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Student Computer Ownership
Dell Chosen To Offer Special Package
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Student Computer Ownership
Dell Chosen To Offer Special Package
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Recognizing that computing plays an important role in higher education, the campus recently adopted a statement of expectation regarding student computer ownership. Rather than require a specific system, the expectation states a minimum set of functional requirements computers must meet to be used effectively in a student's education at UC Davis. After negotiating with several vendors, the campus is recommending a computer purchase program through Dell Computer Corporation for systems meeting the functional requirements. This recommended ownership program includes many value-added features, as well as special pricing on four standard hardware and software packages. Other vendor products (e.g., Apple) will remain available at educational discounts. 
Computer Ownership Ubiquitous
A recent survey conducted by Lab Management indicated more than 90 percent of the students who had used computer classrooms since the start of winter quarter 2001 owned a computer. This confirmed information collected during fall quarter 2000 when incoming undergraduate students setting up their computer accounts were asked about computer ownership. So the question isn't if computer ownership will be ubiquitous here on campus, but when. The trend is clear. This is an evolutionary step for the campus—not a revolutionary leap.Same Issues...Different Solutions
Armed with this campus-specific information, the Student Computer Ownership workgroup looked at other universities with computer ownership requirements—many with pre-requirement ownership far below what we have. What emerged were different ways of dealing with and resolving the same issues:
The workgroup found some campuses "strongly recommend," but don't "require" computer ownership and provide little other guidance. This does little to empower faculty members to incorporate technology into their teaching because there is no baseline functional requirements they can count on to choose appropriate instructional technologies. Other campuses mandate computer ownership, but don't specify any standards, which allows some students to have an antiquated "hand-me-down" system while others have a brand-new state-of-the-art eye-popper. Again, no baseline from which instructors can build, and no way for the campus to provide cost-effective support to the students. The group also found campuses that require a very specific brand and model and actually enforce this requirement. Some campuses that have adopted this approach have also authorized significant tuition increases to cover the cost of providing all entering students with the "standard computer." Others simply require incoming students to purchase a pre-configured system through the university. Our Solution
UC Davis' program is focused on the best interests of the students. The explicit statement enables students who need financial aid to purchase a computer to obtain it, where they could not before. The group has also taken the best ideas from other campuses that they think will work here. Successful programs must include at least two parts. First, some sort of purchase option for those students (or their parents) who want to make sure they have the right system—and want the campus to tell them what that is. Second, the program must offer strong support for the time the student will be on campus. It's also important to note the campus will continue to support, maintain, and upgrade the 15 campus computer rooms currently operated by IET. In fact, another thing learned from other campuses is that with any sort of explicit ownership statement, on-campus use of computer labs actually increases.Seeking the Right Vendor
To see what sort of interest there might be from vendors, given this is not a requirement. last fall the workgroup put together a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI was sent to 12 vendors. Four (Apple, Compaq, Dell, and Gateway)responded, indicating they were interested in working with UC Davis.As the final requirements were developed, Dell Computer Corporation clearly rose to the top. The other vendors responded negatively regarding their ability to meet our requirements or responded with higher pricing. Dell will offer four systems (two desktops and two laptops) so students can choose what best suits their budget and academic circumstances. In addition, every Dell system will have a factory-imaged hard drive consisting of software and network components specifically configured for the campus network. A four-year warranty will be standard, and the recommended Dell systems will be available directly from Dell or through the UC Davis Bookstore. Very simply, the Dell systems provide an easy solution that will be campus-ready for students who like that option. Other Options Available
The computer ownership Web site will soon contain generic system specifications for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. The campus will continue to support Macs (through IT Express and IT-CPR), and Macs will continue to be available through the UC Davis bookstore at educational discounts. Incoming students may also choose to take the generic specifications and make their purchases elsewhere. Throughout the summer, into the fall and beyond, the workgroup will be closely monitoring the current solution to help incoming students meet the Statement of Expectation. You may voice your suggestions, concerns, and questions via email at computerownership@ucdavis.edu. The program may change as we learn more about what is working here on campus. However, the intent remains focused on incoming students—giving them the information and choices they need to make knowledgeable, informed computer purchases.
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