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Learn More: Frequently Asked Questions



Q: What is the iMLearning Project?

A: The iMLearning project is the way we will learn and remain connected at Shenandoah University. All incoming full-time freshmen and full-time graduate students in selected programs will be provided with a university-owned and configured MacBook Pro and their choice of either an iPod touch or an iPhone.

Q: Is there a cost?
A:
The university’s technology and computing services are included in the $500 technology fee that all students pay each semester. The iMLearning Project is included in the university’s technology and computing service program.

Q: What equipment will I be receiving?
A:
You will receive an Apple Macbook Pro laptop and your choice of either an Apple iPod touch or an Apple iPhone. The specs for each are as follows:

Apple MacBook Pro:
•13-inch Aluminum MacBook Pro aluminum
•2.53 GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
•320 GB Serial ATA hard drive @ 5400 rpm
• iWork '09 preinstalled
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA
• Adapter
• Superdrive 8x (DVD+/-R)
• DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
• 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 2X2 GB
• Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S.
• English
• Accessory Kit
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html


Apple iPod touch:
• 8 GB Apple iPod touch
•Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
•3.5-inch widescreen multi-touch display
•Earphones
•Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery

For more information on the Apple iPod Touch, please go to:
www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html
.

Apple iPhone
• 8 GB Apple iPhone
•Cellular and wireless
•GPS
•3.5–inch widescreen multi-touch display
•Stereo earphones with built-in microphone
•Built-in 2.0 megapixel camera
•Built--n rechargeable lithium ion battery
For more information on the Apple iPhone, please go to:
www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
.

Q: What does the technology fee cover?
A:
Many things, including:
• University-provided iPod touch or iPhone
• Customized applications for the iPod touch or iPhone designed for Shenandoah’s teaching and learning objectives
• The iPod touch or iPhone will have the SU image and will be connected to an interactive campus map, course software and viewing capabilities for grades and events on campus
• University-provided MacBook Pro
• Configuration and laptop setup for wireless services
• 24/7 wireless access from academic buildings, residence halls and the Northern Virginia Campus in Leesburg
• Dedicated Mac technicians
• Laptop hardware support
• Toll free 24/7 tech support
• McAfee Anti-Virus software
• All inclusive hardware warranty
• Microsoft Office, current version
• Computer carrying case
• A loaner laptop if one ever fails
• Laptop loss and theft insurance, with a deductible
• Laptop accidental damage insurance
• Dual Platforms, Mac Leopard 10.5 and Windows XP Pro using VMware.

Q: If I bring my own laptop and iPod touch or iPhone will I still be charged the technology fee every semester?
A:
This program applies to incoming freshmen only. They will be charged the technology fee because they will be provided a university-configured laptop and iPod touch or iPhone, and they will use these devices in class. Also, there is much more to the iMLearning Project than just the hardware.

Q: Can I bring another computer?
A:
Yes, you can bring another computer, but it will not replace the MacBook Pro and iPod touch or iPhone required for classes.

Q: Why Mac and not Windows?
A:
The new MacBook Pro runs both Mac OS operating system and Windows XP. It is has been tested by numerous faculty members and has received very high marks. Shenandoah University is committed to providing students with the tools common to their chosen profession, so the MacBook Pro provides the best of both worlds. For example, students will be able to do all the creative applications necessary for the conservatory and the analytic applications necessary for the business school on one machine. Also, the new MacBook Pro is environmentally friendly, and Shenandoah picked it primarily because of its environmental impact. We are proud to be one of the first environmentally friendly college laptop programs in the country.

Q: If I take the iPhone, what am I responsible for?
A:
Students need to purchase an AT&T contract, and they would be responsible for their own cell phone bill.

Q: I am currently an AT&T customer; can I port my number to my new iPhone?
A:
Yes, students can upgrade to the iPhone and port their phone number over.

Q: Can I just have a voice plan with the iPhone?
A:
No, students are required to choose a voice plan and a data plan.

Q: Who is responsible for the voice plan and data plan monthly contract with AT&T?
A:
Each individual is responsible for his or her monthly contract.

Q: My current phone service is not with AT&T, but can I choose an iPhone?

A: Yes, students can choose an iPhone. This means they also have the option to port their cell phone number over to AT&T from their current provider. Please remember that if students choose to do this, and they are still under contract with their current cell phone provider, they will more than likely have to pay a cancellation fee.

Q: Can I keep the MacBook Pro when I leave?
A:
No, the equipment is owned by the university and deployed for the most effective teaching and learning. However, when students leave SU will be offered a buyout plan for the laptop. It is their choice if they want to pay out the remaining cost for the MacBook Pro or return it to the university.

Q: Can I keep the iPod touch or iPhone when I leave?
A:
Yes, the iPod touch or iPhone is each student’s to keep.

Q: If I purchase the MacBook Pro what needs to be done?
A:
In accord with our contract with Apple, the units need to be returned to their factory settings. Students will be allowed to keep their personal data, but they will not be allowed to keep the unique applications or settings for SU.

Q: What happens if it gets damaged?
A:
The university has paid for insurance on the units. If the unit is stolen or the screen breaks, students will have to pay a deductible for excessive damage. Otherwise, all other damage should be covered by the insurance.

Q: What if I need other software?
A:
All software that is needed beyond what is the standard image of the SU laptop will be provided for at an educational discount in the bookstore and can be loaded by the user.