aid.
Scholarships. The University
of Cincinnati suggests scholarships that can be used to offset
the cost of a computer.
Loan programs. In addition to the PLUS federal loan program, Georgia
Tech recommends personal loans though local banks and companies
like Apple Computer, which offers loans for the purchase of their
computers.
Purchase plans. Rose-Hulman
allows entering students to spread the cost over four years, with
special arrangements for transfer students.
Policies for Responsible Use
Several schools publish written guidelines for responsible
computer use.
Rose-Hulman
has guidelines for appropriate use, intellectual property, etiquette,
disclaimers and enforcement.
Wake Forest includes
a section on system monitoring.
Virginia
Tech addresses the subject under the heading "Software Use
and the Law."
Web Resources
Some of the institutions surveyed have prepared useful Web pages
that provide additional information for those considering a student computer
ownership program.
UMC's benefits
and applications. A list of what students gain from the technology
component, complete with student quotes.
University
of Cincinnati's links to other universities with student owned
computer programs.
UMC's links
to articles about its ThinkPadU® program. Includes a 1998 US News
& World Report article on colleges using technology.
The contents of BEEP were developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education (DOE). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the DOE, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
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