Learn More: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the iMLearning Program?
A: The iMLearning Program is the way we will learn and remain connected at Shenandoah University. All incoming full-time freshmen and full-time graduate students in selected programs will be provided with a university-owned and configured MacBook Pro and their choice of either an iPod touch , iPad 3G or an iPhone.

Q: Is there a cost?
A: The University’s technology and computing services are included in the $500 technology fee that all students pay each semester. The iMLearning Program is included in the University’s technology and computing service program. If you choose the iPad 3G as your mobile device, there is also a one-time fee of $430.

Q: What equipment will I be receiving?
A: You will receive an Apple Macbook Pro laptop and your choice of either an Apple iPod touch , Apple iPad 3G or an Apple iPhone. The specs for each are as follows:

Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display):
2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor
4 GB 1333 MHz DDR memory
320 GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Mac OS X Snow Leopard
iLife '11, iWork '09, Microsoft Office 2008
Gigabit Ethernet port
SDXC card slot, FireWire 800 port, Two USB 2.0 ports, Thunderbolt port
Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking (802.11n) and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
8x slot-loading SuperDrive
Full-size backlit keyboard and ambient light sensor
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html

Apple iPod touch:
8 GB storage
3.5-inch widescreen Multi-Touch Retina Display
HD video recording (720p)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Apple stereo earphones
http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html

iPhone 4:
Available through AT&T or Verizon - service will require carrier agreement
16 GB storage
3.5-inch widescreen Multi-Touch Retina Display
HD video recording (720p)
5-megapixel still camera
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Assisted GPS
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G model):
Black model only
Available through AT&T or Verizon - 3G service is optional (no contract required)
16 GB storage
9.7-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display
HD video recording (720p)
Cellular (3G data only) and Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Assisted GPS
Built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with up to 10 hours usage
http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Q: What does the technology fee cover?
A: Many things, including:
• University-provided iPod touch, iPad 3G or iPhone
• Customized applications for the iPod touch, iPad 3G or iPhone designed for Shenandoah’s teaching and learning objectives
• You can download the SU Mobile App to your iPod touch, iPad 3G or iPhone and be connected to an interactive campus map, course software and viewing capabilities for grades and events on campus.
• University-provided MacBook Pro
• Configuration and setup for wireless services
• 24/7 wireless access from academic buildings, residence halls and the Northern Virginia Campus in Leesburg
• Dedicated Mac technicians
• Laptop hardware support
• Toll free 24/7 tech support
• McAfee Anti-Virus software
• All inclusive hardware warranty
• Microsoft Office, current version
• Computer carrying case
• A loaner laptop if yours ever fails
• Laptop loss and theft insurance, with a deductible
• Laptop accidental damage insurance
• Optional Dual Platform configuration on request with the latest Mac OS and the latest Windows OS
• Updates to preinstalled software at no charge (Mac OS, Windows OS, iWork, iLife, Microsoft Office)

Q: If I bring my own laptop and iPod touch, iPad or iPhone will I still be charged the technology fee every semester?
A: All students that are mandatory participants in the iMLearning Program will be charged the technology fee and they will be provided a university-configured MacBook Pro and iPod touch, iPad or iPhone, and they will use these devices in class. Also, there is much more to the iMLearning Program than just the hardware.

Q: Can I bring another computer?
A: Yes, you can bring another computer, but it will not replace the MacBook Pro and iPod touch, iPad or iPhone required for classes.

Q: Why Mac and not Windows?
A: The new MacBook Pro runs both Mac OS and Windows OS. It has been tested by numerous faculty members and has received very high marks. Shenandoah University is committed to providing students with the tools common to their chosen profession, so the MacBook Pro provides the best of both worlds. For example, students will be able to do all the creative applications necessary for the conservatory and the analytic applications necessary for the business school on one machine. Also, the new MacBook Pro is environmentally friendly, and Shenandoah picked it primarily because of its environmental impact. We are proud to have one of the first environmentally friendly college laptop programs in the country.

Q: If I take the iPhone, what am I responsible for?
A: Students will need to setup an AT&T account, and they would be responsible for their own cell phone bill.

Q: I am currently an AT&T customer; can I upgrade to the iPhone?
A: Yes, students can upgrade to the iPhone, but in accordance with AT&T policies, you must be 18 months in to a 2-year contract to be eligible for the upgrade.

Q: Can I just have a voice plan with the iPhone?
A: No, students are required to choose a voice plan and a data plan.

Q: My current phone service is not with AT&T, but can I choose an iPhone?
A: Yes, students can choose an iPhone. This means they will have the option to port their cell phone number over to AT&T from their current provider. Please remember that if students choose to do this, and they are still under contract with their current cell phone provider, they will more than likely have to pay a cancellation fee.

Q: Does the Wi-Fi on my iPad 3G work without the AT&T 3G services?
A: Yes, your iPad will connect to any standard Wi-Fi without using the 3G services from AT&T.

Q: Do I have to sign up for a contract with AT&T to use the 3G services on my iPad?
A: No, there are no contracts necessary to utilize the 3G services on your iPad. You can choose to purchase the 3G services month to month, only when you need them. You can simply sign up for service or disconnect the 3G service right from your iPad using a credit card. AT&T offers two monthly data packages for the iPad, 250mb of data for $14.99 per month, or unlimited data for $29.99 per month.

Q: Can I keep the MacBook Pro when I leave?
A: The equipment is owned by the University and deployed for the most effective teaching and learning. However, when students leave SU they will be offered a buyout option for the MacBook Pro. It is their choice if they want to pay out the remaining cost for the MacBook Pro or return it to the University.

Q: Can I keep the iPod touch, iPad 3G or iPhone when I leave?
A: Yes, the iPod touch, iPad 3G or iPhone is each student’s to keep once they have been in the iMLearning Program for one semester.

Q: If I purchase the MacBook Pro what needs to be done?
A: In accord with our contract with Apple, the units need to be returned to their factory settings. Students will be allowed to keep their personal data, but they will not be allowed to keep the unique applications or settings for SU.

Q: What happens if it gets damaged?
A: The University has paid for insurance on the units. If the unit is stolen or the screen breaks, students will have to pay a deductible for excessive damage. Otherwise, all other damage should be covered by the insurance.

Q: What if I need other software?
A: All software that is needed beyond what is the standard image of the SU laptop will be provided for at an educational discount in the bookstore and can be loaded by the user.

Questions about the iMLearning Program? Contact Don Silvius at 540-545-7275 or dsilvius@su.edu.