ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Wi-Fi upgrades continue this semester as Winthrop University moves to become a laptop campus in the fall.
Beginning in August, each student will be required to have a laptop computer for the 2022-23 academic year classes.
Winthrop’s Board of Trustees’ members unanimously approved the move to laptops during an Oct. 29, 2021, quarterly meeting. Interim President George Hynd noted that one of the known factors that will contribute to a successful learning experience is students’ access to technology.
“This is where we need to move as a campus. We take student success seriously, and we saw during the pandemic that it was a challenge for some students to complete assignments due to technology at hand,” said Hynd. “This requirement will help all Winthrop students as well as faculty.”
Laptops will give students more flexibility for when and how they complete their work. The use of laptops in the classroom will also let faculty members more easily include video, audio, artwork, print and digital components into their lectures and will let them design their curriculum and pedagogical techniques around possible student technology capabilities.
The campus-wide Wi-Fi system in residence halls and academic buildings is in the process of being upgraded. Currently, Rutledge fine arts building and the Courtyard residence hall are being procured as the initial phase, plus Phelps residence hall was completed last fall. Additional phases are planned.
In addition to the current discounted educational prices offered through Dell and Apple for laptops, the Winthrop Bookstore may begin selling approved laptops. A limited number of existing loaner laptops through Dacus Library will remain in place for students who may need extra support or time before purchasing a laptop.
Staff from the Winthrop Bookstore and Computing and Information Technology will be offering two upcoming laptop fairs so that students can learn more about different minimum laptop specifications, how laptops can be ordered using financial aid, how to take advantage of existing Dell and Apple discounted educational prices and more. The two upcoming laptop fairs are:
Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., DiGS lobby
Thursday, April 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., DiGS lobby
Information also is available on the computing and information technology website regarding laptop specifications, software needs and the laptop loaner program for those students who may be unable to purchase a laptop (supply is very limited).
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or longshawj@winthrop.edu.
