Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the goal for the iWolf Program?
Whether digital natives or digital immigrants, a majority of today’s students individually own multiple mobile devices that are with them 24/7. To ensure a dynamic and relevant learning experience for all students, Lourdes created the iWolf Power of Innovative Learning Program. The goal of the program is to increase student learning and engagement, improve the quality of teaching materials and decrease student costs.
Lourdes University Student Outcomes are posted at https://www.lourdes.edu/about-lourdes/our-mission-values/learning-outcomes/.
How do Lourdes students benefit?
Lourdes University students benefit from the iWolf Program in the following ways:
- Enhanced active and collaborative learning environments
- Improved access to faculty through a common technology platform
- Increased opportunities for asynchronous learning
- Reduced costs with digital textbooks and other learning materials
Who receives an MacBook or is a part of the program?
Beginning for students entering in the Fall of 2023, all undergraduate degree-seeking students will receive a MacBook Air, including transfer students. Because MacBooks are deeply integrated into the curriculum for courses, all students are required to have a device as they are required to participate in course activities.
Are Lourdes students required to pay additional fees?
Students enrolled in the iWolf program will pay the iWolf program fee for the first two semesters they are enrolled at the institution. More information about Tuition and Fees is posted here: https://www.lourdes.edu/costs-financial-aid/tuition-fees-undergraduate/
What MacBook do students receive?
Fall 2023 entering students received the following:
- A 13.6 inch MacBook Air with M2 chip, 8-core CPU/GPU, 8GB of Unified Memory, and 256GB SSD Storage
- 3 year AppleCare+ protection
- Charger
When do students receive their MacBook?
New Lourdes students receive their MacBook as part of their orientation program. If a student is unable to attend the orientation, they may pick up their MacBook at the IT Help Desk during normal operating hours.
How does my MacBook access the internet?
MacBooks are Wi-Fi enabled only. Students can access the iWolf and Gray Wolf Junction learning management system on their devices in and outside of the classroom.
Who owns my MacBook?
The MacBook are purchased by and are the property of Lourdes University until the student graduates. During the time that Lourdes owns the MacBook the University expects students to care for the MacBook and treat it as they would other personal property. Upon graduation, the MacBook becomes the property of the student.
Are students able to keep the MacBook through the summer and vacation breaks?
Yes. Your MacBook is yours to use whenever and wherever you go.
In regard to the use of Lourdes University MacBook, all members of the Lourdes University community are obligated to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy For Technology. In accordance with the University’s Student Code of Conduct, Lourdes students are required to respect the rights and property of others, to be fully acquainted and comply with the published rules and regulations of the University, to comply with all local state and federal laws, and recognize that their actions reflect upon the individuals involved as well as upon the entire University community.
If students already have an MacBook, are they able to use that one?
To ensure device consistency and to reduce the downtime and distractions that come with mixed technology/software/application environments, students are required to use Lourdes-provided MacBook. Because Lourdes is supplying the device, the University is able to maintain learning continuity and provide support services for Lourdes University MacBook, including immediate replacement of a broken MacBook by Lourdes University’s IT Help Desk under the AppleCare insurance plan.
Do students need a computer if they have a MacBook?
In most cases, no. To determine technology needs, students should consider a variety of factors including:
- Major, minor, field of study
- Learning preferences and needs
- Budget
Does the MacBook come with other accessories?
Yes. Your MacBook comes with a charger and 3-years of Apple Care Coverage.
Do students buy the apps for the MacBook or does Lourdes?
Students purchase and own the apps required for their classes. Lourdes students participating in the iWolf Program are required to create their own Apple ID if they don’t already have one. Students use their Apple ID to purchase and manage all apps and other related content on their MacBook. Upon graduation, students are able to continue using whatever apps they have purchased on whatever new macOS device they purchase in the future.
Can Lourdes students install their own apps?
Yes. Lourdes students may install their own apps onto the MacBook.
How will professors use the MacBook in their classes?
Use of MacBook in the learning environments and courses will vary. The MacBook and the wide variety of apps offer numerous opportunities for teaching and learning. One of the primary advantages of the iWolf platform strategy is that it offers students various ways to engage with content which meets the needs of all students’ individual learning preferences.
Are MacBooks used in all classes?
