By the 2007-08 academic year, Ohio University administrators hope to institute a laptop ownership program for all students, a Communication Network Services official said at last night's Student Senate meeting.
The goal of the Proposal for Migration to an Ownership Program is to replace the existing desktop computers provided by OU with a program that offers incoming students the option to purchase laptop computers, said Tom Reid, director of Communication Network Services.
By 2007
we really hope not to use a desktop anymore he said.
Statistically, OU has experienced the largest implementation of its kind in the country in providing computers to students in dorm rooms, Reid said. OU began providing computers to students in 1991 and now has 4,600 computers in 41 buildings.
The decision to update the ownership program was made after reviewing national and university statistics on computer usage and ownership over the recent years, Reid said, citing statistics of the rate of computer usage at OU.
Seventy-three percent of students say they use them constantly according to network statistics
Reid said.
Another OU poll found that 67 percent of surveyed students preferred owning a laptop, while 36 percent preferred using the current desktops, Reid said.
Nationally, about 44 percent of universities require students to own computers and 42 percent of colleges suggest computer ownership, he said.
If administrators meet the deadline for the ownership program, 2007-08 incoming freshman will have the option to purchase laptops at a discounted price, subsidized with a rebate. For example, if the university-offered laptops cost students $650 after subsidies, the student would be required to pay a $200 down-payment upon receipt of the laptop and $150 per quarter, Reid said.
Reid emphasized the necessity to finalize the program in time to encourage parents of incoming freshmen to wait until their child comes to OU to buy a laptop.
It is very critical to get approval before March 2006
Reid said.
17
Archives
Natalie Farinacci
