Services and Fees

Cutting-edge technology and its associated costs.

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

Q. What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus? What does it cover?

• Hofstra University’s technology fee ranges from $35-105 per semester, depending on the total number of semester hours taken.
• This technology fee provides students with the following services:
• One free copy of Microsoft Office XP Professional Suite (approximate retail value $499).
• One free copy of McAfee Virus Protection software (approximate retail value $69.90)
• Replacement of all computers (now nearly 1,600 computers) in labs and computer classrooms every two years. Approximately half are replaced each year.
• Print Center Services (located in Hammer Lab which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week) with resume printers, scanners and other specialized print production services.

In addition, other enhanced technology services are provided such as:

• wireless network areas on campus
• My.Hofstra.edu student Portal
• increased number of technology-enriched classrooms
• expanded career services technology tools
• on-site hardware repair for all brands of computers
• Student Computing Services Help Desk (24 hours a day, seven days a week) support for applications and services

Q. Will you be required to purchase your own computer?

A. No, Hofstra University does not require a student to purchase a computer at this time. However, having a computer will make completing assignments considerably easier. We recommend bringing a laptop computer to campus. More than 95% of students living in residence halls do have their own computers, and 95% of these are laptops.

Q. Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?

A. Yes, special student pricing is negotiated by Hofstra University with two computer hardware vendors; IBM and Apple Computer. On-site warranty repair is provided also.

Q. Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms or for off-campus access?

A. No, Hofstra University does not charge extra fees for network connection in residence halls, for wireless access, or for off-campus access.

Technical support

Q. What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?

A. Hofstra University provides a list of minimal and recommended requirements for both PC and Macintosh computers which can be found at:

(www.hofstra.edu/StudentServ/CC/
SCS/SCS_Resnet_connect_Welcome.cfm#step1).

• The University also provides recommended systems for both IBM and Apple computers, and Web sites from which these can be purchased at University negotiated prices.
• Microsoft Office and McAfee Antivirus software are provided as part of the technology fee.
• To gain access to the residence hall network, computers must have the latest OS (operating system) security patches and current antivirus software. An easy to use CD is provided to help with this process.
• An on-campus computer repair and warranty service is also provided.

Q. What kinds of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and when are they available?

Student Computing Services provides Help Desk Phone Support 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  On-site assistance is available from 8 a.m. to noon, seven days per week in the Hammer lab, the University's 24 hours a days/seven days a week open-access computer lab.

Student Computing Services also has a student training program that provides training for software most often used in classes.

Q. Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?

A. Yes, Hofstra University has a plan for replacing hardware. Our student-accessible computers are replaced every two years and our software is updated annually.

Q. If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the campus?

A. If you bring your computer to campus, we will provide:

• on-site hardware repair
• operating system and Internet browser software support
• application support and training
• network connectivity assistance for wired ports in the residence halls and wireless access on campus

Other services

Q. How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for this service?

A. Hofstra University students are allocated 400 print credits of laser printing each semester (color uses more credits than black and white).  That includes fall, spring and summer session, for a total of 1,200 credits per year.  If a student exceeds 400 credits, they may purchase additional print credits for $0.10 per page for double-sided black and white printing.

Q. Does the campus provide wireless network coverage? If so, how much of the campus has wireless connectivity?  

A. Yes, 802.11b/g (54 Mbs) wireless access is available on the Hofstra University campus.  We have wireless access available in the Student Center, Axinn and Law Libraries, the School of Law, Hagedorn Hall (home of the School of Education and Allied Human Services), and most common areas on campus. The Cyber Café in Hagedorn Hall has both wireless and wired ports and kiosk computers. All common areas in residence halls and mall areas outside residence halls have wireless access. Since this list is continually growing, please check the Web site at www.hofstra.edu/StudentServ/CC/Wireless/wireless_hotspots.cfm for a compete list.