Who is required to bring laptops to campus?
All entering freshmen are required to bring a laptop computer with them. Transfer students joining a class which entered in Fall 2005 or later are also required.

Will other students be able to buy the same package at the same price?
Although not required to, any student may take advantage of the offer.

Are students required to bring any laptop or a specific laptop?
The College has negotiated a bid from a major computer company that provides an exceptional value. The laptops will also come with a very generous maintenance agreement and MCLA will participate in providing hardware support to purchasers of these machines. Having said this, the College has set a minimum performance standard so as long as students bring a laptop meeting this standard they will meet the College’s requirement.

Can financial aid be applied to the laptop purchase?
The full cost of the laptop or approximately $1,200 will be added to the student aid buget for students that are required to have a laptop. This cost may be met with parent or alternative borrowing through the Financial Aid Office. Students will also have the ability to select a payment option from the vendor.

What about desk top computers? Can students bring desktop computers instead?
Only under extreme circumstances such as for ADA accommodation.

When did this requirement be go into effect?
Freshmen entering after the fall 2005 semester must meet this requirement.

What does MCLA expect students to do with their laptops?
The laptops will be used for information access, homework, and administrative tasks. Right now students are using their computers for Internet research and access to library materials. More and more faculty will be making class materials available on line. The campus offers wireless access in all its buildings and public spaces including the library and Campus Center. Students can already complete administrative tasks on line such as checking the status of their financial aid documents, viewing copies of their grade transcript and schedule or contacting their adviser.

What changes are being proposed to guarantee that more faculty will be making materials available digitally?
The College is investing in a Center for Academic Technology to help faculty create teaching materials digitally. We are also working with faculty to utilize our WebCT Learning Management System. This LMS functions as a Web site for each course providing access to materials and lecture information at the student’s convenience.

What changes are being proposed to provide more administrative uses and how will students use them?
MCLA is currently implementing a new student information system.Ultimately this system will provide access for students to do most of their course scheduling and registration on line.

What if an incoming student cannot afford to purchase a laptop even with financial aid?
We understand that each family faces unique challenges to finance higher education opportunities for family members. MCLA has kept pace with plans to help address these challenges. We will continue to do so. The computer vendor also has a payment plan allowing three years to pay. Requiring students to have laptop computers allows its cost to be considered for financial aid use and scholarships. We believe that this laptop is much like purchasing textbooks or learning supplies; it is an important tool for College level work and over 90% of students already bring a computer to MCLA with them. However, for students who have documented that they exhausted all financial aid opportunities, the College will provide a College-owned laptop to meet the need of a particular course. Requests must be made to the financial aid office.

How was the preferred vendor selected?
The state College system used a competitive bidding process.

Why were they deemed the best provider?
The vendor was successful as they had the best product, price, maintenance plan, and ability to support College needs.

What if the computer breaks down?
If you come to campus with the preferred computer purchased under the vendor’s maintenance plan you will have access to on-site repair assistance and 24 hour-48 hour hardware repairs. Loaner laptops will be available while your machine is out for repair. If you bring a laptop with a different maintenance plan you will be subject to that vendor’s maintenance process and schedule.

How can the chosen laptop computer be ordered?
The College will maintain a Web page containing a link to a special order site and a phone number for telephone orders. The purchase site will recognize MCLA as a participating College. The machine will be loaded with the package software for MCLA and delivered directly to you.

What software comes with the package?
The machine will be loaded with Windows, Office Suite (Word, Access, and Excel), an Internet browser, and a virus scan program. As MCLA is providing the licenses for most of the software an additional charge will be placed on your College tuition and fee bill. The software bundle will also be available to students who have chosen to bring a different but compatible laptop.

What about security?
The recommended machine is equipped with a special fitting that can be used with an optional security cable to lock it to any startionary object. The 2006 bundle also includes a "LoJack" style theft recovery package from a company that will attempt to locate and recover a stolen laptop or, failing that, pay the laptop owner a graduated portion of the laptop's value.

5/03/07