Digital Communications at Lebanon Valley College
This FAQ provides cursory answers to those questions students often ask. DCOM will have for the next year two notebook policies. These FAQs attempt to address questions raised by both policies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Incoming Students, Transfers, or Change of Majors starting Fall '09
I already own a computer. Do I have to use the recommended Digital Communications notebook?
In order to take part in the Digital Communications program, use the standard software, and participate in classrooms, students are required to provide their own notebook computer and the required software. (See Digital Communications Technology and Software for details.) They can purchase the recommended system or use their own notebook if it can run the authoring software.
What type of notebook should I get?
In May of each year, the department works with IT Services to review and establish the hardware configuration for the upcoming year.
Can I choose a Mac instead of a PC as my Digital Communications notebook?
Yes. Macs are prevalent in the design field, PCs provide a platform that the great majority of the public uses. Skills gained in using both are important, but students should choose the platform with which they are most comfortable.
What software would I need?
Currently, Digital Communications requires the specific software bundles. Due to the dramatic discounts, you are highly encouraged to use LVC's software vendor. Because of the expense, you will not be expected to upgrade your software over your four years at LVC, but may upgrade it if you desire.
What do I do if my notebook stops working?
Each student is responsible for the care of his or her notebook; the notebook must be kept in full working condition and students are strongly encouraged to purchase an extended warranty.
What do I do if my notebook is stolen or lost?
The student is responsible for any loss or theft of the notebook under the following terms. We recommend that you check with your insurance agent to determine what coverage, if any, you or your family's insurance provides for the notebook and accompanying software.
Can I add hardware to my notebook?
You can make any physical alterations, additions or other changes to the notebook that you may desire.
Do I need insurance?
The notebook and accompanying software are not covered by the College's insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance agent to determine what coverage, if any, you or your family's insurance provides for the notebook and accompanying software.
How much does the notebook for the Digital Communications program cost?
The cost of the system is related to the specifications required by the program and software. As the software requirements change and the cost of technology change, so will the cost of the notebooks.
Will the cost for this notebook and software be included in my financial aid?
DCOM works with IT to set the configuration for the notebooks, develops a cost based on the recommended configuration and the required software, and communicates this amount to financial aid. As a DCOM student, you will have this amount included in your total cost of attendance only during the year that you declare DCOM as your major. This means you may receive financial aid (outside grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) to help cover this expense. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information, 717-867-6126 or
finaid@lvc.edu
Can I use my notebook on an internship or to produce projects for hire?
Due to the software license agreements, commercial use of the notebook and accompanying software is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions - Current Majors under the previous notebook policy
I already own a computer. Do I have to pay a fee to use the Digital Communications notebook?
In order to take part in the Digital Communications program, use the standard software, and participate in classrooms, students are required to take part in the Notebook Program. (See Digital Communications Notebook Program Details.) The advantages of this program include an extended warranty, repairs, two-year refresh, up-to-date software, and ease of learning in the classroom. You are also spared the expense of purchasing and updating the software for the entire four years you are in the program.
Can I take the notebook home over weekends or during breaks?
You are free to take the notebook with you whenever and wherever you'd like. The only restriction on your notebook is that if you graduate or change your major, you must return your notebook by the end of the semester. If you withdraw from LVC or leave the College, the notebook computer must be returned within 10 days. Any student who does not return his/her notebook by the prescribed date will automatically be charged the purchase price (at a value determined by the company from which the college leases the notebooks) for the notebook and the cost of all software.
What type of notebook do I get?
Students who received new notebooks at the start of the 2006-07 academic year got a Dell Latitude D820 notebook computer with Intel Core Duo 1.67GHz processor, a 15.4-inch wide screen monitor, 2.0 GB of memory, an 80 GB hard drive, 8-speed DVD+/-Read Write drive running Windows XP.
In May of each year, the department works with IT Services to review and establish the hardware and software configuration for the upcoming year.
Can I buy my own notebook rather than pay a fee to use a notebook from LVC?
Due to the need for the latest version of the software used in Digital Communications classrooms, and standard operating systems, purchasing your own notebook instead of paying a fee to use a Digital Communications notebook is not an available option for Digital Communications students. While you are free to purchase your own notebook computer, Digital Communications majors must also take part in the Digital Communications Notebook Program.
Can I choose a Mac instead of a PC as my Digital Communications notebook?
While Macs are prevalent in the design field, PCs provide a platform that the great majority of the public uses and is a requirement for programming and database applications. Skills gained in using a PC are easily transferable to other platforms.
What software comes with the notebook?
Currently, Digital Communications notebooks include the following software:
- The Adobe Suite- (Photoshop, Illustrator; Acrobat, InDesign);
- Adobe/Macromedia Studio- (Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash.);
- Sony Vegas (digital video editing software);
- MS Office (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Word)
What do I do if my notebook stops working?
