Classroom Computer Policy

Information Technology Services provides classroom technology to meet the needs of instructors who wish to use digital resources in the classroom. The standard electronic classroom is equipped with a ceiling-mounted projector, multimedia playback capabilities, an audio system, and a network connection.  For details see the classroom configuration page.  With a few exceptions, computers are not part of this standard configuration, and instructors using these spaces will be expected to make arrangements for computers according to one of the following methods.

1. University-issued laptops. Regular faculty members are provided with a university-owned computer, and have the option of selecting a desktop or laptop. Faculty are strongly encouraged to opt for a laptop in order to make maximum use of these newly upgraded classrooms and to be prepared to operate in an increasingly mobile computing environment. Faculty members teaching in these spaces who have their own university-issued laptops are expected to bring their machines with them to the classroom when they wish to use digital materials in class. Cables and adapters to connect the laptop to the projection equipment are available from the local Multimedia Services office.
    
2. MMS laptops. The Multimedia Services office manages a limited number of laptop computers for classroom use by instructors who do not have their own machines. When this system is in place in the fall of 2007 instructors will be able to check out a laptop at their local MMS office for using during class. These machines are only available for short-time classroom use and must be returned to the MMS office as soon as that class is over. The laptops are not available for extended, off-campus, or overnight use. Priority for the use of these computers will be given to those instructors who would otherwise have no access to a portable computer. As noted above, faculty who have their own laptops should plan on bringing in those machines for classroom use.
    
3. COWs. Traditionally ITS’s MMS office has provided mobile computer/projector carts (“COW”, i.e. computer on wheels) by request in classrooms lacking permanently installed equipment. As more classrooms are upgraded with built-in equipment, this service, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, will be phased out. During this transitional period, COW delivery will be available to instructors teaching in spaces without any built-in equipment. It may also on some occasions be necessary to use COWs in newer classrooms equipped with projectors, but priority will be given to instructors who do not have their own laptops.
    
4. Personal machines. Faculty, staff and students who wish to use personally owned machines on the RU campus are welcome to do so as long as that usage is in full compliance with the Computer and Network Usage Policy. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that personally owned equipment is appropriate for the intended application and correctly configured for use at RU. ITS technical support is limited to University-owned equipment and technicians will not be responsible for the maintenance, repair, or reconfiguration of personal hardware. Users are solely responsible for the security of personal equipment used on the RU campuses.

[Rev. 18 June 2007]