Rhode Island School of
Design
Laptop Program Policy
2016/2017
Table of Contents
Laptop Program Overview: ... ‐ 3 ‐
Laptop Program Requirements: ... ‐ 3 ‐
Laptop Hardware Selection: ... ‐ 3 ‐
Software Requirements: ... ‐ 3 ‐
Software Updates & Renewals: ... ‐ 3 ‐
Financial Aid: ... ‐ 4 ‐
Insurance Requirement: ... ‐ 4 ‐
Theft & Insurance Coverage: ... ‐ 4 ‐
Student Responsibility of Care: ... ‐ 4 ‐
Program Support: ... ‐ 4 ‐
Diagnostics & Repair: ... ‐ 5 ‐
Temporary Laptop Replacement Systems: ... ‐ 5 ‐
RISD Laptop Program Getting Started Essential Check List: ... ‐ 6 ‐
Departmental Laptop Program Orientation: ... ‐ 7 ‐
Laptop Program Student Waiver Provision 2016/2017: ... ‐ 8 ‐
Frequently Asked Questions ... ‐ 9 ‐
What if I already have a personal computer with similar equipment or want to purchase something on my
own? Do I still have to buy the RISD required/recommended computer equipment? ... ‐ 9 ‐
Can I customize or change the laptop configuration or accessories? ... ‐ 9 ‐
Where can I personally purchase software? ... ‐ 9 ‐
Can someone help me install my software? ... ‐ 9 ‐
How do I setup Bootcamp on my Mac? How do I install Windows on my Mac? ... ‐ 9 ‐
Can I purchase a departmental laptop package for a department in which I am not a major? ... ‐ 9 ‐
Can I participate in Apple’s
Back to School
Promotions (i.e. “Buy a Mac and get credit towards an iPod
purchase”, etc.)? ... ‐ 9 ‐
When should I order my RISD laptop and software? ... ‐ 9 ‐
What about printing? ... ‐ 10 ‐
How do I connect my computer to the RISD network? ... ‐ 10 ‐
What if my computer needs repair? ... ‐ 10 ‐
What are the terms of the laptop computer warranty? ... ‐ 10 ‐
Where should I purchase insurance for my laptop? ... ‐ 10 ‐
What if my computer is accidentally damaged? ... ‐ 10 ‐
What if my computer is stolen? ... ‐ 11 ‐
What happens if I change my major? ... ‐ 11 ‐
Additional questions or concerns…?... ‐ 11 ‐
Participating Departments:
Furniture Design; Graphic Design; Industrial Design; Interior Architecture; Landscape Architecture; Architecture; Photography; Digital Media The following materials have been developed in collaboration with the individual departments, the Division Dean(s), and RISD’s Office of Information Technology (OIT). Laptop Program Overview: Recognizing the need for individual computing power in many of our disciplines RISD has initiated a laptop program which now includes eight academic departments. RISD believes immersing students in new technologies (and even new uses for older technologies) will serve its graduates for the duration of their professional careers. This integrated technology program is designed to support the individual curricula and educational objectives of each discipline, and to provide connectivity between traditional technologies and existing resources and materials. The mobile computing environment is tailored to individual use in the studio, classroom, workshop, or library. This integrative computing program allows for sophisticated forms of interactive and networked communication, and is designed to support conceptual ideation and invention as well as the representation, refinement, and prototyping of ideas. Having individualized, portable computing readily at hand, allows students to combine and connect the rich learning facilities of the College in productive ways. All hardware and software configurations have been evaluated and recommended by faculty, Department Heads and the administration of the participating Academic Departments (Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Graphic Design, Photography, and Digital Media). Any questions regarding the selection of hardware and software chosen to support the academic program should be directed to the appropriate Head of the Department. Laptop Program Requirements: Students majoring in Furniture Design; Graphic Design; Industrial Design; Interior Architecture; Landscape Architecture; Architecture; Photography; and Digital Media are required (or highly recommended, depending on department) to have a MacBook Pro laptop which meets or exceeds the specifications indicated on the Recommended Systems section of the RISD Custom Apple Store: www.risdstore.com > Apple Discounts > Login with a risd id > click on any banner or Shop Now > (scroll down to center of page) click on See recommended systems. Tests have been performed on this equipment and required software applications have been verified on these systems in accordance with the needs of the academic program(s). RISD