U Wisconsin Campus To Roll Out 14,000 Notebooks to Students

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is gearing up to deploy 14,000 notebook computers to students over the next four years. UW-Stout has contracted with HP to supply the machines, which will be delivered to students at a rate of about 3,500 per year based on enrollment forecasts.

The move is part of UW-Stout's e-Scholar program, which is designed to give students technologies and support that will help them succeed at the university. Aside from the laptop computer, the e-Scholar package provides student with "backpack, cords and accessories, software, course management systems, service and support, training, network storage, e-mail, Web page space, wireless and wired connectivity on campus, and multimedia classrooms," as the university described it.

"The digital culture at UW-Stout is emerging as a dynamic agent for changing the ways we learn," said Jane Henderson, e-Scholar program coordinator, in a statement released this week. "The e-Scholar program is included in the undergraduate tuition so that UW-Stout students are provided with the tools that they will need to be technology literate in this environment."

HP has had a six-year relationship with UW-Stout. Back in 2002, during the launch of the e-Scholar program, HP also provided laptop computers for students. The new four-year deal is worth $20 million. According to HP, it can be extended with two one-year renewal options. Aside from the laptops, the contract also calls for support for the annual deployments, which will be provided by Vanguard, a Wisconsin-based subcontractor.

"Our partnership with HP has been valuable for UW-Stout students and the entire campus," said Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen. "I am pleased that we are able continue that relationship."

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • glowing digital shield with a checkmark in the center, surrounded by interconnected lines and nodes on a dark blue background with subtle circuit patterns

    Navigating CMMC 2.0: New Cybersecurity Standards Impact Higher Education

    In October 2024, the Department of Defense published a new update to its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification enforcing new cybersecurity standards on universities and colleges. With Phase 1 beginning this year, here's what the new requirements mean for higher ed.  

  • glowing futuristic laptop with a holographic screen displaying digital text

    New Turnitin Product Brings AI-Powered Tools to Students with Instructor Guardrails

    Academic integrity solution provider Turnitin has introduced Turnitin Clarity, a paid add-on for Turnitin Feedback Studio that provides a composition workspace for students with educator-guided AI assistance, AI-generated writing feedback, visibility into integrity insights, and more.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • Two digital hands made of interconnected lines and nodes shaking hands firmly against a minimal technological background

    IBM to Enhance Watsonx Portfolio Through DataStax Acquisition

    IBM has announced it will acquire AI and data solutions provider DataStax, in a move aimed at enhancing its watsonx portfolio and advancing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enterprises.