Technology Requirement

Purpose

Jacksonville University wants to ensure students are prepared for the technology requirements in the classroom.  In order to prepare students for the best learning experience, the University offers the following recommendations to students.

Device Requirements

• Purchase a laptop, convertible tablet, or desktop computer with the following capabilities:
  • Access to wireless internet
  • Integrated or external Web Camera and Microphone
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Speakers 
• Requirements by operating system
  • Windows-Based PC With Windows 10 Pro (New Purchase Recommendation)
    • Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 Processor 10th Generation or above
    • 16GB of RAM
    • NVMe Solid State Storage (preferred)
    • 256GB SSD storage minimum, 512GB SSD or higher Recommended
    • 1920×1080 Full HD IPS display 13, 14, or 15-inch minimum
    • USB 3.x (3.2 gen 2 preferred) minimum with USB Type C port availability preferred
    • USB Type C charging preferred
    • Thunderbolt 3 preferred
    • WiFi 5 minimum or WiFi6 preferred
    • Bluetooth 4.x minimum 5.x preferred
    • LTE Optional
    • HDMI port or adapter
    • 720p (1 megapixel) Webcam minimum; 1080p (2 megapixel) Webcam preferred
    • Headset or earbuds with microphone
    • Recommended models include Dell Latitude 5xxx, 7xxx, 9xxx, Dell XPS 13 or 15 (2020), Dell XPS 2 in 1 (2020), Lenovo X1, Lenovo X1 Yoga, Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Microsoft Surface Book 3, Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft Surface Go 2, HP Spectre x360, HP Spectre Folio, HP EliteBook x360.
  • Apple-Based PC With MacOS Catalina (New Purchase Recommendation)
    • Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 Processors 10th Generation or above
    • 16GB of RAM
    • 256GB SSD storage minimum, 512GB SSD or higher Recommended
    • USB Type C to Type-A adapter
    • WiFi and Bluetooth standard
    • HDMI adapter
    • Apple Webcam
    • Headset or earbuds with microphone
    • Recommended models include MacBook Air 2020, MacBook Pro 13 inch or MacBook Pro 16 inch (touch bar is preferred on MacBook Pro models).

Other Recommendations

• The laptop computer may be any brand, running a modern operating system that still receives security updates. Students will want to be sure the laptop computer can run software they will use for homework (e.g., office applications).
• The laptop computer must be able to connect to JU’s campus network and the Internet using Wi-Fi or a high-speed Ethernet connection. 
• The laptop computer must be equipped with virus protection, which needs to be installed and running prior to connecting the laptop computer to the JU network
• JU does not recommend students rely on tablet devices (e.g., iPad), mobile phones, or netbook computers (e.g., Chromebooks) as their primary computer due to software limitations.
• Download the free Microsoft Office suite upon gaining access to your JU email

Note: Chromebooks, cell phones, and tablets such as the Kindle Fire are not recommend as a primary device.

Program-Specific Requirements

Most online content at JU is web-based and can be accessed from most devices.  Some courses and majors will require specialized software that can be purchased through the JU Bookstore or other approved vendors.   A list of software required in courses is included in the course schedule or through the JU Bookstore.  

• Electrical Engineering
  • Larger hard drive (512GB, 1 TB preferred)
• Mechanical Engineering
  • A processor with at least 4 cores (each product of the current ANSYS product line uses 4 cores with no additional charge. 
  • Windows 64bit Operating System.
  • 4 GB (or higher) graphics card (DRD has a good experience with NVIDIA cards. For the laptops as clients, 2GB may also work for simple applications. 
  • 32-128 GB of RAM based on problem size
  • 17" or larger flat panel display.  
• Music
  
  • Apple laptop as above
  • 512GB or larger SSD recommended

How to Get a Device

There are several ways to get a device:

• Purchase one from a secure and trusted store
• Purchase one through Apple, Dell or Microsoft. All offer discounts to students with a .edu email address
• Rent or Lease a device through a device vendor such as Microsoft, Lenovo, or Dell
• Check with cellular carrier about device purchase options through your cell phone plan

Frequently Asked Questions 

I need funding to help with the purchase of a device, what do I do?

Students should first check with their financial aid counselor to discuss options with their financial aid.

Laptop and device prices vary greatly; do I need a high-cost one to be successful?

No. In most cases, a laptop meeting the basic requirements above will be sufficient for success.

Are laptops required to be a student at JU?

Having your own device is required to get the best JU experience.  Courses are designed as flexible learning experiences that may have a technology component. 

Does JU have devices available for students?

The University does not have devices to loan out; however, the University is here to support you to obtain a device.