works with Apple Inc. and various software vendors in effort to negotiate extended discounted pricing on required laptop program hardware and software. The RISD Departments of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Industrial Design each support the use of an alternative Microsoft Windows laptop which meets or exceeds the hardware specifications of the RISD required/recommended MacBook Pro. Some students may already own a laptop comparable to the RISD required/recommended MacBook Pro. Students in this situation who prefer to use their current laptop instead of purchasing a new laptop should contact their academic department’s computer technician/specialist to inquire/verify if the current laptop will be suitable for use within the academic program. o Please also see: the Laptop Program Student Waiver Provision 2016/2017 document.o Contact information for your department’s assigned technical specialist can be found here: http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program > Department Technicians. Laptop Hardware Selection: Several factors come into play in the hardware selection process. Industry and educational standards for each discipline have been researched. Department faculty has developed the curriculum with regard to the department‐selected platforms. The manufacture’s reputation, warranty and support services also play a role in the determination of hardware. Careful consideration has been taken to ensure the selected mobile computers will have sufficient computing power to grow with the curriculum and remain functional for the 3 or 4 years of degree program curricula. Standardization of platform and format allows RISD to provide our students with a well tested and proven hardware and software package with the most effective level of service and support. Software Requirements: The software required for RISD’s students is often very expensive and changes rapidly. RISD Laptop Program management strives to provide students with use of the latest technology and software, at the lowest possible cost. Software packages are selected based on the curricular needs of each department. Please refer to your department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document:
http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program, for your department’s specific purchasing details/location and to plan the timing of your academically required laptop program software purchase(s). Software Updates & Renewals: 2016/2017 Laptop Program software titles eligible for annual updates are limited to the Autodesk products, which is distributed annually via a self‐ registration and download. The Adobe Creative Cloud software suite is distributed and licensed on a subscription basis and therefore upgrades will be available as they are released as long as an Adobe subscription is maintained by you. Apple currently makes operating systems upgrades and updates available to all users of Apple products as long as your specific hardware remains supported by Apple. Other select titles may also be eligible for free or discounted upgrades through the software manufacturer. Please refer to your department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document for your specific software requirements.
Program Costs:
Cost of participation in the Academic Laptop Program varies according to each department’s specific hardware and software selection and requirements. Please refer to your department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document for details.
http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program
Financial Aid:
The required costs of the laptop program are considered necessary educational expenses and as such may be eligible for various forms of financial aid. Students wishing to inquire about aid/loans to help cover the costs of their required RISD Laptop Program laptops are advised to inquire directly to RISD’s Financial Aid Office.
Insurance Requirement:
To guard against theft or major accidental damage not covered under the system warranty. RISD highly recommends that each student adequately insures their laptop computer annually. Although a homeowner’s policy rider, renter’s policy rider, or other personal property insurance coverage is fully acceptable, RISD’s recommended insurer is College Student insurance (CSI). Please see the enclosed CSI brochure, contact CSI by telephone at (888)‐411‐4911, or visit CSI on the web at www.CollegeStudentInsurance.com to open your insurance policy.
