Academic Experience
Information for Prospective Students and Parents
Teaching, learning, and accessing information are all critical functions that are
potentially enhanced by digital technologies. It is important to understand how technology
is used in classes generally, and especially in your areas of interest or major, and the
extent to which faculty use these technologies in interactions with students.
Q: What percentage of campus courses
use electronic information to enhance the course (for example, syllabi, reading lists,
discussion groups, demonstrations)?
A: UW does not currently keep statistics on electronic
enhancements to college courses. However, use of electronic information as a
supplement to course work is very common among UW faculty and we estimate that close to a
majority of UW courses offers some online information or component.
Q: Are technology resources available, used effectively to
enhance the learning experience, and designed to prepare graduates in your major for
successful technology use in their careers?
A: Each academic department uses available technology
resources to a different extent. For information about specific departments start at
the complete list of Colleges and Departments on the UW Academics Web page.
Q: What library resources are available online (catalog,
databases, special collections)?
A: The Ferret System provides online access to UW
library catalogs, databases and collections. Visit the UW
Libraries home page.
Q: What electronic reference materials are licensed and how
accessible are they from outside the library (for example, in the residence halls or
off-campus)?
Q: How does the campus help students develop computer
skills?
A: The Division of Information Technology Academic
Support Unit runs the campus computer lab
system which includes 13 open labs staffed with lab assistants. In cooperation with
ASUW, the Academic Support Unit also offers a variety of free computer training courses to students.
Q: Does the campus allow students to receive credit for
courses taken electronically from other sources?
Q: Does the campus have a specific computer/IT competency
requirement for all undergraduates?
Q: Are course reserves and other materials available online
via the UW web site?
Q: What percentage of faculty has a networked computer
available to them?
Q: What percentage of faculty use e-mail regularly?
A: Approximately 90%. 
