Computer and Software Requirements Policy Statement
To whom does this policy statement apply?
This policy applies to all incoming undergraduate and transfer students to the College of Engineering.
Background
The College of Engineering has maintained a computer and software requirement for its students since 1984. This requirement defines the minimum computing platform evaluated for use during the four-year academic cycle starting with the first year experience. This requirement also applies to transfer students entering into the program for the year of their admission, i.e., if you transfer in during the 2022-23 academic year, the Fall 2022 computer requirement applies to you.
The requirement defines the hardware and operating system that will be supported by the College and departmental information technology staff, and teaching faculty. Requirements are posted before May 1st each year.
Backup Requirement
Students are expected to back up their data on a continual basis, through either cloud backup or additional computer hardware. It is the student's responsibility to maintain the integrity of their data to prevent academic penalties. Students that experience data loss within 24 hours of an assignment being due should contact their course instructor(s) and SWAT Engineering Student Computer Support immediately to receive official confirmation that the loss of data prevented them from completing an assignment. Students who do not backup their data or consult with SWAT will be liable for any academic penalty associated with an incomplete or missing assignments.
Software Bundle Purchases
Both the University Undergraduate Bundle and the Engineering Student Bundle are required purchases for all incoming undergraduate and transfer students.
Transfer students with software packages from other institutions or vendors are still required to purchase the software bundles. This ensures software parity with all students and faculty and access to upgrades during the remainder of their engineering academic career.
Support
The College maintains the Software Assistance and Triage (SWAT) Team, a Student Computer Support Office tasked with supporting Engineering undergraduate students.
Hardware support is available through the University Bookstore Service Center or the vendor from whom you purchased your warranty. We encourage students to visit the SWAT Team to diagnose problems before taking their computer in for hardware service.
Additional software and service support is handled through the Virginia Tech 4-HELP organization.
Deviation from the Requirement
Students who deviate from the computer requirement and therefore cannot participate in a specific course, complete a course assignment, or participate in the classroom where computer use is expected, without additional effort on the part of the faculty or the college, will be assessed any academic penalty deemed appropriate by the course instructor.