Minimum recommended insurance coverage is a $3000.00 Replacement Cost policy Students must furnish proof of active minimum insurance coverage through CSI, or another insurance provider, prior to obtaining any on campus laptop program support Students must furnish proof of active minimum insurance coverage through CSI or another insurance provider in order to obtain a temporary replacement loaner laptop (there are NO exceptions to this requirement) Theft & Insurance Coverage: The computer is solely the student’s responsibility. Laptop computers are small, mobile, and thus easily subject to theft. For this reason, all students are highly recommended to purchase insurance to guard against theft, vandalism, and accident. In the event a laptop is stolen, the student‐owner should immediately contact the local police department to report the theft. (If the theft occurs in Providence the phone number to call is 401‐272‐3121.) If the theft occurs on the RISD campus, RISD Public Safety should also be immediately notified. Filing a theft report with RISD Public Safety does not excuse the need to file a report with the local police department. Responsibility for reporting any laptop theft or vandalism lies solely in the hands of the victim. Please note: RISD Public Safety is not responsible for reporting thefts to local police regardless of whether the theft occurs on or off campus. After filing and obtaining copies of the necessary police reports, the student should notify their insurance provider of the theft and open an insurance claim. Once the insurance claim is in process, a copy of the insurance claim number and an official copy of the police report must be presented to your RISD department’s technical support specialist in order to obtain a temporary replacement loaner computer. Please note: students should be able to provide proof they took reasonable precautions in an attempt to safeguard their computer. Students are urged not to leave their laptop unattended at any time. Each individual insurance claim will be reviewed by the insurance provider for compliance with policy. Please use every precaution to guard against theft, since the insurance provider reserves the right to deny any claim if proper security measures were not taken. If a claim is denied, all costs associated with replacement or repair will be the responsibility of the student. During the claims process the student may be contacted by an insurance company field investigator for questioning. Student Responsibility of Care: Students participating in an academic laptop program assume responsibility for the care and maintenance of their computer. Insurance will only cover certain forms of major damage to hardware but not mishandling, misuse or neglect. Insurance will not cover cosmetic damages or normal system “wear and tear”. It is highly recommended students consistently maintain backup copies of any critical documents and files. Maintenance of a proper system back up will insure the student against loss of crucial data in the event of laptop system corruption, damage or theft. Program Support: Students in RISD’s Laptop Program who purchase a RISD required/recommended MacBook Pro are entitled to a very high level of comprehensive laptop support and service during their matriculation at RISD. This support includes: Assurance of full system compatibility within the RISD campus network, Laptop configuration, support , diagnostics and repair of all program issued software applications Diagnostic evaluation of hardware problems or malfunctions In an effort to minimize system downtime, an added benefit of the RISD Laptop package is the availability of temporary replacement laptops which can be temporarily checked out to students if their laptop is out of service and in the process of being repaired or replaced through a warranty repair or insurance related issue.
Diagnostics & Repair:
If a laptop is not working properly, the student owner should bring the problem to the attention of their department’s assigned computer technician for troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair: http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program > Department Technicians. If the problem is determined to be hardware related, or if it requires a warranty or insurance related repair, the student will be directed to an appropriate certified service center/repair facility for the facilitation of any warranty or insurance related repairs. The manufacturer’s representative (Apple), (not RISD), decides whether any given repair is covered by the warranty. The student will be responsible for any costs associated with repairs or replacements not covered by manufacturer’s warranty or their insurance policy. In the event laptop software or other configuration problems exist, the technician may determine it necessary to completely “refresh” the computer to its original configuration. All student data will be lost in the refresh process. A Backup reminder: It is highly recommended students maintain a current back up of all critical documents and files. If the computer needs to be refreshed or returned to its "original state" all data will be lost without exception. It is solely the student’s responsibility to back up all of their critical student documents and data to a removable disk device, “cloud” storage/backup service, or onto their assigned RISD student file server space. (Please contact the RISD OIT Service Desk for instructions about accessing student server space) Please Note: RISD is