Services and Fees
What you pay for and what you get There is a strong connection between the quality of technology services and the associated costs. There is also a wide variation in the ways campuses charge for these services. To evaluate the benefits you will receive and to compare costs, you’ll need answers to these questions.
Fees and expenses
- What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus?
KU does not have a university-wide technology fee. Various schools charge differential tuition in order to provide resources needed by their academic programs; some of these funds may be used for technology. Find more specifics at KU’s Tuition page.
- Will you be required to purchase your own computer?
No, but in some schools and departments, technology is an integral component of degree programs. Individual schools or departments should be contacted directly for this information.
- Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?
Funds for buying a computer and paying related network access fees can be factored into a student's financial aid package. Financial aid information is available at the Office of Student Financial Aid's Web site.
Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms or for off-campus access?
Yes. Network connectivity is optional in the KU residence halls and is billable once per semester. For the 2005-05 year, ResNet Service for Network Connectivity is $166.50/year or $83.25/semester, with more information available at: http://www.resnet.ku.edu/. Rates are subject to change.
Technical support
- What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?
Information Technology’s software page describes general recommended software as well as provides some software for free or at a reduced price. KU also recommends general system configurations (PC and Macintosh).
Individual schools or departments may have more specific standards for student computer systems and should be contacted directly for information. Use the Schools & Departments Web page to find your specific school or department.
- What kinds of services (help desk, training, trouble-shooting) are provided by the campus, and when are they available?
Walk-in, phone, and email assistance is available through the IT Customer Service Center (IT CSC) seven days-a-week. Current staffing hours and answers to FAQs are available through IT CSC . Further information about services can be found on the Information Technology Web site.
Technology training is offered weekdays and evenings throughout the year. Training information and a current class schedule are available on the Information Technology training page.
Assistance with residential networking is available by phone afternoons and evenings Monday through Saturday and afternoons on Sunday. Specific hours are listed on the residential communications consultants' page on the ResNet Web site.
- Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?
The computers in KU’s main computer labs and the central servers are regularly upgraded as needed to meet the technology needs on campus, generally every three years or more often. Current listings of lab systems and software are available on the Computer Labs & Resources page.
- If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the campus?
KU provides services for student computers, including virus protection, training, and the IT Customer Service Center to troubleshoot problems. A listing of services can be found at the Technology Services page. ResNet supports students living in KU’s residential housing.
Other services
- How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for this service?
Printing is available in all centrally-managed public access computing labs, including those in the libraries, at a cost of 8¢/page. Through the Enroll & Pay system in the Kyou student portal, students electronically add cash to their KU Card, and printing costs are automatically deducted from this card. Students currently receive $8 of free printing each fall and spring semester and $4 of free printing each summer semester.
- Does the campus provide wireless network coverage? If so, how much of the campus has wireless connectivity?
The KU Wireless Zones can be found across KU in 25 different buildings, mostly in public areas such as hallways, auditoriums or lounge areas. Wireless Zones are also available in some outdoor locations, including Jayhawk Boulevard west of Fraser Hall and the north and south sides of Wescoe Hall. The KU Wireless Zones are free to students, however they will need to authenticate with a KU Online ID to gain access. More Wireless Zones are being considered for future installation.
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