Student Guide to Information Technology - Services and Fees

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

  1. What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus? What does it cover?
    Most of the cost of technology at BSC is included in the general student fees.  All students are also required to pay a small student software fee of $15 per semester, which provides students with an impressive bundle of software, including Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook, and InfoPath, Microsoft FrontPage, Internet Explorer, Anti-virus, and Anti-spyware. This software is pre-loaded on notebook computers purchased through the Dell discount program and is also available to students who do not participate in the Dell discount program. Students can download software from the Software download site or purchase CDs for a nominal fee from the BSC Bookstore. The software is yours to keep when you graduate from BSC.

    All students who live in BSC residence halls are also required to pay a fee of $160 per semester for ResNet telecommunication services.  The program provides 70+ channels of cable television, new release movies, local telephone services, and Internet access from every room.

  2. Will you be required to purchase your own computer?
    Yes.  BSC requires all new, full-time students to have notebook computers. Our notebook computer program and campus-wide wireless network create a vibrant learning environment on campus to help you succeed at college and prepare for your career.  View the Frequently Asked Questions page for common questions and answers related to the notebook program.

  3. Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?
    Through MassAdvantage, BSC joined other Massachusetts State Colleges to negotiate special educational discounts to make your notebook computer purchase quick, easy, and affordable. Our technical staff custom designed these notebook computers to meet your needs.  Because BSC requires entering students to have a notebook computer, its cost is included in calculations of your financial aid eligibility.  Financing options are available through Dell.  Learn more about the notebook computer program at http://notebooks.bridgew.edu.  

  4. Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms or for off-campus access?
    Network connections in the residence hall rooms for on and off campus access are included in the cost of the ResNet program.  As mentioned above,  the $160 cost per semester provides students with 70+ channels of cable television, new release movies, local telephone services and Internet access from every room.

Technical support

  1. What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?
    BSC reviews and updates technology standards each year.  To view specifications of the notebook computer the college is currently recommending, check the notebook purchasing website.  The recommended Dell notebook has been tested and configured specifically for use at BSC. Therefore, if you choose not to purchase the recommended Dell notebook, be sure to use BSC's package as a guide when shopping. Purchase a notebook that meets or exceeds all technical specifications recommended on the BSC notebook site. 

  2. What kinds of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and when are they available?
    Students can receive support by calling 508.531.2555, emailing ITSupport@bridgew.edu, or visiting the two IT Support Centers, located in the basement level of Maxwell Library and the first floor of the Moakley Technology Center.  IT Support Services provides immediate assistance with computing, network, hardware, software, telephone, and electronic mail problems and questions. For current hours of operation, please see the IT Support Services web site.

  3. Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?
    The campus maintains detailed standards for technology procurement and support of both equipment and software. We have implemented effective procedures to ensure that standards are continually updated and that the campus complies with them. We renew computer infrastructure on a three-year replacement cycle for faculty and staff desktop or notebook computers. 

  4. If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the campus?
    Because BSC requires students to own notebook computers, we provide extensive technical support for students.  In addition to the general assistance IT Support Services provides BSC students with connecting computers to the BSC network, which includes configuring notebooks to access the BSC wireless network, configuring and installing the latest Microsoft service packs and patches, configuring windows update to automatically download and install critical updates, instructions for installing Anti-spyware and popup remover and  Anti-virus software, they also provide students with assistance on virus problems, numerous software application questions and problems, diagnosing hardware issues, operating systems, printers, wireless connections, and many other questions and problems.

    Students who do not purchase notebook computers through the BSC Notebook Program may need to contact the manufacturer for extensive issues or hardware related problems.

Other services

  1. How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for this service?
    BSC's Printer Accounting Server (PAS) enables students to print coursework while controlling problems with unnecessary and wasteful printing in public computer labs and classrooms. The system is intended to encourage the campus to print conservatively, to control spiraling printing costs, and to conserve our valuable natural resources.  View Instructions for Wireless Printing online.

    Each BSC student is allocated a set amount of free printing each semester (for current rates, view the BSC Printing Policy.) When a student prints in a classroom or lab on campus, the cost of printing is deducted from this free allocation. Students will see a notice on the computer screen each time they logon informing them of the amount remaining on their account.  If students exceed their free allocation, the cost of additional printing is added to their student bill at the same rates per page.  For more details, view the BSC Printing Policy online. 

  2. Does the campus provide wireless network coverage? If so, how much of the campus has wireless connectivity?
    100% of  classrooms, open access labs, library, residence halls, and administration buildings on the Bridgewater State College campus have access to both the wired and wireless network.  Since every classroom on campus has access to the wireless network, students and instructors can collaborate via technology in class and print to nearby printers via the wireless network.  Students can even work online via the wireless network while enjoying the weather outside on a nice spring day. 

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Last Modified: November 20, 2009

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