not responsible for recovering lost or corrupted student data or programs. Temporary Laptop Replacement Systems: In the unfortunate event a student, participating in an Academic Laptop Program, finds that their laptop computer is stolen, severely damaged, or is in need of a time consuming warranty repair, he/she may be eligible to check out a temporary replacement laptop for use while their laptop insurance claim or repair is in process. (Please see FAQ for information on reporting stolen laptops). Temporary Replacement eligibility requires that: the student has purchased a required /recommended RISD laptop program MacBook Pro the damaged or malfunctioning laptop repair is in the process of being facilitated through a certified service and support center. (students must furnish proof of service in order to check out a temporary replacement laptop) the damaged or stolen laptop is covered under a current manufacturer’s warranty the damaged or stolen laptop is actively covered under a current insurance policy with replacement cost coverage of at least $3000.00. (proof of minimum required insurance coverage must be presented in order to check out a temporary replacement laptop) Student check out of Temporary Replacement Laptops is facilitated through your Departmental Technician and is subject to equipment availability. Temporary Replacement Laptops are available on a first come first serve basis. In the event a Temporary Replacement Laptop is immediately unavailable, the requesting student’s name will be placed on a waiting list and the student will be notified as soon as system availability arises. Students in possession of a Temporary Replacement Laptop are required to return the Temporary Replacement Laptop, to the issuing technician, within a maximum of 48 hours after they have been notified of their laptop’s completion of repair or system replacement. Since there are a limited number of "temporary replacement” laptop computers available for loan to students, it is an important courtesy to other students, and to the effectiveness of the Temporary Replacement Laptop program, for students to respond quickly to notification of their computer’s repair completion or replacement. All temporary replacement laptops must be returned to the issuing technician at the end of each semester. Summer “temporary laptop replacement” will be considered on a case by case basis, with additional factors and individual conditions considered for eligibility.
RISD Laptop Program Getting Started Essential Check List:
RISD Laptop Program Getting Started
Essential Check
List
Please be sure to complete the tasks listed below in order to ensure a smooth entry into the
RISD Laptop Program.
Thoroughly Read & Review the complete
RISD Laptop Program Policy
׀
2016/2017.
http://itservices.risd.edu
> Laptop Program
Thoroughly Read & Review your department’s
RISD 2016 – What
YOU NEED
‐ Laptop Program
document.
http://itservices.risd.edu
> Laptop Program
Order your department’s required/recommended MacBook Pro: Visit
www.risdstore.com
> click on Apple Discounts >
click on Login with a risd id > after login click the Click here to Shop Now link > on the RISD Apple Store scroll down to
See recommended systems
(center of page)
*You can order online at the RISD Custom Apple store and have your laptop shipped directly to you OR choose to pick it up at your
favorite Apple Store!
*
Purchasing a RISD Recommended System configuration from the RISD Custom Apple Store will save you $$ and supports the
College!
As soon as you receive your laptop: It is highly recommended that you obtain insurance coverage to financially protect
yourself in the event of laptop theft or accidental damage. *Insurance is extremely important to financially protect yourself.
(See
Page 4
of the
RISD Laptop Program Policy
׀
2016/2017
for details.) You will not be eligible to receive a temporary
replacement laptop for any reason unless you can first furnish proof of an active personal property insurance policy.
Information regarding RISD’s recommended insurer can be found by visiting:
http://www.risdstore.com/
> click “Visit the
RISD E‐Store” > click on CSI Insurance Agency Inc. (bottom right pane) (
CSI insurance policies are annually renewable
)
Download and install RISD’s Campus ESET Antivirus on your MacBook Pro to protect yourself from viruses, spyware, and
malware. Download and installation instructions for RISD’s Campus ESET Antivirus can be found at:
http://itservices.risd.edu
> Downloads. (*if you have a duel boot Mac/Windows system you must install Antivirus on both
the Mac Apple OS and the Windows OS in order to protect yourself.)
Order/obtain your department’s academically required software. Refer to your department’s
RISD 2016 – What
YOU NEED
‐ Laptop Program
document for department specific discounted purchasing details/location and to plan the timing of your
purchase(s). * To ensure you have the latest software version (and to spread out the total laptop program costs), it is
recommended you wait to purchase specific software until a few weeks before the class/semester in which you will need
the specific software. * Be sure to obtain and install your specific software at least two weeks before the start of the class in
which you are required to use it.
If applicable, attend your Department’s scheduled Laptop Program Orientation when you arrive on campus in the fall.
(Please stay tuned to your departmental communications or contact your department for your Laptop Program Orientation
date, time, and location.)
