About the School:
Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in North Andover, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1947 by the Order of St. Augustine with an initial goal to educate World War II veterans. The college has grown to encompass 220 acres campus and almost 40 buildings.Laptop Programs:
Mobile Merrimack advances the college’s long range goal of creating a modern academic enterprise grounded in innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship. Mobile Merrimack leverages the opportunities that mobile learning technology provides to:- Promote innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, focused on the 21st century competencies of Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity
- Engages all students in creating an individualized digital learning environment
- Reduce the cost of education and foster sustainable practices How will Merrimack College students benefit ?
- Enhance active and collaborative learning environments
- Improve access to faculty through a common technology platform
- Increase opportunities for asynchronous learning
- Reduce costs with digital textbooks and other learning materials
iPad Distribution and Refresh Plan
What iPad and Case students will receive?
The entering class will receive the following:- 9.7 inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) with 2 year AppleCare+ protection.
- Brenthaven Case for iPad Pro 9.7”, Model Munber BX2Edge in Smoke Gray When will students receive their iPads?
Students will receive their iPads as part of their orientation program. If a student is unable to attend the orientation, they may pick up their iPad at the IT Help Desk during their normal operating hours.
How does my iPad access the internet? iPads are Wi-Fi enabled only. Students will be able to access the MCStudent network on their devices in and out of the classroom.
Will I be able to keep my iPad through the summer and vacation breaks? Yes. Your iPad is yours to use whenever and wherever you go. I already have an iPad. Will I be able to use that one? To ensure device consistency and to reduce the downtime and distractions that come with mixed technology/software/application environments, students need to use Merrimack-provided iPads. Because Merrimack is supplying the device, we will be able to maintain learning continuity and provide superior support services for Mobile Merrimack iPads, including immediate replacement of a broken iPad by Merrimack’s IT Help Desk under the AppleCare insurance plan. Will devices be refreshed? Yes. New devices will be refreshed following four semesters (not including summers) of use in order to maintain a common platform. Upon refresh the older iPad becomes the property of the student.
Additional Technology and Accessory Needs
Do I need a computer if I have an iPad? It depends. To determine technology needs students should consider a variety of factors including: major, minor, travel (e.g. sports, study abroad, internships), learning preferences and needs, and budget. For assistance contact your academic department or the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Does my iPad come with other accessories? Yes. Additional iPad accessories such as the Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil are included for incoming students in Fall 2019.Apps, Coursework, and Textbooks
Do students buy the apps for the iPad or does the school? Students will purchase and own the apps required for their classes. All students will be required to create their own Apple ID if they don’t already have one. If students are setting up an Apple ID, we suggest using a personal email (not your merrimack.edu email) to establish an Apple ID. They will use their Apple ID to purchase and manage all apps and other related content on their iPad. Upon graduation, students will be able to continue using whatever apps they have purchased on whatever new iOS device they happen to buy in the future. Can students install their own app? Yes. Students may install their own apps onto the iPad as governed by the honor code and Student Handbook. The CETL can provide guidance and training. Are iPads used in all classes? Use of the iPad for official course work, as well as access to devices during class, is at the discretion of our faculty. It is recommended that you bring the iPad to class with you as you will find many opportunities to benefit from using it including note taking, creating interactive presentations and iMovies, collaborating, and using assistive technologies as needed. What are my textbook buying option with an iPad? With iPads you can now consider learning needs and preferences, cost, lifestyle, and sustainability, while making textbook selections. Whether you are looking for savings, going green, leveraging assistive technologies, integrating apps or planning to travel with athletics, work, conferencing, or study abroad, using an eReader with your iPad offers many advantages in an academic environment. Students should check course syllabi for details on materials needed and consider digital textbook availability.iPad Service, Support, and Security
How will I get service and support for my iPad? The iPad comes with the AppleCare + warranty, which covers hardware repair through Apple’s limited warranty including telephone support by Apple. This warranty begins two years from the original purchase date and also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee. Details on the Apple iPad warranty for the US >> In addition to support by Apple through their online, telephone, retail and independent Apple Authorized Service Providers, students can leverage the Merrimack College IT User Services helpdesk. What should I do if my iPad is lost or stolen? Lost or stolen iPads should be reported immediately to Campus Police. Never confront a suspected thief. Incidents of theft will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Contact the IT Department to receive a loaner iPad for up to 30 days. Ultimately,the Student assumes all risks of loss of the Equipment. What safety measure exist? The devices should be locked with a passcode and with the Find My iPad service enabled via iCloud. That way, if your iPad is taken, no one can access your private information and you will have a greater likelihood in locating and retrieving your iPad. What date security issues should I consider? We are committed to internet security for students and faculty. Students should back up their devices using iCloud or a computer (Mac or PC) via iTunes. Are the iPad serial numbers recorded somewhere? Yes. When you pick up your iPad, the serial number will be recorded. They will also be laser etched with the Mobile Merrimack logo. Are there rules students must follow when using iPads? Yes. iPads are powerful tools for recording and exploring the world around us. Their ease of use and mobility make filming and recording your activities fun and exciting to share. However, there can be other consequences if they are used to invade the privacy of others. All members of the Merrimack community are obligated to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy For Technology. Students who use their iPads inappropriately may face judicial action at the discretion of the College.Optional Laptop Program
Our Optional Laptop Program offers comprehensive support and service, all conveniently located on campus in the McQuade Library. Services include:
- Three year laptop damage protection covering drops and spills at no additional cost.
- Three year parts and labor warranty.
- Laptop loaner provided if your laptop requires service.
- Software restore for virus/spyware infected machines - done while you wait.
- Laptop Protective Sleeve
To know more about laptop programs, click here.