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 Salve Regina University Student Laptop Program Case Study
Salve Regina's Laptop Computing Program Offers
a Simple, Convenient Solution for Students and Staff
Glenn Clark, Director of Networking for Salve Regina University, remembers when a cart loaded with 30 laptop computers would roll into classrooms so each student could use one for that session, then return it before leaving the room.
In contrast, students today enter college with a fully outfitted laptop designated by the university, take their coursework and assignments with them, and can often be spotted working outdoors on the scenic campus - anywhere from the cozy courtyards to the balconies overlooking mansions in nearby Newport, Rhode Island.
About a year ago, Salve Regina began installing wireless networks on campus, giving students and faculty the freedom the work anywhere they choose. Soon afterward, the university moved to a laptop computing strategy in which students buy a laptop PC recommended by the university, with all software pre-installed and on-campus support available when needed.
Rhode Island-based CompUtopia, a computing and networking service provide, worked closely with Salve Regina to create and implement the pilot program, and has continued to manage the program on behalf of the university since then.
During the initial pilot, about 15% of the university's 2,400 undergraduate students and about 20% of the 350 faculty members voluntarily chose to participate in the program. Based on its success, the university has since adopted a mandatory program in which all entering freshmen receive a laptop computer when they enroll, and can choose to purchase additional accessories through a special Salve Regina online store. The systems are distributed to students when they arrive on campus, and accessories are shipped to students' homes during the summer.
"The world is starting to recognize the convenience that laptop computing and wireless technology offers," Clark commented. "It's given the students a ton of flexibility to work where they want, without being tethered to a physical network connection."
From an IT perspective, there are also significant advantages to having an outsourced program in which all students are using the same hardware, software and network configurations, according to Clark.
"I remember trying to manage a residential computing program on our own, using our IT staff," Clark recalled. "It was a monster to manage. This program with CompUtopia makes it so much easier."
Having standard systems and software that are connected to the network also helps tremendously with security, he added.
As part of its comprehensive program, CompUtopia manages a program website to describe the program and lay out the options to incoming students, their parents and faculty. CompUtopia also handles the ordering and purchase process, pre-installs the student software and tests all systems, and then distributes them to students.
CompUtopia also created a special bar code system for distributing the laptops that speeds up the process and populates a database matching students with their computer serial numbers for asset tracking. The system also helps in recovering computers that are lost or stolen.
When students arrive on campus, CompUtopia's technical staff is on hand to help students get connected to the college's residential network and troubleshoot any issues they have.
When Salve Regina first implemented its pilot program in the 2006-07 school year, everyone reacted very positively, according to Clark. At the end of the pilot, a survey of students who participated in the program indicated that they were very pleased with the program and would like to use it even more.
"Remarkably, we did not get any pushback," he recounted. "The immediate response from parents is that this is a great program because they don't have to worry about what to buy. And the students are glad not to have to bring a computer with them."
One of the primary advantages, he adds, is having an on-campus service center for handling any technical or repair issues. Spare parts and loaner systems are available as needed, and many problems can be addressed on the spot.
As the program gains momentum, Clark said, the university continues to expand its wireless network to broaden the coverage, with network ports across the entire campus. Additional software also is being implemented to provide more Web tools, easier Web access and more seamless connection to the network.
At Salve Regina, an academic technology committee meets with the academic department heads to determine what their technology needs are. Then the systems requirements are set through a collaboration process that includes representatives from the administrative/business, academic and student communities.
"Our goal is to bring that trilogy together and make sure we are adopting standards that meet the needs of all three," Clark explained. CompUtopia's staff also consults with the committee regarding what configurations to offer and keeps the college updated on future product releases, based on its close ties with the computer manufacturer.
Based on Salve Regina's experience so far, Clark offered the following top three recommendations for other higher education institutions considering a laptop computing program.
- Standardize as much as possible. If you have exceptions, you will have too many options for students and will increase the complexity of the program.
- Remember that communication is essential. Those already on campus as well as those coming into the college must really understand what they are getting and the value of the program. "We get lots of accolades from people who say that we made this so easy for them, and that's largely because we did a good job of communicating. Everyone knew what was going on."
- Be very cognizant of the future as you select which products to offer. "You need to look at what's on the horizon and select a vendor you know will have quality products over time. We chose Hewlett-Packard laptops because of the hardware they offered, as well as their market leadership, longevity and stability. We also have lots of other HP products, so the relationship is already there and it's a very solid one."
Although it's too early to quantify the return on investment of Salve Regina's laptop program, Clark said the college already has seen positive results from an academic perspective, in terms of using technology to engage students more in their courses.
Looking forward, the university also is trying to measure the return on its technology investment in terms of cost savings and other factors such as recruiting and retaining the best faculty members, attracting high-caliber students, and further enhancing its reputation as a top-quality university that offers the latest technology tools.
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