Why did St. John's start its Laptop
Program?
As technology becomes more pervasive, it is ever more critical to
make the latest tools available to the student community. By making
laptops available to every incoming freshman and transfer student
as of Fall 2004, everyone is assured equal access to
technology.
Who is eligible to receive a
laptop?
All incoming, full-time freshmen and full-time transfer students
will receive a wireless laptop.
What kind of laptop is it?
As of Fall 2010 all incoming Freshman and first year Transfer
student s will have a choice between a Lenovo© ThinkPad T410, a
Lenovo© ThinkPad Edge or an * Apple© MacBook. (An Additional $400
non-refundable program fee applies to the MacBook only).
The Program fee is required to cover the higher cost of the
Apple MacBook and additional software.
Second year transfers with over 24 credits will receive a new
smaller/lighter Lenovo X200. Third and fourth year transfer
students will receive a refurbished Lenovo X200.
I am a first year transfer Student. How
will I choose my laptop?
Once the determination is made on the number of your transfer
credits accepted by St. John’s University; you may contact
your Admissions Counselor.
When and how do I receive the
laptop?
All incoming students will receive their laptop at Distribution
during the last week of August.
What if I've never used a laptop
computer?
There will be mobile computing orientation programs during laptop
distribution.
What if I already own a
laptop?
Because laptops other than those issued by St. John's will not be
eligible for extensive hardware and software support, it is
mandatory that all incoming full-time freshmen and full-time
undergraduate transfer students participate in our Laptop Program.
All laptops will be preloaded with software and set to St. John's
network specifications for use within a secured
infrastructure
.
What kind of software will be loaded onto
the laptop?
The PC will be running Microsoft Windows 7 operating system,
Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise, a virus scanning and prevention
utility, and an Internet browser. The MAC will be running Snow
Leopard operating system, Microsoft Office 2008, iLife, and an
Internet browser. There are computer labs on campus that offer
access to a wide variety of other academic software programs.
Will the University update the software?
Yes, as appropriate. Much of the software on the laptops, including
computer virus protection, will be updated automatically through
periodic checks with a master server. The University will
also download other upgrades as needed.
Is the data protected?
Although laptops are highly reliable, we must plan for the
possibility of machine failure or data corruption. If a machine is
damaged, the University can re-load the software that we issued
with the laptop. Laptop recipients are responsible to make frequent
backups of personal data, documents, and other work products. The
University will provide instructions regarding how to make
backups. However, the University is not responsible for
recovering any unsaved data that is lost.
How is the laptop serviced? How do I get
help?
On Campus Support: Walk-in Laptop Repair
Centers are conveniently located on various St. John’s campuses.
Services offered range from basic to complex problem resolution. If
a laptop cannot be repaired in a reasonable amount of time, a
loaner laptop will be available... There is a walk-in repair center
on campus, in Sullivan Hall in Queens and DaSilva Hall in Staten
Island.
Lenovo Machines: The Accidental Damage
Protection program provides three years of low-cost protection
against accidental damage which may occur during usage. Protection
does not cover damage incurred as a result of negligence or
inappropriate usage. The cost for this program is a one-time $49.00
fee that will automatically appear on your bill. Repair or
replacement of your laptop can be arranged through the conveniently
located on-site Laptop Shops.
MacBooks:
AppleCare Protection provides
three years of comprehensive warranty support coverage provided
both on-site at St. John’s as well as through any Apple Retailer or
Apple authorized Repair center. AppleCare DOES NOT provide coverage
against accidental damage.
Battery Replacements: ( Lenovo machines
only): Laptop batteries come with a one year factory warranty.
After the warranty period is up, St. John’s will offer a low-cost
replacement battery through our laptop Shops. The cost of the
battery is a flat rate of $49.
How does the laptop connect to the
university?
A wireless, campus-wide LAN has been installed. Wireless access is
now available from all common areas and cafeterias, the Library,
and the Great Lawn, as well as all academic buildings. Currently,
there are Ethernet port connections in classrooms, some dining
halls, various lounges, including the Honors Commons. There are
separate wired connections available for students in our
state-of-the-art residence halls.
Will I have to pay for an Internet
connection?
No fee is required. While on campus, wireless internet connection
is available for all students. Service is available on all
campuses, including Staten Island, Manhattan, Oakdale, and
Rome.
Are laptops the only computers on campus?
No. There are a number of computer labs on campus open to students.
There are printers available for student use in the computer labs
as well. In addition, there are printers dedicated to wireless
network users. On the Queens and Staten Island campuses, you can
press the "print" button while working on the Great Lawn and pick
up your document in the Library or Microlabs.
Will all courses require a
laptop?
The choice of the best combination of textbooks, computer software,
and other tools is made by the faculty on a course-by-course basis.
We expect that technology will become ever more pervasive in the
instructional environment as it is in other aspects of life. In any
event, students can use laptops to keep notes, exchange and update
notes with classmates and keep an electronic record of their
academic adventure.
Who owns the laptop? Do I get to keep it?
Although the laptop is assigned to the participant full-time
including weekends and breaks, it remains the property of St.
John's University. Upon completion of a four-year degree
program, ownership of the laptop is transferred to the student.
Once a student is no longer registered for classes, the laptop must
be returned to the University. This includes students who are
taking a semester off, and those who are leaving the University
prior to graduation.