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Laptop Requirements for the Class of 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

The School of Pharmacy is entering its sixth year of a laptop requirement with the incoming class of 2012. The SLI requires incoming Pharm.D. students to purchase laptops for convenient, portable, and flexible access to the array of learning resources available at the University and on the World Wide Web. It is our goal to provide an educational environment that allows students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the technologically advanced environments in which they will work.

A laptop offers the portability and flexibility for use at the school, common areas throughout the campus that are available for remote computing, and at off-campus locations during professional practice experiences.

Students rely on e-mail, web-enhanced courses, and other instructional resources to complement and enhance learning. Students will use laptops for case-based learning, developing presentations, to complete exams, to take notes, or to complete other course assignments. All members of the classes of 2009 through 2012 must have unlimited access to a laptop computer.

The best way to control costs, provide equal access, and ensure the quality of technology services and support is by adopting School computer standards. Standardization minimizes numerous problems that result from hardware and software incompatibilities.

Students who wish to provide their own laptop computer should review the specifications for previously owned computers to verify they meet minimum configuration standards. Standards for minimum configurations provide acceptable access to the University network and the Internet. However, for optimal performance and to operate effectively in the VCU computing environment, it may be necessary to upgrade or replace your computer within 12 to 24 months of arriving on campus.

Phartech, the School’s Academic Technology support service, will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy Dell Premiere program. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support.

The School of Pharmacy has standardized on the Dell Latitude D630. This thin & light weight notebook computer offers high performance and dependability. The laptop has an integrated 10/100 LAN and 802.11 a/g wireless mini card. Please visit the Dell site for more information on the Latitude D630. Then click on the "School of Pharmacy" bundle then click on "Customize" to see the detailed information on our recommended system

D620 Students who want to purchase additional memory or peripherals are welcome to do so. The Dell Premier Web site allows upgrading of the memory, hard drive, and processor. A floppy drive, printers, security cables and locks, and deluxe carrying cases and backpacks are listed as optional purchases and will increase the base cost of the laptop.

Microsoft Office 2007 Professional is required software for the School of Pharmacy. In addition to the MS Office software, an antivirus program is required. Sophos Anti-Virus software is available for download at no cost to VCU students for use on their home computers ( Sophos Anti-Virus) and it is included on the VCU Technology Gateway CD-ROM which is provided during orientation. You may also contact a member of the Phartech staff in Smith Building 348 to obtain a copy as well.

Real Player, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, JAVA Web Start, Macromedia Flash Player, and Macromedia Shockwave are also required. These free plug-ins are available for download from the VCU Web Software site at VCU Technology Services or you can find them on the VCU Technology Gateway CD-ROM which is provided during orientation.

TheVCU Technology Gateway CD-ROMis a CD-ROM that includes downloadable software, student resources, and other useful information and links. Sophos Antivirus, Mozilla, Real Player, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, and Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 are a few of the utilities that are included.

There are 160 data ports and 80 duplex power outlets throughout commons areas of the building. In addition, a wireless local area network (WLAN) to support mobile computing is available throughout the Smith Building, Sanger Hall 1-020 and 2-020, and the VCU Libraries. The main lecture hall in the Smith Building, Room 103, hasa 150 data ports and power outlets.

You can purchase the computer directly online from the Dell Premier page by clicking on the Dell Premier Purchase Program link from the School of Pharmacy Web site. The new laptop specifications will be available after March 27, 2008. You may use Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express for your online or telephone purchase. You may also place your order by calling 1-866-746-4969. However, please be certain to give the sales representative the School’s unique member ID #: US14596370 to ensure that you get the discounted price and the specified laptop.

Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended as you will not receive first-level of support from the Phartech staff and you may not receive a 4-year next business day warranty with your purchase. Phartech will provide first-level service and support to students who purchased laptops through the VCU School of Pharmacy Dell Premiere program. Students who purchase a laptop from a local retailer or another vendor will be directed to the vendor for support.

Because the laptop is a school requirement, you will be able to include it for consideration in determining your financial aid award. However, contact the Office of Financial Aid/Enrollment Services for information concerning the use of financial aid and scholarship money to purchase computers.

Yes. Due to Dell’s physical presence in Virginia, sales tax must be collected. Even if you do not pay tax on a catalog order at time of ordering, you are still liable to claim your taxes at the end of the year by Federal Law.

Dell offers Ground, 2nd Day, and Next Day shipping services. Ground charges on desktops start at $45 per unit for laptops. If you choose to order your system online, it will automatically calculate these charges for you once you submit your order.

Lead times are generally 1-2 weeks. However, since parts availability is a function of current worldwide supply and demand, delivery times can vary and no standard lead-time can be guaranteed. Lead times do not include the time your order is in transit after it has been shipped for delivery. Time in transit is dependent on the shipping option you choose. We encourage you to order your laptop early to ensure its arrival before the start of the semester on August 21, 2008.

• Dell offers a 30-day telephone support program at no additional charge for installation optimization, configuration, and limited usage questions during the critical 30-day period after shipment of your system. In addition, Dell offers 7X24 Lifetime Hardware Technical Support and 7x24 Lifetime Software Support with your purchase. Please visit the Dell Premier Client Support site at Dell Support for more information.
• Phartech support staff that are available to assist students with hardware and software problems related to laptops, software downloads, e-mail and Blackboard problems, virus alerts, the wireless network, and network connections available throughout the Smith Building. The hours of operation for the Phartech staff are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The staffs are located in Smith 346. In order to support your laptop, we may require the original CD-ROMS that were shipped with your laptop, as well as your Microsoft Office CD-ROMs. Please keep these resources in a safe place at school.

Students or their parents may wish to consider insurance coverage for the computer. This can be incorporated as a rider on a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

CompleteCare is a supplement to the four-year limited warranty that covers non-intentional, accidental damage during your warranty period. Some examples of non-intentional damage that are covered include failure resulting from liquid spilled in or on the unit; drops, falls, or other collision; failure resulting from an electrical surge, accidental breakage, and damaged LCD due to drops or falls. For more information visit Dell CompleteCare.

Yes, KnowledgeNet, an e-learning company that provides tutorials in word processing, spreadsheet analysis, data management, electronic presentations, and website development is available to all faculty, staff, and students. Over 300 courses are available online 24 hours a day. You will receive additional information regarding the KnowledgeNet program later in the summer.

Incoming students who have been admitted but have not yet registered for classes can create a VCU e-mail account at the Incoming Students E-mail Account page: