Distribution Of 5,000 Notebook PCs Streamlines IT Operations

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States with enrollment growing more than 400% since 1990. A large portion of IWU's growth can be attributed to the University's College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS), which delivers courses online and in 80 classroom locations across three states and boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the country.

To provide students with the skills they need to further their educational and professional goals, the University implemented a computer notebook distribution program over 17 years ago. In the last nine years, IWU has purchased more than 5,000 Fujitsu LifeBook S Series notebooks. The notebooks were required to last three to four years and were used by students with various levels of computer experience. "When you're sending out thousands of notebooks each year to students who rely on those devices for their education, you simply cannot have a high failure rate," says John Jones, vice president of information technology at IWU. Students and faculty use the Fujitsu notebooks both inside and outside the classroom. Faculty members use their notebooks for classroom presentations and exercises and to prepare lectures. Students use their notebooks to complete assignments, take notes, conduct research, prepare presentations, and stay connected with instructors and other class members. All required software is preloaded, which brings an element of consistency to the curriculum. The use of notebooks in the classroom has enhanced the learning environment for both teachers and students and has provided CAPS students the valuable computer skills they need for the workplace.

After nine years and many generations of notebooks, the Fujitsu LifeBook S Series notebook continues to make the grade. Because of IWU's confidence in Fujitsu notebooks, the University can standardize on one notebook, making it easier for the IT team to get notebooks ready for new students and to service notebooks. The stability and durability of the Fujitsu notebooks has helped increase overall revenue for the school because the LifeBooks, on average, are lasting longer and need fewer repairs than notebooks from other vendors.