Background
Over 100 universities across the United States currently require a laptop computer for students enrolled in their programs. Those universities who have adopted such a requirement for laptops have seen improvements in retention, increases in applications for admission, favorable parent satisfaction levels, and increased instructional effectiveness.
Planning
Discussions regarding the laptop initiative at University of Wisconsin-Stout began in 1998. The implementation of two program-specific pilots for Fall 2000 was endorsed through budget hearings held in 1999.
Stout had teams of faculty and administrators visit other campuses in Michigan and Minnesota that have successfully implemented a laptop requirement, and committees were formed to examine the curricular, technical and financial issues involved in requiring all students to use laptop computers. Pilot programs were conducted with two majors during the 2000-01 academic year.
Financial
As the percentage of UW-Stout students who owned computers continued to increase, all freshmen at Stout were required to use a laptop beginning with the Fall 2002 semester. Campus officials negotiated with several vendors and discussed various purchasing and loaning options. Since the laptop became a requirement for freshmen, the cost of the computer could be added to their financial aid package. All students were made aware of this requirement when they were accepted to the university.
Additional information about the e-Scholar Program:
- NewsPlus Laptop Issue | September 2002
- NewsPlus Laptop Series | October 2002