Memo

To:        Peter Greim, Chair Computer Services Committee (CSC)

From:    CSC Subcommittee, Keith Plemmons

CC:       Frances Frame, Debbie Fisher

Date:     4/29/2004

Re:        Subcommittee Recommendation on Requiring Students to Purchase Personal Computers

The CSC Subcommittee of Keith Plemmons, Frances Frame, and Debbie Fisher recommends against requiring students to bring a PC based on the following findings:

 

1. Hank Fuller (Director, Office of Financial Aid) does not recommend requiring PCs.

·         Fed. Gov't allows students to borrow up to $4K for one PC through federal loan programs.

·         The Citadel could possibly experience recruiting difficulty if tuition is further increased. Current tuition costs include the cost of uniforms and fees, thereby giving the appearance of inflated tuition costs when compared with other schools.

·         Athletic department functions with a deficit that requires money from Citadel's general operating fund to keep it afloat. If tuition were increased to include the cost of a PC; more money from departments would be diverted to the operating fund.

·         Under the current policy, some students purchase a PC when they arrive.  Others students elect to use the one-time option to purchase a new laptop just prior to graduation.

 

2. The ratio of computers available per cadet does not justify this action.

·         Computer Labs are available in the library, barracks, and in most academic buildings.

·         Ratio of computers available (411) per number of cadets (1819) is relatively high. (4.4 to 1)
(Attachment 1).  Information regarding the ratio of computers at 351 colleges and institutions is available at http://www.forbes.com/2003/10/02/cx_dd_1002campus.html .

 

3. Many students bring their personal PCs and have the option to purchase via federal loan program.

·         As of Jan 2004, 127 of 1819 students did not have a PC in their room.

·         After accounting for those on need-based financial aid or athletic scholarships, 67 would be required to fund the additional cost (current Citadel standard PC cost-$1250) over four years. Standard PC configuration is available through Gateway (Attachment 2).

 

 

Attachments:
1. Spring 2004-Computer Resources for Students at The Citadel
2. Gateway Student Package for PC Purchase