All Incoming Freshmen to Have Laptops

By Jill Yesko, University Relations

Contact (336) 334-3890

Posted:8-13-07

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Beginning this fall, all incoming, full-time freshmen are being required to have a laptop computer and students who qualify can get help purchasing one.

Under the Student Laptop Initiative, a program that links students, technology, and teaching, all UNCG students will be able to purchase laptops at discounted prices through the university.

Both IBM/Lenovo brand PCs and Apple computers are available with pre-loaded software capable of accessing the university’s wireless network and that meet its technology requirements. An on-campus center has been created to provide support services including warranty repairs for owners of program laptops.

“The Student Laptop Initiative benefits students by giving them a more powerful machine for less money and takes the guesswork out of buying a suitable machine for schoolwork,” said Gloria Thornton, associate vice chancellor for client services whose area heads the project.

Having laptops that meet the university’s hardware and software requirements will also benefit faculty by facilitating student participation in the growing use of technology in UNCG classrooms’, adds Thornton.

The UNCG Laptop Grant is available for some exceptionally needy students who need help paying for UNCG-approved laptops. To qualify, students must submit a FAFSA by March 1 prior to their entry fall semester. A one-time $1,000 grant is available for exceptionally needy freshman enrolled for 12 or more credit hours.

All major academic buildings and common areas of residence halls have wireless Internet access. The UNCG wireless network now allows Instant Message traffic for AIM, Yahoo IM and MSN Messenger as well as access to instructional tools such as the Blackboard course management system.

For more information contact Information Technology Services at www. http://its.uncg.edu/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

University Relations
Location: 500 Forest Street
Mailing Address: PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
Telephone:336.334.3783
Fax:336.334.4602