Student LaPTOPS

Twelve laptops with wireless access configurations are available for current students to check out in F110
. 

Laptop Check-out Policy

Laptops may be checked out by Blue Ridge Community College students presenting a BRCC student ID or copy of their class schedule subject to the following standards:

1. Laptops may be checked out from the Open Computer Support Lab (F110
   ) Monday – Friday during designated times.
2. Students must sign the VCCS Information Technology Student/Patron Acceptable Use Agreement -PDF before checking out a laptop.
3. Students must present their driver’s license at the time of checkout which will be held until the laptop is returned.
4. Laptops may be checked out for a time period not to exceed two hours.
5. Laptops should not be taken off campus.
6. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility and report any accidental damage or dropping that may have occurred when the laptop is returned. No punitive action will be taken.
7. Students should never leave laptops unattended. If a laptop is lost or stolen, the incident should immediately be reported to Student Helpdesk personnel who will forward the report to the Vice President of Finance and Facilities for review.
8. Students violating the VCCS Information Technology Student/Patron Acceptable Use Agreement will forfeit their laptop checkout privileges.

Student Laptop Checkout FAQs

I have borrowed and checked out a laptop temporarily. Is there paperwork that I need to worry about?

Absolutely! You will first have to identify yourself as a Blue Ridge Community College student; this is accomplished either by presenting your Blue Ridge student ID card or a copy of your class schedule. You will also be asked to present your driver’s license which will be held until you return the laptop to the appropriate location at which time your driver’s license will be returned to you. You will be asked to sign computer usage/ethics agreement only once, subsequent laptop check-outs will not require you to sign the computer usage/ethics agreement since it will be kept on file for the period of one year (August 1st, through July 31st).

Can I bring in my own laptop from home and connect it into the college’s network?

Yes! Although, access to the College’s internal networks will be restricted. An Internet connection will be provided to your laptop, but access will be limited to the same level of access granted to off-campus users.

What is the Wireless Access project at Blue Ridge?

The Wireless Access project at Blue Ridge is an initiative to promote wireless laptop access for student usage. One major goal of this project is to provide students with increased opportunities to conduct Internet research, compose their papers, and work on class assignments utilizing a laptop computer without having the equipment tethered to a specific classroom area. Additionally, the project provides an opportunity for students to use laptop computers and wireless technology to enhance their overall general computer literacy.

Can I download programs/files from the Internet onto the laptop?

Each laptop is configured to prevent users from installing programs to the laptop. However, you will be able to download files from the websites that have been identified by your instructor such as the VCCS BlackBoard website or other instructional websites.

How do I use a wireless laptop computer?

Each of the laptop computers are configured identically to provide ease of use for students as well as a support services. Each student will be instructed at the time they check-out a laptop on the basic power-on, boot-up and log-on procedures.

Where can I use a wireless laptop computer?

Many of the College’s public areas on the main-campus in Weyers Cave have wireless access coverage. - view map showing access points

How long can I check out a laptop computer?

The check-out of laptops to students will initially be for a two-hour period of time. However, the college reserves the right to modify the time that a laptop can be checked out by students. Student Helpdesk personnel supporting the check-out laptop process can provide details. Generally, the battery life is approximately two hours before the laptop will need to be recharged.

Can I check-out a laptop anytime day or evening?

Because the College has limited support personnel laptops can only be checked out specific times during the day, Monday through Friday. The specific days and hours that laptops are available to students will be posted in the Open Computer Support Lab.

What happens if I accidentally drop/damage or lose a laptop I’ve checked out?

The college expects that each student will demonstrate responsibility and concern for any of the college facilities, including a laptop computer. If a laptop computer is accidentally dropped or damaged, return the laptop, explain what happened, no punitive action against you will occur. Laptop computers like any other piece of property that is loaned to you is your responsibility. Therefore, each student is reminded to never leave a laptop unattended for any reason. If a laptop is lost or stolen, immediately report the incident to Student Helpdesk personnel, and your report will be forwarded onto the appropriate Division Dean or College Vice President for review.

Can I save research materials to a floppy disk?

You will be able to save your research materials to a floppy drive but a better solution would be to utilize a USB PIN drive rather than a floppy disk. USB connectors are available on each laptop. When saving a document to a USB PIN drive, the drive will be listed as a “Removable Disk”.

If you have other questions related to student laptop computers support not covered in this document please contact the Student Computing Helpdesk located in room F110
.