As part of the long range plan to integrate computer technology into all aspects of the curriculum, the School of Architecture requires all second year students to have a laptop computer for spring semester 2014.
While the use of computers will be a component of second year design curriculum, it is important for each student to understand that the primary focus of the design studio remains the exploration of design issues--with or without the use of computers. SOA is interested in the way computers can enhance the second year education and the fundamental design issues presented in ARCH 253 will continue to be of primary importance. These include ideas of site and building integration, use of materials, quality of light and spatial experiences, to name a few. Working with computers does not take away the responsibility as designers for addressing issues of an aesthetic, contextual, environmental, theoretical or graphical nature in a timely and professional manner.
It is anticipated that second year students will have a wide range of computer experience coming into spring semester--ranging from no previous experience with computers to extensive experience with computers. However, no prior experience is required—students will be introduced to the basic skills and concepts necessary to successfully use computers in design studio. Students should understand that as this program develops and explores the nature of digital and traditional design processes, the creativity and patience of each student will be valuable characteristics to maintain. Most likely there will be glitches and failures of equipment. The school wants to instill an attitude amongst students to see these glitches as opportunities to be creative, to solve problems and to provide solutions that benefit all students in the program.
Contacts
For help with computer and networking please contact
Chris DeShazo, Computer Support Specialist
Phone: 406-994-4893, Office: Cheever 147, E-mail: cdeshazo@montana.edu
School Equipment
The School of Architecture will provide the following peripherals in second year studio: letter size color scanners, and 11" x 17" color laserjet printers (hp5525dn). The University has provided a 10/100 baseT network connection for each student. At the beginning of spring semester, Information Technology conducts a network set-up session. At the end of each semester students are expected to leave the network cable connected to the overhead jack and to recoil the cable overhead.
In addition the print room will continue to provide plotting services on the large format color plotters as well as scanning services on the new large format scanner. A digital imaging lab has been set up in the former darkroom that includes CD-burners and large format flatbed scanners. Photoshop, Auto CAD and 3D Studio VIZ are also available at the Reid Hall and Roberts Hall global lab but you will be required to have both programs on your notebook computer.
Financial Aid
The SoA, concerned about the additional financial burden, wants to allow all students, regardless of their economic situations, the opportunity to take this class. To address this concern numerous discussions have been held with the MSU Financial Aid office to establish a procedure for the possible use of financial aid to purchase a computer. Students should realize that there are limits set by the federal government on the amount of student loans and grants receivable during any academic year which will likely determine how much aid, if any, may be used for a computer purchase. Not all students will qualify but students are encouraged to inquire about eligibility. Following are some options to secure financing for your purchase:
Option 1
Financial Aid: Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL)
A student should schedule an appointment with a financial aid officer to determine whether or not the maximum loan limit for the current academic year has been reached. This meeting should determine how much aid, if any, a student would be eligible to receive. If it is determined that a student is eligible for financial aid, the Financial Aid office now requires that a student either first purchase the computer or secure a contract with a vendor or retailer in which the student agrees to purchase a computer. Once this contract or receipt is verified they will provide the financial aid. If the purchase is made in Fall Semester, a student will receive half of the purchase price in Fall Semester and the remainder in Spring Semester. If the purchase (and receipt) is submitted in Spring Semester, the student will receive the entire amount during that Semester. Some limitations--$2500 as of this writing—exist for the amount of financial aid that can be used for this purchase. The purchase of a computer must be within 60 days of ther request for financial aid for the computer purchase. The financial aid office will not be able to provide aid for computers that were purchased more than 60 days before they were required in a course.
The actual loan received from Financial Aid may be given through the FDSL program or through an alternative or unsubsidized direct loan program. While both loan programs do not require repayment until after graduation, a student should realize that with an alternative or unsubsidized loan the interest accrues while in school. If no payment is made in school the total loan amount will be greater than the original cost of the computer. At this point in the process one should follow the procedures for each loan type established by the financial aid office.
Option 2
Private loans
If not eligible for financial aid there are a number of options to explore to purchase a computer. The Financial Aid office does not need to be contacted to pursue any of the private loan options outlined below.
The University Bookstore sells some notebook computers that come with an academic loan package. Like most loans these require monthly payments but for some students a series of monthly payments can alleviate the burden of coming up with a single lump sum payment. Typically these loan plans are offered by the computer manufacturer through the University Bookstore.
Many of the local computer stores have already established relationships with some of the banks in Bozeman to provide financing for their client's computer purchases. Typically these are standard loans which will usually require monthly payments beginning the first month after purchase.
A student may also directly contact any of the financial institutions--banks, savings and loans or credit unions--in this area or in one’s hometown regarding what types of loans may have available.
Lease Options
In addition, some computer manufacturers have their own lease/loan options available to their customers (Dell, Toshiba, IBM and Gateway, among others, are some direct order companies that provide this service). Again, they may require a down payment followed by monthly payments. As with any of these options a student should look at the total costs and interest rates to select the best purchase option. The advantage of a lease program can be that in two to three years one is able to extend the lease and upgrade equipment--in addition to making smaller monthly payments rather than making a single large lump sum payment for a purchase option.
As with any private loan or credit card purchase a student should be aware of the costs, fees and interest rates. Interest rates will vary and students are encouraged to shop around to determine what options are available.
One additional option some students have used to finance their purchases was to use credit cards. While this is an option, the interest rates on credit cards can often be quite high. As such, students are advised to proceed with caution if choosing this option. The purchase of a computer should not cause severe financial burdens for students or their families. It is important that to establish a budget for this purchase that fits one’s economic condition. A student should not feel the need to go deeply into debt to get the fastest most powerful co