About the Program
Design students develop their abilities to imagine places, images, objects, and futures that do not yet exist. They learn to solve problems through an understanding of the creative process and to communicate ideas through words, images, and forms using a variety of media to express the solutions.

 

The pedagogy of the college of Design is overwhelmingly studio-based, and it has been obvious for some time that the IT capability most compatible with this educational method is one of the new, powerful, wireless laptop computers placed, ideally, in the hands of each student. Programs like Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Community and Regional Planning and some of the Integrated Studio Arts programs use computers daily to perform tasks that were once mainly done by hand. Because the computer is used so extensively and must be thought of as another tool for these students, it is important that they have ready access to a computer and the software they need. The college currently supports 80 machines in 3 public lab settings. This is not enough to meet the growing needs. Since the college would never be able to afford to purchase a machine for every student, the next logical step is to ask them to provide their own computers. Providing each student with their own laptop computer in the studio enables us to preserve the unique learning and teaching environment.

 

Why should I have a laptop?
While owning a laptop is not required, the college and its departments feel strongly about the value of having your own computer to complete your coursework. This allows you to digitally present material, keep track of important assignments and work anytime, anywhere!

 

Why this program?
Again, this is not a required purchase. We offer this program as a way for students to economically own and operate their computers. In this program, your software will be the same as found in the college labs and on instructor machines. It will be up to date and legal! You will also have access to support when things go wrong and the buying power to get a 'high-end” machine at a better price.

 

Is this a lease?
Not exactly. This is a special program that the college offers that allows students to completely pay for the computer and software over a 3 year term. It is essentially yours for the entire time you're here but we maintain ownership of the machines so that certain software programs can be installed and maintained. There is a binding legal contract signed by you that says you will pay for the machine in 6 payments billed to your U-bill but it does not allow for trade-ins or simply turning in your machine.

 

What happens after 3 years?
Congratulations, you own the machine! There will be a small payment ($5.00) to transfer that machine but it has been completely paid for at that point. We will need to remove university owned software at this point (see explanation below).

 

Wait, I am in a 5 year program! What if I need the machine another year?
That's fine! You have the option of continuing in the program that additional year and paying a small fee for software support (typically $100 semester). At the end of your 4th year, we will pass ownership of your machine to you for $5.00.

 

What software do I get and what do I keep when it's over?
At this point, much of our software is on a subscription basis. That means that we pay year to year for the right to use it. AutoCAD and SketchUP are examples of this. The Adobe Suite of software will be owned by the university. We do this because we get a much better price for the software and any upgrades are automatically included. The downside is that this suite of software will have to be removed from the computer at the end of the program. We continue to work with Adobe to find a work around for this and I am confident that we will figure out a way to allow for this in the future. The Microsoft and Apple operating systems, however, will be upgraded as necessary during the life of the machines and you will leave with the most current version (including Microsoft office).

 

If my machine breaks, what do I do?
We have a full-time staff person dedicated to the laptop program. Matt is available to help resolve software problems, arrange for hardware related fixes and re-install programs if necessary.

 

What if I drop my machine or it is stolen?
The college will take out insurance on each machine which is part of the program costs. The deductible for any claim is $500. If a student purchases a Gateway machine, accidental damages are included for free as part of the warranty.

 

If my machine needs to go into service, do I get a loaner?
We have a limited number of loaners available. This program is run on a cost recovery basis and there is very little extra money for loaners. We will make every effort to get a machine in student's hands but we can't promise anything. The college computer labs will have the same software in them and there are several options on campus for short-term laptop checkout.

 

I already have a laptop or I want to purchase my own. Can I still get support?
Unfortunately, no. We can only support those machines that are in the program due to software restrictions and configuration issues.

 

What happens if I decide to leave the university before the end of the program?
You have two options. You can try and find someone to take over the program payments for you or you can purchase the machine outright for the amount left in the contract (because some of the contract is tied up in software costs, we reduce that amount based on how much time is left). It is important to remember that this is a purchase program and you are legally obligated to complete the contract!

 

Which platform should I buy?
College of Design academic degree programs have specified the preferred platforms for their students. Community & Regional Planning, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture have specified the PC platform. Graphic Design has specified the Macintosh platform. Architecture and Visual Studies have specified either platform. While the college will not directly support windows applications on the Macintosh platform, it is an option for students to purchase and support themselves.

 

OK, How much?
The program payments will be $645 per semester and will also include system support, insurance, and software with upgrades. The payment will be assessed to your U-bill and financial aid may be used to make the payments. All receivables will be handled through the ISU Treasurers' office.

 

WOW! That seems like a lot of money!
Remember that we are buying 'top of the line” machines for this program. We expect that students will need to use these machines at least 3 years from now and it's important that they are still capable of running the latest software. Also, software costs, interest payments and insurances are included in this figure. Our first goal is that students should have no further costs for software or equipment aside from the program fee.

 

What kind of machine will I get?
There are two supported platforms, Apple Macintosh and Gateway. College of Design academic degree programs have specified the preferred platforms for their students. Community & Regional Planning, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture have specified the Gateway (PC) platform. Graphic Design has specified the Macintosh platform. Architecture and Visual Studies have specified either platform. Here are the specifications for this year's machines.