Vermont State University Student Tech Requirement Begins with Fall 2024 Incoming Students
Vermont State University’s (VTSU) new Student Tech Requirement will require full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students who start in or after fall 2024 to have a laptop computer for coursework.
During the enrollment process, students may attest to owning a computer that meets the required specifications (see below). If a student does not attest to owning a computer that meets the specs, a computer will be purchased for the student through the Vermont State program, which offers a discounted price for a new MacBook Air. For some degree programs, a Windows/PC machine with higher specs may be recommended. Please be sure to review the below FAQ for specifications and purchase information.
Please note: The Student Tech Requirement does not apply to fully online, dual-enrollment, early college, graduate, part-time, or currently enrolled students. However, all students may choose to purchase a computer through VTSU’s discounted program. Please see the information in the FAQs that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quality laptop computer is essential for successful learning and collaboration in higher education today. It is a critical tool for coursework and career and life preparation, as verified through VTSU pilot technology programs and student and faculty surveys.
VTSU also understands that the upfront costs of new devices can be a barrier for some students when beginning or reengaging in their higher education career. The Student Tech Requirement, approved by the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) Board of Trustees in December 2023, also addresses concerns about technology affordability, equity, mobility, and access through a purchasing program developed by VTSU.
To meet the VTSU Student Tech Requirement, a student’s computer must meet the following minimum specifications below. Please note that Chromebooks and tablets will not meet all baseline requirements.
Age of machine: 3 years or less
If student owns a Macintosh laptop computer:
- Mac Book with M1, M2 or M3 (latest Apple processor) with:
- 8GB of memory (RAM)
- 256GB storage
- Built-in or USB webcam
If student owns a PC laptop computer:
- Dell Latitude 3000/5000 series (or like model from another brand, e.g., Asus, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, etc.) with:
- Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
- 16GB of memory (RAM)
- 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Built-in or USB webcam
Programs with specific requirements:
- For programs within the engineering department, including construction management, a PC laptop is required. That laptop should have a 500 GB SSD and, while 16GB of memory is the minimum, 32GB is recommended. Additional USB ports or a hub are recommended. A PC will be purchased for any student in these degree programs whose computer does not meet these required specifications.
- For Computer Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Information Technology programs, Windows PC, Linux or MacOS machine are acceptable. Linux and MacOS machines can have 16GB, but 32GB is recommended. Windows machines should have 32GB. A PC will be purchased for any student in these degree programs whose computer does not meet these required specifications.
To check existing computer specs, please visit: https://support.vsc.edu/learning-tools/new-computer-recommendations/
VTSU will order a 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple M2 processor with 8GB memory and 256GB storage and 4-Year AppleCare+ for Schools (no service fees) for students to purchase in time for the start of the fall semester. The total cost, which is discounted over retail, is $1165. New student accounts will be billed 50% ($582.50) in the fall semester and 50% ($582.50) in the spring semester.
For students in the engineering, computer information systems, and construction management programs, a Dell laptop, i5, 32GB, 512 SSD, with 5-year ProSupportPlus will be ordered for you at a total cost of $1165. New student accounts will be billed 50% ($582.50) in the fall semester and 50% ($582.50) in the spring semester.
Note: If a student does not register for the spring semester, they will still need to pay the remaining balance for the cost of the computer on their student account.
As full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students complete the admissions enrollment checklist, they will be asked if they have a laptop that meets the minimum specs outlined above. If a student does not attest to meeting that requirement, a laptop will be purchased for the student and a mandated fee will be applied to their account.
Students who need access to any specialized software required for their program can access it through the university in two ways:
- Through a virtual computer lab system called Apporto, available via a web browser
- Through on-campus computer labs
Anyone with VTSU credentials and an internet-enabled device can log on to Apporto through a web browser to access specialized software needed for coursework. Apporto works well on laptops with lower/standard specs because the processing happens through a web browser and in the cloud. There may be a few software programs provided by a student’s program for local download, in addition to a few that may only be available on computer lab machines that connect directly to lab equipment.
Whether a student is buying a laptop through the VTSU program or bringing their own, they will need to have Office 365 software installed. All VTSU students may install a licensed version of Office 365 on their computers for free. (The license remains active until the student leaves/graduates.) Office 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, and Publisher. There are additional browser-based tools, such as the university’s Canvas Learning Management System, that will be available to you via the VTSU Portal and an Information Technology (IT) support website that links to frequently used productivity software and tools the college provides to you.
Yes, all students may order a MacBook Air through this program. Please use this VTSU Laptop Order Form. For students in the engineering, computer information systems, or construction management programs, a Dell PC machine will be available to order. All Student Success Advisors can help answer student questions about program details and the timeline for ordering.
Affordability is a key priority for VTSU and is why we developed a way to pass on our university discount, including device and four years of warranty, to students who do not have a computer that meets the specifications. Charges will be automatically added to student accounts, allowing students to use financial aid, if desired, to pay for their computer.
Students with a demonstrated hardship may apply for support with a loaner laptop. A link to this application form will be available by request through Student Success Advisors; the application deadline is Friday, August 9. A finite number of machines are available, and applications will be evaluated based on greatest need.
For MacBook Air laptops:
AppleCare+ for Schools provides 24/7 priority access to technical support via chat or phone in addition to hardware coverage either via mail-in or carry-in repair. VTSU will also have loaners available so students will have computer access if their own computer needs repairs. Details about this support plan will be outlined on an IT support site (coming soon).
For Dell PC machines:
Dell ProSupport for PCs will provide 24/7 priority access to technical support via chat or phone in addition to hardware coverage. VTSU will also have loaners available so students will have computer access if their own computer needs repairs. Details about this support plan will be outlined on an IT support site (coming soon).
