Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I have checked out laptops from CIO before.  If I don't buy one, will I still be able to check one out when I need it?

A1: There are no current plans to end the equipment checkout service that CIO provides for College of Education faculty, staff, and students.  However, recent budget reductions have not allowed for the same financial resources to be allocated to the equipment checkout program.  Therefore, CIO and the College is at a disadvantage when it comes to repairing or replacing already existing inventory.  CIO will continue to provide laptops - just not at the same levels as previously.  Students should then be careful to plan ahead and reserve equipment when possible.

Q2: Do individual professors or courses require the use of a laptop?  Will I be at a disadvantage in my courses without one?

A2: There is no requirement at this time from either the College of Education or any of the individual departments or programs.  Certainly having a computer now - laptop or desktop - will give the students an advantage as the majority of courses require some work to be done using a computer.  Owning a computer allows students not to depend on the availability of computer labs, checkout computers, etc.

Q3: Will I need a laptop to take with me into the schools during early field experience and student teaching?

A3: While there are no requirements in place from the College of the Council on Teacher Education, the use of a laptop during field experience is useful and encouraged.  CIO and the College consider the computer to be one of the essential tools for pre-service teacher candidates to utilize in early field experience, student teaching, and on into your professional career.

Q4: If I have already bought a computer from Best Buy, will the Office of the Chief Information Officer support it while I am a College of Education student?

A4: CIO will provide support for all College of Education student laptops for basic services such as wired and wireless networking, printing, and virus/malware.  However, CIO is unable to give extensive hardware support to laptop models not purchased through the program.

Q5: I am transferring to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences but I bought my laptop through the College of Education.  Will the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to support my laptop?

A5: Unless this becomes a burden to the College, CIO will continue to support all laptops purchased through the College program.  However, priority must go to students currently enrolled in College of Education programs.  Along those same lines, CIO will support laptops purchased by freshmen who intend to enter the College of Education but have not done so officially.