Board approves laptop requirement

Clemson's Board of Trustees has approved a student laptop computer requirement beginning in the fall 2002 in two of Clemson's five colleges. In fall 2002, freshmen and sophomores enrolled in majors in the College of Engineering and Science, and freshmen enrolled in the College of Business and Behavioral Sciences, will be required to bring a laptop computer to school. The cost of the well-equipped laptop recommended for the Fall 2001 voluntary laptop pilot program was $2,400 (a discounted price for this high-quality computer). With the larger group now involved, the recommended laptop for Fall 2002 is expected to be under $2,000, with even more features and higher performance!

Clemson has set aside more than $1 million to build the infrastructure needed to support the laptop program. Those funds will provide wireless networking capability throughout the core campus, necessary software and site licenses, more "smart classrooms" that allow faculty to integrate the use of technology into their teaching, and technical support and training for both students and faculty.

"Students who have participated in our pilot laptop program over the past four years strongly endorse the laptop environment," observes Steve Melsheimer, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering and Science. "Moreover, wireless, mobile networking is becoming the norm in the corporate world. This program will help ensure that our graduates are prepared for that environment." Melsheimer noted that most students already bring their own computers to campus. In engineering and science, the figure for freshmen tops 90 percent. Because the laptop will be mandatory, its cost can now be incorporated into financial aid packages. You can learn more by visiting the laptop website: www.ces.clemson.edu/laptop/.