Each student is responsible for the care of his or her notebook; the notebook must be kept in full working condition. All notebooks are covered by a manufacturer's extended warranty; repairs must be coordinated through the College's IT Services department. In most cases the notebook can be repaired the same day or day after a problem is reported. In the event a computer can not be repaired in a timely fashion, a loaner notebook will be made available to the student for use during the repair process.
The student is responsible for any damage to the notebook under the following terms:
- In the case of abuse or negligence as determined by IT Services in consultation with the DigiComm Program Director, the student is responsible for paying the College for the entire cost of the repair or replacement.
- In the case of damage, the student is responsible for reimbursing the College for the cost of the repair or replacement not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
What do I do if my notebook is stolen or lost?
The student is responsible for any loss or theft of the notebook under the following terms:
- In the event of loss, the student is responsible for reimbursing the College for the entire cost of the replacement.
- In the event of theft, the student is responsible for paying the College $500 provided that he or she: 1) files a report with the College's Public Safety Office and the local police department where the theft occurred and 2) provides copies of both reports to IT Services. Failure to do so will result in the student being responsible for paying the College for the entire replacement cost of the notebook.
Can I add hardware to my notebook?
You can not make any physical alterations, additions or other changes to the notebook without prior written consent of the College. Prohibited changes include, but are not limited to, additional memory and other internal modifications. Should modifications be made to the notebook, such modifications become property of the College. The College may, at its discretion, remove any modifications to the notebook's hardware or software.
Do I need insurance?
The notebook and accompanying software are not covered by the College's insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance agent to determine what coverage, if any, you or your family's insurance provides for the notebook and accompanying software.
How much is the fee for the Digital Communications notebook?
The program fee is set annually for the notebooks. You can determine the amount by contacting the business office or the director of Digital Communications.
Will the fee for this notebook be included in my financial aid?
The fees you will be charged each semester for the notebook will be included in your total cost of attendance. This means you may receive financial aid (outside grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) to help cover this expense. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information, 717-867-6126 or
finaid@lvc.edu.
When will my notebook be replaced?
Your notebook will usually be replaced after it has been in use for two years. During the summer after the student's sophomore year, he or she will be required to exchange the notebook for a new one. Failure to exchange the notebook by the established deadline will result in the student being responsible for paying the College for the residual value of the computer as determined by the company from which the college leases the notebooks plus the full cost of College-provided software.
Usually during the summer after the student's sophomore year, he or she will be required to exchange the notebook for a new one. Failure to exchange the notebook by the established deadline will result in the student being responsible for paying the College for the cost of the computer plus the full cost of College-provided software.
Some transfer students and students who declare their major later in the year might find this slightly different.
When the notebook is replaced, how do I transfer the files to my new computer?
In early August you will contact IT Services (717-867-6060) to schedule an appointment for your notebook exchange. You will need to bring your current notebook to your scheduled appointment with IT Services, who will provide you with your new notebook and provide a process for you to transfer your personal data files.
Do I get to keep my notebook after four years?
Graduating seniors can choose to purchase their notebooks. The price is determined by the company from which the college leases the notebooks. If you choose this option, you must take your Digital Communications notebook computer to IT Services for them to remove the software (except the OS). Students who fail to turn in their notebooks will be charged the price of the notebook (as determined by the company from which the college leases them) plus the cost of the software installed on the computer. The charge will automatically be placed on your account with the LVC Business Office and must be paid in full prior to receiving your diploma.
When do I have to return my notebook?
Graduating seniors will receive a letter from the director of the Digital Communications program outlining the cost and process for purchasing or returning their notebook. Ordinarily, students return their notebook during finals week if they are graduating.
When a student is no longer in the DigiComm program (e.g., he or she changes to another major, withdraws from the College or takes a leave of absence), he or she must return the notebook and accompanying software in full working condition to IT Services. Students changing their major but remaining at the college must return the notebook by the end of the semester.
Students taking a leave of absence or leaving the college must return the notebook within 10 days of withdrawal. Failure to return the notebook and accompanying software within the prescribed time will result in the withholding of transcripts and legal action.
Can I purchase my notebook at the conclusion of my senior year? What is the cost?
You must notify the director of the Digital Communications program of your intent (usually by April 20) to purchase or return the notebook. Graduating seniors will receive a letter from the director of the Digital Communications program outlining the price and process for purchasing or returning their notebook. Ordinarily, students return their notebook during finals week if they are graduating.
If I transfer into or change majors to the Digital Communications program, can I still take part in the Digital Communications Notebook Program?
Ordinarily, students take part in the notebook program during the fall semester and must make arrangements mid-summer. Sometimes, however, notebook computers are available in the middle of the school year for those students who transfer in or change majors.
Can I use my notebook on an internship or to produce projects for hire?
Due to the software license agreements, commercial use of the notebook and accompanying software is prohibited.