Special Challenges for First-Year-Students
What is the UCA laptop initiative?
A laptop computer pilot program was launched in August of 2004. Beginning with the 2004 fall freshman class, students were enrolled in selected residential college courses and Freshman Interest Groups and were furnished laptops by the university. Faculty teaching these classes were also provided laptops and received advanced training in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Approximately 140 entering students and 12 faculty members participated in the pilot program. Following a careful evaluation of the program's effectiveness, the program has been expanded to a second phase. This fall will be Phase II of the student laptop program. New laptops will be issued to 361 freshmen who have applied to be a part of the program. There are no prerequisites for the program other than being a first-time entering freshman. The fee for use of a laptop for fall 2005 and spring 2006 is $250 per semester. By fall of 2006, the university plans to offer the laptop program to all entering freshmen, with a goal of eventually offering the program to all UCA students.
In order to enhance the laptop program at UCA, the university has installed a campus-wide wireless network. Virtually all academic areas, large portions of public areas, and residential areas are covered by a wireless network for internet connectivity. Students can sit down in class, in a residence hall, in front of the library, or in the cafeteria and access the World Wide Web by simply logging in. About anywhere students choose to go on campus can become a place to do ‘anytime/ anywhere’ computing.
For the most up to date information, see http://it.uca.edu/cgi-bin/cs.pl?DF=laptopprogram/index.html.
Can my son or daughter enroll in the program?
The deadline for the laptop program expired on May 1, 2005, but you may contact Computer Services to see about enrolling your student for the next year’s initiative.
Computer Purchases - Laptops versus Desktops:
*Is it better for a student to own a laptop or desktop computer?
Because of the pervasive wireless network that is available on campus, a student will probably be happier with a laptop. If the student is a “gamer” or downloads lots of material, a desktop may be better.
*What type of computer do most UCA students use at UCA - laptops or desktops?
Because of the price, most students have desktop computers. However, this is rapidly shifting to laptops.
*What size of a computer should we purchase for use at the university?
The following are specifications for the computers used in the UCA laptop program, which we consider good systems.
Processor Intel Pentium M, 1.7 Ghz (Think Pad R5218472FU)
Memory 512 DDR SDRAM
Hard Drive 40 GB Serial ATA
Modem 56K, V.92 Integrated
Graphics Card ATI Mobile Radeon adapter
Ethernet 10/100/1000 Gigabit Integrated
Wireless 802.11a/b/g Integrated
Screen 14.1” XGA TFT
CD-ROM CD/RW – DVD- ROM Combo Drive
Battery 6 cell, Lithium Ion
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
*Does UCA have special deals or discounts for computer purchases?
IBM has a link just for UCA:
http://uca.techdepot.com/
Wireless Campus:
*I have heard that UCA is a totally wireless campus. Is this true?
Totally wireless? Yes -- in the academic environment (classroom areas) it is. Otherwise, in most places, including the cafeteria, residence hall lobbies, the student center, the library, the technology court, under many of the stately trees on campus, in the Farris Center, in Ida Waldron Auditorium, in the Reynolds Center, at parts of the football stadium, and at the HPER Center wireless is available. Some parking lots and remote areas on campus are not wireless. Additionally, you may find a few areas where there are shadows, or spots where the wireless signal is not strong.
*Can students use laptop computers anywhere on campus, including their residence hall rooms?
There are many, many wireless points on campus. Since the residence hall rooms have excellent LAN connections, they may or may not be covered by wireless.
Computer Maintenance Questions:
*Is there anyone on campus who can fix my student’s computer if it does not work?
No. Non-UCA computers cannot be repaired by UCA. However the helpdesk can offer help. The help desk number is 450-3107.
Computer Lab Questions:
*We are not able to afford a computer at this time. Are there computer labs on campus available for my son's or daughter's use?
Yes. Labs are available in Torreyson library, many residence halls, and various learning centers around campus. Contact the computer service helpdesk for a full list.
*E-mail Questions:
*Will my son or daughter be assigned a UCA e-mail account?
Yes. Your student is provided with this information at registration.
*If yes, does he or she have to use this account?
No, the student does not have to use this account, but the university and faculty will send official notices regarding academic and other issues only to this account.
*Can he or she use other e-mail addresses?
Yes.
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