Use of the MacBooks for official course work as well as access to devices during class is at the discretion of Lourdes faculty. It is recommended that students bring the MacBook to class as it provides many opportunities including note taking, creating interactive presentations and iMovies, collaborating and using assistive technologies as needed.
What are my textbook buying options with an MacBook?
With MacBooks, students can consider learning needs and preferences, cost, lifestyle and sustainability while making textbook selections. Whether students are looking for savings, going green, leveraging assistive technologies, integrating apps or planning to travel with athletics, work, conferencing or study abroad, using an eReader with the MacBook offers many advantages in an academic environment. Students should check course syllabi for details on materials needed and consider digital textbook availability.
Do students still need to purchase textbooks?
Students will need to buy their textbooks for class; however, in many classes, they will have the flexibility of selecting a printed textbook or an e-text. The Lourdes University Bookstore is available to help with this process.
Are students trained on how to use their MacBook?
Yes. Lourdes students are provided with instructions on setting up their Apple IDs, MacBook basic settings, email and what apps to install. During registration days, students are introduced to their FYE course, which starts over the summer. Digital literacies are embedded in this course and assist students in leveraging technological approaches in effective note taking, time management and organizational skills. Productivity and workflow are also covered as well as creating interactive, effectual presentations and iMovies. These skills should provide a foundation from which students can build.
Where can students learn more about the MacBook?
Students are encouraged to explore online resources such as the App Store, blogs and YouTube videos for innovative academic strategies and solutions. For further assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk at 419-824-3807.
How do students get service and support for their MacBook?
The MacBook comes with the AppleCare+ warranty which covers hardware repair through Apple’s limited warranty including telephone support by Apple. This warranty begins two years from the original purchase date and also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $99 service fee.
Details on the Apple MacBook warranty for the US
In addition to support by Apple through their online, telephone, retail and independent Apple Authorized Service Providers, students can leverage the Lourdes University IT Help Desk.
What should students do if their MacBook is lost or stolen?
Lost or stolen MacBook should be reported immediately to the Lourdes Public Safety office. Never confront a suspected thief. Incidents of theft will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Contact the IT Help Desk at 419-824-3807 or helpdesk@lourdes.edu to receive a loaner device for up to 30 days. Ultimately, the student assumes all risks of loss of the equipment.
What safety measures exist?
The MacBook devices should be locked with a passcode and with the Find My service enabled via iCloud. That way, if a student’s MacBook is taken, no one can access the private information and the student will have greater likelihood in locating and retrieving the device.
What data security issues should students consider?
Lourdes University is committed to internet security for students and faculty. Students should back up their devices using iCloud or OneDrive (Note: 1 terabyte of cloud storage through OneDrive is provided at no cost to students during their time at Lourdes University through their Lourdes University email account).
What about personal use and privacy. Are there restrictions on the apps students can install?
Lourdes students are expected to treat the MacBook as if it were their own. Students can use the MacBook for personally downloaded apps, photos, videos, music and more. Students can also personalize most settings as well as icon placement, wallpaper, etc. Lourdes University does not actively monitor activity unless there is a legal or academic obligation to do so.
The MacBooks will also be managed through a mobile device management (MDM) software. This software allows Lourdes to push university-owned apps to the devices, as well as track and secure devices in case they are lost or stolen. Once a student graduates from Lourdes, the device will be removed from the MDM and any university-owned apps are removed from the MacBook.
Can students use their existing iTunes account?
Yes. Students can use their existing iTunes account. Before arriving on campus for classes, please confirm the account and password and follow these steps on the Apple website to create an account. You must have an Apple account to receive a MacBook from Lourdes University.
Are the MacBook serial numbers recorded somewhere?
Yes. When students pick up their MacBook, the serial number will be recorded. The devices will also be marked with a Lourdes University asset tag. The asset tag can be removed from the device once the student graduates and takes full ownership of the device.
Are there rules students must follow when using MacBook?
Yes. MacBooks are powerful tools for recording and exploring the world around us. Their ease of use and mobility make filming and recording activities fun and exciting to share. However, there can be other consequences if they are used to invade the privacy of others. All members of the Lourdes University community are obligated to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy For Technology. Students who use their MacBooks inappropriately may face judicial action at the discretion of the University.
Where can students find a copy of the Lourdes University Acceptable Use Policy for Technology?
All Information Technology Services policies including the Lourdes University Acceptable Use Policy for Technology are available on the University Portal at this link.