Laptop Requirements for the Class of 2013

School of Pharmacy Dell Student Computing

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Laptop Initiative (SLI)?
The School of Pharmacy is entering its seventh year of a laptop requirement with the incoming class of 2013. The SLI requires incoming Pharm.D. students to purchase laptops for convenient, portable, and flexible access to the array of learning resources available at the University and on the World Wide Web. It is our goal to provide an educational environment that allows students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the technologically advanced environments in which they will work.

Why require students to purchase laptops?
A laptop offers the portability and flexibility for use at the school, common areas throughout the campus that are available for remote computing and at off-campus locations during professional practice experiences.

How will I use a laptop for classes?
Students rely on e-mail, web-enhanced courses, and other instructional resources to complement and enhance learning. Students will use laptops for case-based learning, developing presentations, to complete exams, to take notes, upload lectures & databases to synch with mobile devices or to complete other course assignments. All members of the classes of 2010 through 2013 must have unlimited access to a laptop computer.

Why standardize?
The best way to control costs, provide equal access, and ensure the quality of technology services and support is by adopting School computer standards. Standardization minimizes numerous problems that result from hardware and software incompatibilities.

What if I already own a computer?
Students who wish to provide their own laptop computer should review the specifications for previously owned computers to verify they meet minimum configuration standards. Standards for minimum configurations provide acceptable access to the University network and the Internet. However, for optimal performance and to operate effectively in the VCU computing environment, it may be necessary to upgrade or replace your computer within 12 to 24 months of arriving on campus.
Phartech, the School’s Academic Technology support service, will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy Dell Student Computing program or the VCU School of Pharmacy Apple computing program. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support.

What are the specifications of the laptops available through the VCU School of Pharmacy sponsored programs (meaning laptops that Phartech will support).
The School of Pharmacy has standardized on the Dell Latitude E5400 & E6500 models . These models can be found by selecting Products from the website linked above; students have the ability to choose Select to customize each model listed on the site.

What if I want a floppy drive, additional memory, or peripherals other than the recommended configurations?
Students who want to purchase additional memory or peripherals are welcome to do so. The Dell Student Computing Web site allows upgrading of the memory, hard drive, and processor. An external hard-drive, printers, security cables and locks, and deluxe carrying cases and backpacks are listed as optional purchases and will increase the base cost of the laptop.

What software is required?
Microsoft Office 2007 Professional is required software for the School of Pharmacy. In addition to the MS Office software, an antivirus program is required. Sophos Anti-Virus software is available for download at no cost to VCU students for use on their home computers ( Sophos Anti-Virus) and will be mentioned during orientation. You may also contact a member of the Phartech staff in Smith Building 348 to obtain a copy as well.

Are there network connections and power outlets available throughout the Smith Building to accommodate laptops?
There are 160 data ports and 80 duplex power outlets throughout commons areas of the building. In addition, a wireless local area network (WLAN) to support mobile computing is available throughout the Smith Building, Sanger Hall 1-020 and 2-020, and the VCU Libraries. The main lecture hall in the Smith Building, Room 103, has 150 data ports and power outlets as well as push-to-talk microphones for use during class .

How do I purchase the laptop?
You can purchase the computer directly online from the Dell Student Computing page by clicking here: School of Pharmacy.

Can I purchase a laptop from another vendor?
Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended as you will not receive first-level of support from the Phartech staff and you may not receive a 4-year next business day warranty with your purchase. Phartech will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy sponsored programs. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support.

Can I use financial-aid to help with the purchase of a laptop?
Because the laptop is a school requirement, you will be able to include it for consideration in determining your financial aid award. However, contact the Office of Financial Aid/Enrollment Services for information concerning the use of financial aid and scholarship money to purchase computers.

Do I have to pay tax?
Yes. Due to Dell’s physical presence in Virginia, sales tax must be collected. Even if you do not pay tax on a catalog order at time of ordering, you are still liable to claim your taxes at the end of the year by Federal Law.

How much is shipping?
Dell offers Ground, 2nd Day, and Next Day shipping services. Ground charges on desktops start at $45 per unit for laptops. If you choose to order your system online, it will automatically calculate these charges for you once you submit your order.

What is the estimated delivery time after placing my order?
Lead times are generally 1-2 weeks. However, since parts availability is a function of current worldwide supply and demand, delivery times can vary and no standard lead-time can be guaranteed. Lead times do not include the time your order is in transit after it has been shipped for delivery. Time in transit is dependent on the shipping option you choose. We encourage you to order your laptop early to ensure its arrival before the start of the semester in early/mid August.

Where do I go for technical support? There are three options for technical support:

• Dell offers a 30-day telephone support program at no additional charge for installation optimization, configuration, and limited usage questions during the critical 30-day period after shipment of your system. In addition, Dell offers 7X24 Lifetime Hardware Technical Support and 7x24 Lifetime Software Support with your purchase. Please visit the Dell Client Support site at Dell Support for more information.
• Phartech support staff that are available to assist students with hardware and software problems related to laptops, software downloads , e-mail and Blackboard problems, virus alerts, the wireless network, and network connections available throughout the Smith Building. The hours of operation for the Phartech staff are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The staffs are located in Smith 346. In order to support your laptop, we may require the original CD-ROMS that were shipped with your laptop, as well as your Microsoft Office CD-ROMs. Please keep these resources in a safe place at school.
• For students who choose to purchase a Mac from the new pilot program can also receive support from the Phartech staff members mentioned above or contact Apple support.

What happens if my laptop is stolen?
Students or their parents may wish to consider insurance coverage for the computer. This can be incorporated as a rider on a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

What is the Dell Complete Care Service?
CompleteCare is a supplement to the four-year limited warranty that covers non-intentional, accidental damage during your warranty period. Some examples of non-intentional damage that are covered include failure resulting from liquid spilled in or on the unit; drops, falls, or other collision; failure resulting from an electrical surge, accidental breakage, and damaged LCD due to drops or falls. For more information visit CompleteCare.

Is there training available to teach me how to use my laptop and the software?
Google is your friend.

How will get an e-mail account?
All email questions can be answered at this link: Central Computing or you can contact VCU Help-Desk.

For more information, please contact: Brian Canaday, MIS