Student computing purchase programs

There are a variety of approaches to student computer purchases in academic institutions. The goal of a purchase program might be to lower costs to students, to provide guidance for the type of equipment the student buys, to provide a uniform platform, or to simplify both hardware and software technical support. Purchase programs may be run by the University; allow for a third party, such as a bookstore or other vendor to manage offerings; or be designed so the student interacts with the manufacturer directly. Programs also vary in the way students are encouraged or even mandated to participate. The "weakest mandate" would be to allow a vendor or vendors to offer their entire product line to students at a discount. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a "strong mandate" program would require students to purchase a specifically configured model in order to attend classes. A vendor might offer one standard bundle of systems to a number of schools, or the offerings can be specifically tailored to each institution, college, department or even student. Warranty issues can be handled locally or can be directed to the vendor and/or manufacturer. This paper discusses considerations when setting up a purchase program, the advantages of different program models, and ramifications of each to students and the institution's support staff as well as the effect on institutional purchases.