Requirements, Services & Costs
Information for Prospective Students and Parents
There is a strong interaction between the quality and extent of services a campus offers
and the costs associated with this infrastructure. There is also a tremendous variation in
the ways campuses charge for these services. To evaluate the benefits received, and to be
able to directly compare costs, you will need answers to these questions.
Q: What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus and
what does it cover?
A: A general access computer fee of $20 per semester is
included in full-time tuition. In addition, individual colleges charge computing fees,
which in most cases are $25 per semester for full time students ($50 per semester for
College of Engineering students).
Q: Are students required to purchase their own computer?
Q: How does the campus make computing and network access
financially available to all students?
A: Resnet offers low-cost or free network/internet access to
students living on-campus and in selected off-campus UW housing. Visit the Resnet Web site.
Q: Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections
in the dorms or for off-campus access?
A: There is no charge network access charge for residence
hall residents. Resnet charges students living in the university apartments $30 per
semester for network/internet access. Information is available on the Resnet Web site.
Q: If I bring my own computer equipment to school, what kind
of support can I expect from the campus?
A: Hardware and software support is centered around
institutionally owned computers and is available through the IT Help Desk Call Center and
the student computer lab staff.
Q: What hardware and software standards, if any, does the
campus require, recommend, and/or support?
Q: What kinds of services (help desk, training,
troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and during what hours of operation?
A: The Division of Information Technology Academic Support
Unit offers computer support and training opportunities for UW students, along with
staffed computer labs. Online help and instruction is available. Visit the ASU Web site.
Q: Does the campus have a plan for keeping the hardware
current, and, if so, what is the replacement cycle?
A: The UW Support Services Plan specifies a five year
replacement cycle for computer equipment. Selected student computer labs use a four year
replacement cycle.
Q: How does the campus support printing for the students,
and is there a charge for this?
A: The student computer labs offer a variety of black &
white and color laser printers for student use. There is a per page charge for
printing in the labs (students are credited with a pre-determined number of free black
& white printed pages).For more information see the ASU Services for Students page. 
