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?
All incoming Freshman and Transfer students will have a choice
between three different types of a Lenovo© ThinkPads 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.
For more Information on the latest models: New! Laptop
Information
When and how do I receive the
laptop?
All incoming students will receive their laptop at
Orientation.
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 Mountain
Lion 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.
Accidental Damages Protection: The
Accidental Damage Protection Program provides three years of
protection against accidental damage that may occur while using
your Lenovo or Macbook. Non-Refundable Program Fees: For
Lenovo laptops, a one-time , $49 fee; for MacBooks, protection is
included in the $400 Mac Program Fee. (Protection does not cover
damage resulting from negligence or inappropriate use.) The fee
will automatically appear on your bill. Arrange for repair or
replacement of your laptop at conveniently located, on-campus
Laptop Shops.
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.