**International students:
It is recommended that you wait until arriving in the United States to order your required Laptop Program
software and hardware, or, order your software and hardware approximately one week before you leave your home country and
identify your U.S. or RISD address for delivery. You should expect delivery approximately one week after the order date.
Departmental Laptop Program Orientation: In order to facilitate a smooth transition into this new technology, some departments require students to participate in a laptop orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester. If applicable, individual departments will provide students with advanced notice of the scheduled date, time, and location of their department’s required laptop orientation session. Topics covered during laptop orientation will include departmental computing policies and regulations, basic laptop operation, software installation, RISD campus network connectivity, warranty, insurance, and support procedures. Laptop Orientation will also provide students the opportunity to raise questions or concerns.
Laptop Program Student Waiver Provision 2016/2017:
Students purchasing a required/recommended RISD Laptop Program Mac Book Pro through the RISD specified
purchasing channel are provided with a high level of comprehensive laptop support and service during their
matriculation at RISD. This support includes:
Assurance of full system compatibility within the RISD campus network
On-campus laptop configuration, support , diagnostics and repair of all academic program required
software applications
On-campus diagnostic evaluation of hardware problems or malfunctions
In an effort to minimize system downtime, an added benefit of RISD Laptop Support is the availability of
temporary replacement laptops which can be checked out to students if their laptop is out of service with a
warranty repair or insurance related issue. (*
proof of active personal property insurance and proof of service
through a certified repair facility is required to obtain a temporary replacement laptop.
)
The above listed benefits are only available to those students who purchase their department’s
required/recommended, RISD Laptop Program MacBook Pro through the RISD specified purchasing
channel.
Please note: RISD is not able to guarantee the same level of support to students who do not purchase the RISD
Laptop Program MacBook Pro through the RISD specified purchasing channel.
In not purchasing the RISD Laptop Program MacBook Pro through the RISD specified purchasing channel you
must understand and accept the following conditions:
RISD support for non-program laptops is limited to basic on-campus internet connectivity and
configuration issues; none of the support services listed above will be provided.
RISD cannot assume responsibility or guarantee any other system you bring into the program:
o
will be compatible with the departmental curriculum
o
will be compatible with the required departmental software
o
will be compatible with the existing departmental peripherals (e.g. printers, scanners, AV
equipment, etc.)
Students participating in their department with a computer other than the department specified
required/recommended laptop system:
o
are not eligible to check out a temporary replacement laptop
o
will be personally responsible for obtaining and facilitating all warranty and non-warranty
system repairs
o
will be personally responsible for the installation and support of any software applications
including those requested or required by an academic program
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already have a personal computer with similar equipment or want to purchase something on my own? Do I still have to buy the RISD required/recommended computer equipment? The short answer is: No, not if you plan to arrive at RISD prepared with a laptop fully comparable to the RISD required/recommended MacBook Pro. The long answer is: Students participating in RISD required academic laptop programs are highly encouraged to purchase a new required /recommended RISD laptop program MacBook Pro. This will ensure that your computer is fully compatible with your department’s curricular requirements. This will also ensure that you will be able to obtain the best possible laptop program support and service from RISD’s technical support staff. Please review the Laptop Program Student Waiver Provision 2016/2017 document for specific details regarding the implications of not buying a RISD required /recommended RISD laptop program MacBook Pro. In addition to the reasons outlined in the Laptop Program Student Waiver Provision 2016/2017 document, RISD works with Apple to obtain additional levels of discounting on all required/recommended laptop program systems. If you feel your current computer is suitable for RISD academic program participation, or you would prefer to procure a new system through an alternative purchasing channel, please contact your departmental technical specialist directly to discuss your computer’s detailed configuration and to ensure your computer’s compliance and suitability within your RISD academic program. Contact information for your department’s assigned technical specialist can be found here: http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program > Department Technicians.Can I customize or change the laptop configuration or accessories? We have attempted to offer each student a variety of required/recommended MacBook Pro system options to choose from. These options include a base (minimum requirement) 15‐inch MacBook Pro, a mid‐level 15‐inch MacBook Pro configuration, and a premium 15‐inch MacBook Pro configuration. With that said, as long as you come to campus prepared with a MacBook Pro which meets or exceeds the RISD base 15‐inch MacBook Pro specifications you will be okay. In other words: you can customize up, but it is not recommended to customize down. Where can I personally purchase software?
