FAQs: Services & Fees
Services and Fees
1) Does the University charge a technology fee? What does it cover?
2) Does New Mexico State University require its students to own a computer?
5) What hardware and software standards does the University require, recommend and/or support?
9) How does the University support printing for students and is there a charge for this service?
1) Does the University charge a technology fee? What does it cover?
New Mexico State University implemented a Student Technology Fee in fiscal year 2004/2005. The fee was implemented to help withy the cost of expanding students' technology resources. Among the things covered by this fee are student comptuer labs, wireless zones, multi-media classrooms, dial-up modem services, eLearning technologies, high-speed networking, software licensing and helpdesk and security services.
In fiscal year 2007/2008, the Student Technology Fee was $45 a semester. Working with NMSU administrators and ICT professionals, members of the Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) determine students' technology needs and the Student Technology Fee.
In a comparison with 16 Living the Vision Peer Institutions, NMSU's Student Technology Fee is among the lowest charged. New Mexico State University is ranked twelfth in regard to Student Technology Fee, which is well below the average of its peer institutions' technology fee of $148 a semester.
2) Does New Mexico State University require its students to own a computer?
new Mexico State University does not require its students to own a personal computer; however, the majority of the courses offered at NMSU require documents to be typed and some courses require documents to be submitted digitally. Student Computing Services (SCS) operates an Equipment Rental Program that provides students the option of renting a computer or laptop by the day, week, month or semester. Additionally, SCS maintains many Student Computer Labs.
3) Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?
New Mexico State Univeristy subsidizes an Equipment Rental Program. For more information on this program, visit. http://ict.nmsu.edu/scs/rental.html .
4) Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms or for off-campus access?
No, high-speed Internet and cable TV are included in the cost of the rooms.
5) What hardware and software standards does the University require, recommend and/or support?
New Mexico State University recommends Apple, Gateway, and Dell for institutional machines. New Mexico State University provides special links to these vendors at https://www.nmsu.edu/online/buy.html .
6) What kinds of services (helpdesk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the University and how do I access them?
The Helpdesk provides students the following services:
- Assistance connecting via dial-up and high-speed network connections.
- Email troubleshooting.
- ID and passwords assistance and resets.
- Assistance with network security for students, including the removal of viruses and assisting with windows security/critical updates.
The Helpdesk is located in Room 140 of the Compuer Center.
7) Does the University have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current? What is the replacement cycle?
New Mexico State University replaces student computers every three years. Monies from the Student Technology Fee help pay this expense.
8) If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the University?
Helpdesk IT professionals can assist students with connecting and registering their personal computer/s to the University network, checking for current anti-virus software, checking for current OS scurity patches and providing assistance for software installations. Additionally, monies from the Student Technology Fee have enabled the University to purchase the McAfee anti-virus software and offer it to students at no cost.
9) How does the University support printing for students and is there a charge for this service?
Computer labs are on a pay-per-print system, which means you pay for your printing. However, if you are a full-time student, you student ID card is encoded with $20 for printing. If you are a part-time student, your student ID card is encoded with $10 for printing. You can add money to your student ID card at the Student ID Office or at Pete's Place. Both the Student ID Office or at Pete's Place are located in Corbett Center.
10) Does the University provide wireless network coverage? How much of the campus has wireless connectivity?
Yes, NMSU wireless connectivity is available in most area of the campus. To view a comprehensive listing of wireless zones, visit http://ict.nmsu.edu/wireless/locations.html .
The questions are based on a publication from EDUCAUSE (an international, nonprofit association promoting the use of technologies within higher education).