ASU does not require students to own computers, even though NAU officials are pushing the obligation on the incoming freshmen of 2003.
ASU Provost Milton Glick said he thinks requiring students to own a computer is a "non-issue."
"I think making a requirement is inappropriate because it is a burden on those who are already struggling to make ends meet," he said. "Also, this year's computer is next year's paperweight. An architect major needs a different computer than a psychology major, and it's difficult to make it a requirement."
William Lewis, ASU vice provost for Information Technology, also said he feels that a computer requirement is unnecessary and would hurt students financially.
"We do a survey of entering and exiting students and 80 percent of our students own computers anyway," he said. "Those who don't can find the facilities they need on campus."
Tim Desch, ASU director of undergraduate admissions, said when prospective students ask if they need a computer, he tells them they are encouraged to have one, but it is not a necessity.
"From an admissions standpoint, the amount of computing resources we have on campus is something we highlight. If the question is 'Will I survive without a computer?' the answer is, 'Absolutely,'" he said.
However, Fred Estrella, NAU chief information technology officer, said requiring students to own computers will help them become better equipped for the working world. Specific guidelines for the computers have not been set.
"We feel that there is a digital divide between students who have computers and those who don't, because they cannot access the Internet or other programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have taken steps to see that our curriculum is up-to-date and that we give support to students," he said.
Estrella said NAU is close to making a decision in favor of requiring computers, but nothing is definite yet. NAU President Owen Cargol will make the final decision, but a deadline has not been set.
Estrella also said, along with financial aid, there would be loaner computers provided to students who cannot afford one. The loaners will come from 12 resident hall labs that will be shut down in phases if the requirement happens.
Undergraduate admissions should not decline students because of the requirement, Estrella said.
"We have studied universities that have recently required incoming students to own computers, and they're in no case declining admissions," he said. "If a student wants to come to NAU, we will find a way to get a computer. No student will be rejected from the University if they don't have one when he or she applies."
The two state universities studied were University of Florida and Virginia Tech.
Matt Ortega, assistant executive director for public affairs, said the Arizona Board of Regents has a few questions that need to be answered before the proposal is approved.
"We need to know how they are going to make sure that every student has a computer," Ortega said. "With financial aid, what is the cost for students and where is the money coming from? We just cut $32.5 million from the universities because of a budget and we are having a hard enough time getting money to students now."
Reach Sandy Almendarez at salmend@imap2.asu.edu.
