NMU is fully implementing its laptop computer requirement this fall, afier five years of planning and preparation. The university sent fact-finding delegations to smaller schools with laptop programs, wired virtually every corner of campus, selected IBM as its corporate partner, and conducted pilot programs with faculty and students. Nearly 1,000 students participated last year on an optional basis. The program is mandatory this fall. It applies to all full-time undergraduates, except those in exempt programs, or juniors and seniors with comparable equipment who were granted a waiver.
Technical assistance is offered via a walk-in service center or telephone help line.
The laptop computer requirement is part of the university's broader Teaching, Learning and Communication initiative. Northern Michigan University, with an enrollment of about 8,200, is located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. NMU will offer b-roll of the computer distribution and laptops being used on campus. We will also have sound bites from administrators and students. These will be uplinked during a 15-minute window on Thursday, Aug.24.