Please refer to your department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document for details. http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program.
Can someone help me install my software?
The software required is generally accompanied by installation instructions. If you do run into trouble and require assistance you can contact your department’s technical support specialist for assistance and instruction: http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program > Department Technicians.
How do I setup Bootcamp on my Mac? How do I install Windows on my Mac?
There are on‐line resources and tutorials available such as: http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/ . Your department’s technical support specialist will likely review this information at your department’s scheduled Laptop program Orientation (fall 2016 ‐ if applicable). You can also contact your department’s technical support specialist directly to request assistance: http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program > Department Technicians.
Can I purchase a departmental laptop package for a department in which I am not a major?
Yes. The RISD hardware and software purchasing channels, accessible through www.risdstore.com , are open and available to all RISD students as well and RISD faculty and staff. Can I participate in Apple’s Back to School Promotions (i.e. “Buy a Mac and get credit towards the Mac App Store”, etc.)? Yes. The RISD required/recommend MacBook Pro systems are eligible for all Apple promotions. Please contact Apple or refer to the RISD custom Apple Store for details. We will attempt to communicate all Apple promotions to the RISD campus as they are announced by Apple. When should I order my RISD laptop and software?
Please refer to your department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document for department specific purchasing details/location and to plan the timing of your purchase(s). * It is recommended you wait until early to late July to order your MacBook Pro as Apple often releases system updates in the early summer. * To ensure you have the latest software version (and to spread out the total laptop program costs), it is recommended you wait to purchase specific software until a few weeks before the class/semester in which you will need the specific software. * Be sure to obtain and install your specific software at least two weeks before the start of the class in which you are required to use it.
What about printing?
When your computer is connected to the RISD campus network, selective print services may be available. Please visit the OIT Computing Page on the RISD Intranet at: http://itservices.risd.edu > Printing > Lab & Specialty Printing for laptop printing setup and configuration instructions. Students may purchase any printer they wish for use at home. How do I connect my computer to the RISD network? The required /recommended RISD laptop program MacBook Pro equipped is equipped with a wireless network card (for network access in campus locations where wireless network access is available.) Information and instruction will be provided at each department’s scheduled Laptop Orientation session – if applicable. Please refer to RISD’s IT Services web site (below) for campus wireless internet configuration details and instruction. http://itservices.risd.edu > Search for “WIFI” in the top right corner. What if my computer needs repair? All actively participating laptop program students who have purchased a RISD required/recommended MacBook Pro are entitled to a very comprehensive and high level of laptop support. All laptop problems and questions should be brought to the attention of your department’s assigned computer technician for initial troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair. If the problem is determined to be hardware related, or if it requires a warranty or insurance related repair, the student will be directed to an appropriate certified service center/repair facility for the facilitation of any warranty or insurance related repairs. The manufacturer’s representative (Apple), (not RISD), decides whether any given repair is covered by the warranty. The student will be responsible for any costs associated with repairs or replacements not covered by manufacturer’s warranty or their insurance policy. One of the benefits of purchasing a RISD required/recommended laptop is (when available) a temporary replacement computer may be checked out by you while your computer is being repaired. What are the terms of the laptop computer warranty?
