CoJMC Laptop Policy
The College of Journalism and Mass Communications is requiring all new students to either own or have access to a laptop computer ready for use in Andersen Hall. This requirement is effective with the fall 2009 entering class. Students must either own, lease or be able to use on a permanent and regular basis a computer. Please note your computer MUST meet or exceed the technological specifications listed below.
You may purchase your laptop from a vendor of your choice or you may use UNL's Computer Shops. Because of preferred-vendor pricing, you may be able to purchase a computer through the university at some cost-savings. This Web site, http://marketplace.unl.edu/computershop/computers/shop-by-major/journalism/, will take you to the UNL Computer Shop; here you will find information specific to our college.
In addition to a computer, you will need some software: Microsoft Office, which is standard on most computers, and Adobe Creative Suite, which includes In Design, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Illustrator. The UNL Computer Shop also handles this software, which is priced between $350 and $400 (as of February 2012). You are not required to purchase video editing software.
If your current laptop meets the minimum specifications, we do not require you to buy a new computer. If your machine does not meet the minimum requirements, call any of UNL's three Computer Shops at 402-472-0505, Nebraska Union; 402-310-0021 Nebraska East Union; or 402-472 5787, 501 Stadium Drive about potential upgrades that would meet the requirements.
Prices from UNL Computer Store are subject to change and are not guaranteed
If you cannot afford to purchase your own laptop, you may qualify to use a college-owned computer. Here's what to do:
Students who wish to have the cost of a computer and required software added to their educational cost of attendance in order to determine eligibility for federal student loans may do one of two things:
- Submit to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) an official price estimate for what you are proposing to purchase. If you submit an estimate, you have 30 days to submit actual documentation of the purchase to OSFA.
- Submit to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid a detailed and dated purchase invoice.
OFSA will use either form of documentation to allow you to apply for additional federal student loans. You may do this once during the time you are enrolled at UNL.
