Laptop initiative policy

The SHSU Art Department has implemented a laptop requirement for new students beginning Spring 2011.

As of Spring 2011, new students will be required to own a Mac laptop as specified by their chosen program of study.*
Existing students are exempt from this policy, though they are encouraged to purchase their own computer and software.

Mac laptops will be considered a required material for WASH students.
Financial Aid will increase funding for qualified Art students for the purchase of required hardware and software.**

*For Students that already own a Mac laptop that differs from our requirements. If the Mac will run the current version of Adobe Creative Suite, we will accept the machine, but it is recommended that the system be upgraded during the Junior/Senior semesters.

**Financial aid may be available to any Art Department student, new or existing, that would like to purchase a recommended system. If interested, you should contact Financial Aid for details.

Why?

The personal computer has become an indispensable tool in the creation of art and design. While we understand the expense our laptop requirement creates, the benefits of having around the clock access to your own digital studio are well worth the investment. Working around lab and class schedules doesn't always provide the best time for students to work. If inspiration hits at 2am or over Spring break, having access to your studio is invaluable. We're confidant that our students will produce more work, better work, and spend more time being creative.

Macintosh computers have long been the industry standard in design, photography and fine art studios everywhere. We feel strongly that experience with this environment will greatly benefit our students as they prepare to enter the world of art and design. Apple computers are well made and frequently remain in use for several years, making them a valuable and dependable investment. Mac's have excellent displays and render images and typography of very high quality. Exchanging files, managing fonts, printing, and other routine tasks are generally handled well by Macintosh systems. This consistent computing environment makes teaching easier and avoids the difficulties of supporting multiple systems and software.

Where to get your Mac and and software

Additional laptop discount through the Apple online store

Apple has created a custom online store just for SHSU Art students. Here you will find our current recommended systems priced below the regular education price. Currently this discount lowers the laptop price by about $50. Additionally, Apple sometimes offers extras like gift cards or freebies.

How to access the SHSU online Apple Store

Please note that these special discounts are only available to SHSU students, faculty, and staff. If you meet this requirement, click the following link and log in with your SHSU username and password.

Take me to the SHSU Apple Store.

Applecare

Students are also encouraged to purchase Applecare protection for their Macintosh Laptop. Applecare covers unforeseen accidents or technical problems after the initial warranty. Laptop repairs can be expensive, and Apple's protection plan is usually effective and quick.

Please note that our Apple Store recommended systems already include Applecare.

To see all the benefits of Applecare, go to http://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html.

Adobe software

SHSU has partnered with OnTheHub.com to offer Creative Suite software at a greatly reduced cost.

Windows software will not run on your Macintosh laptop, so please make sure to purchase the Mac version of your software.

Get the Adobe Creative Suite at http://shsu.onthehub.com

What laptop to get

The first step is knowing which degree program to pursue and what the minimum hardware and software requirements are for that program. Recommended systems are listed below. When purchasing software be sure to specify the Macintosh version. Packaging and online ordering can sometimes be confusing, and accidentally ordering the Windows version will create an avoidable hassle.

Animation

Acceptable
15" MacBook Pro
2.2GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
500GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB GDDR5
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Good
15" MacBook Pro
2.4GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
750GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB GDDR5
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Better
15" MacBook Pro
2.4GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
8GB 1333MHz
750GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB GDDR5
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Best
15" MacBook Pro
2.4GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
8GB 1333MHz
750GB 5400-rpm1
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB GDDR5
with the Intel HD Graphics 3000 AMD Radeon AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Software Requirements
Adobe Production Premium CS5.5 (student and Teacher Edition)
Adobe InDesign CS5.5 (not included with the Production Premium package)
Autodesk® Maya®
Maya is available for free download to currently registered students @
http://students.autodesk.com

Photography

Good
15-inch MacBook Pro
2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
500GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB GDDR5
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Better
15-inch MacBook Pro
2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
750GB 5400-rpm1
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB GDDR5
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Benefits of the 15-inch MacBook Pro include: Larger Screen, Greater Storage,
Aluminum body and built in SD card slot

Software Requirements
Adobe Design Premium CS5.5 (student and Teacher Edition)

Graphic Design

Good
13-inch MacBook Pro
2.4GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Better
15-inch MacBook Pro
2.2GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Glossy Widescreen Display
AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll

Benefits of the 15-inch MacBook Pro include; Quad-core processor, larger screen (optional Hi-Res)

Software Requirements
Adobe Design Premium CS5.5 (student and Teacher Edition)
Adobe Font Folio Education Essentials

Recommended Software Upgrade
Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection (student and Teacher Edition)

Studio

Benefits of the 15-inch MacBook Pro include; Quad-core processor, larger screen (optional Hi-Res)

Software Requirements
Adobe Design Premium CS5.5 (student and Teacher Edition)

Financial aid process

Financial Aid will increase funding for qualified Art students for the purchase of required hardware and software. Keep in mind that financial aid is not guaranteed to students simply because they are Art students, you must qualify! Please contact Financial Aid for more information.

Heres how the financial aid assistance program will work as specified by financial aid.
One time Cost of Attendance adjustment may be available to qualified financial aid students.
Increasing the Cost of Attendance may not increase a student's award package or eligibility.
Additional funding will likely be through a loan program, either a Federal Direct loan or an Alternative loan.
Students must have applied for Federal student aid and have been awarded aid at SHSU for the semester.
Students must maintain academic eligibility for financial aid.
Students should print out their desired Mac and software specs with pricing.
Financial Aid will provide a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request form for student use.
Students need proof that they are in a program that requires a Mac.
Students must visit Financial Aid with the required documentation to discuss available funding options.

Financial Aid Contacts:

Scot Mertz,
294-1423
smertz@shsu.edu

Director of Financial Aid
Lisa Tatom
294-3608
fao.tatom@shsu.edu

SHSU Financial Aid

Questions about the laptop initiative?

If you have questions, contact:

Anthony Watkins
waw007@shsu.edu
936.294.1362