Wesleyan Information Technology Program

What are the benefits of the student ownership program?

The Student Ownership program allows students to select a laptop based on their individual needs and purchase it directly from Dell, the college certified vendor. The student ownership program adds two features to the program that are especially advantageous to students. 1) Graduating students want to have their computer to take with them, student ownership provides this; and 2) current students would like to make minor modifications to their computer to suit their individual needs, but hesitate to purchase parts for a computer that is not theirs to keep. Student ownership adds the benefit of choice to the student. Students who prefer a larger screen, or more computer memory can select the model that they prefer.

Who is required to have a laptop?

All West Virginia Wesleyan College students are required to have a laptop computer. Because of volume discounts, strong support on campus, and the three-year-on-site warranty it is highly recommended that all students purchase a laptop through the student ownership program that WVWC has negotiated with Dell.

Does anything come on the hard drive of my laptop?

We have worked to make sure that all of the software that you will need are on the computer’s hard drive when it arrives at your door. As of May 1, 2005 the software load has been updated to include all the new software for the Fall semester, and your computer will be delivered ready to use. The WVWC software allows you to easily connect to the school’s network and it reduces the time it will take to get started using your computer. In addition, your laptop will be loaded with all of the software provided under the College’s Microsoft Campus Agreement.

What additional options would you recommend?

You don’t NEED additional options, but we might recommend a personal printer, which can be purchased at most any retail PC store. External USB memory keys are also becoming very popular, allowing fast file transfer among multiple computers.

Will the computers decrease in price over time?

We offer a fixed price that is aggressively constructed by Dell for these systems. The price is based on quantity and takes into account that customers will be buying them between May and early fall for back-to-school. The prices will not drop but the technology will be updated each quarter to provide high-end technology at a great price.

What kind of support do I have on campus?

WVWC has Dell certified technicians on site at our Help Desk. In addition, software support is available for students Monday through Friday. Perhaps the best resource for students in support of the information technology initiative are students and staff on campus who have experience with network and applications that are commonly used in the academic setting.

What if I need technical support before arriving on campus or during the summer?

You are covered by your Dell warranty at home as well as when you are on campus.

Does the laptop warranty on my laptop cover the screen if it breaks or cracks?

A 3-year Complete Care warranty is included in the Dell laptop specifications. This warranty covers many things that are not covered in the standard warranty, such as a cracked or broken screen and spilling liquids on the keyboard. This is a great warranty that makes the Dell laptop an even better value!

Is financing available?

Students will have the option to complete the computer purchase with a credit card and pay for it over time.

Credit Card Payment

Place your order
Computer will be billed on your credit card the day the purchase is confirmed.
Credit card payments can then be
›› paid in full by check when your statement arrives

›› paid by check in monthly increments for the duration of the credit period

›› for students who use a student loan to pay for their technology fees - paid in monthly increments until your student loan arrives, then paid in full (contact the Financial Planning office for student loan information).

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about the laptop program?

Please visit the Dell area on the WVWC web site at: http://www.wvwc.edu/com/

How do I place an order?

You can place your order online or call a Dell sales representative at 1-888-973-3355 to assist you with your purchase. Access the Dell website through the web link on the WVWC site located at http://www.wvwc.edu/com/IT, if you will be placing your order by phone you will need the unique WVWC code: US35748522. You will be able to choose from the 3 computer models that are outlined in this mailing. You can also customize these computers and add other components that are on the Dell web site.

If you wish to purchase your computer by phone, please use the phone number listed above, as this is a special support center for Dell partnership participants and will offer you up-to-date information and pricing .

Do you pay sales tax when purchasing your laptop over the Internet?

Yes, the customer pays sales tax. The tax rate is for the state/address to which the laptop is being shipped.

What if I have a Macintosh computer?

There are several implications of having a Mac computer as your only means of access on campus. When the technology program began 7 years ago the decision was made to use the Windows platform. The reason was that in order to provide a consistent level of support we have to have a consistent set of hardware and software. We cannot do any hardware repair on Mac systems should you have a problem. We do not have access to Apple repair manuals and parts. And if we did do repair, it would probably void your warranty. Software for the ibook will also be a problem; our Microsoft agreement is for Windows based systems.

The biggest issue will be if any of the classes you take require you to have a laptop. If they do, then all of the materials and applications will be for Windows. You might have problems accessing the class folders that many classes use. What I would suggest is that if you know what you are going to be taking talk to the instructors and ask if they are going to use the laptops in the class. If none of them are, then you might be able to get by with a Mac. (Math, CS, Biology, Chemistry or Communications classes make extensive use of the laptop in the classroom).

What if I have a desktop computer?

The change in the technology program does still require students to have a laptop computer. Because of faculty and especially laboratory work that requires students to have computer access during class we have preserved the laptop requirement of the program. The laptop also allows students to bring their computer to the helpdesk for service and repairs, and to use the computer during internships or other academic pursuits that cannot be accomplished with computing that is available only at the desktop location. Resident halls also require less space and electrical power with laptops.

comments to: techplan@wvwc.edu

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