The RISD required/recommended Apple MacBook Pro laptop computers have all been configured with a 3 year Apple Care Protection Plan. This comprehensive plan will cover most hardware defects or malfunctions which occur within the 3 year period. For plan specifics please refer to the Apple Care information accompanying your laptop or visit www.Apple.com. Apple’s Apple Care Protection Plan does not cover the cost of repair for MacBook Pro damage caused by accidental mishap or system misuse. It is highly recommended for students to purchase personal property insurance to guard against financial losses due to laptop theft, vandalism, or accidental damage Where should I purchase insurance for my laptop? The minimum highly recommended insurance coverage for RISD student Laptop Program participants is a $3000.00 replacement cost policy. RISD’s recommended provider for student insurance coverage is College Student Insurance (CSI). CSI provides extremely comprehensive student personal property insurance policies for a very reasonable annual premium. Please review the enclosed CSI Insurance brochure, contact CSI by telephone at (888)‐411‐4911, or visit CSI on the web at www.CollegeStudentInsurance.com to open your insurance policy today. Other personal property insurance such as a homeowner’s policy rider, renter’s policy rider, or other personal property insurance coverage is also acceptable but each student must be able to provide proof of coverage when necessary. What if my computer is accidentally damaged? Apple does not offer any Accidental Protection Coverage on its products. Any costs associated with the repair of accidental laptop damages, outside of warranty coverage, are each individual student’s personal responsibility. Although insurance coverage generally does not cover minor damages or normal system “wear and tear”, it generally will cover or reimburse the cost of necessary, major, laptop repairs due to accidental damage or vandalism. Students whose laptops have received major accidental damages, outside of warranty coverage, should follow the steps listed below: Take the damaged laptop to a certified service and support center/repair facility for damage assessment and a repair quote. The primary local recommended location is the Apple Store located in the Providence Place Mall. Alternatively the Brown University Bookstore is certified to service various computer makes and models. Please Note: Many repair facilities will charge a minimum flat fee for diagnostic service and repair quotes. Once a repair quote has been received, the student should contact their insurance provider to open an insurance claim for the cost of repair. If the claim for repair is approved by the insurance provider, the student can authorize the repair to take place through the authorized service provider. The student can either choose to pay for the cost of repair out of pocket and subsequently be reimbursed by the insurance payment, or the student may wish to delay the repair until they have received insurance payment.
What if my computer is stolen? Your computer is solely your responsibility. Laptop computers are small, mobile, and thus easily subject to theft. For this reason, all students are highly recommended to purchase insurance to guard against theft, vandalism and accident. In the event a laptop is stolen, the student‐owner should immediately contact the local police department to report the theft. (If the theft occurs in Providence the phone number to call is 401‐272‐3121.) If the theft occurs on the RISD campus, RISD Public Safety should also be immediately notified. Filing a theft report with RISD Public Safety does not excuse the need to file a report with the local police department. Responsibility for reporting any laptop theft or vandalism lies solely in the hands of the victim. Please note: RISD Public Safety is not responsible for reporting thefts to local police regardless of whether the theft occurs on or off campus. After filing and obtaining copies of the necessary police reports, the student should notify their insurance provider of the theft and open an insurance claim. Once the insurance claim is in process, a copy of the insurance claim number and an official copy of the police report must be presented to your RISD department’s technical support specialist in order to obtain a temporary replacement loaner computer. Please note: students should be able to provide proof they took reasonable precautions in an attempt to safeguard their computer. Students are urged not to leave their laptop unattended at any time. Each individual insurance claim will be reviewed by the insurance provider for compliance with policy. Please use every precaution to guard against theft, since the insurance provider reserves the right to deny any claim if proper security measures were not taken. If an insurance claim is denied, all costs associated with replacement or repair will be the responsibility of the student. During the claims process the student may be contacted by an insurance company field investigator for questioning. What happens if I change my major?
All RISD required laptop programs require the same identical base model configuration 15‐inch MacBook Pro laptop. Therefore all RISD required/recommended laptops are feasibly interchangeable between academic departments. A student’s change of major after initial laptop purchase will most often only require the purchase of any additional software required for the new department’s curriculum. Please refer to each department’s RISD 2016 – What YOU NEED ‐ Laptop Program document for details. http://itservices.risd.edu > Laptop Program Additional questions or concerns…? If you have further questions, please contact the RISD Office of Information Technology (OIT) Service Desk, (401) 454‐6106, [email protected]. We will be happy to assist you, and we look forward to seeing you at RISD.
