COMPUTERS AND LABS

Open computer labs are available for use by all VCU faculty, staff and students. Locations include Cabell Library, Room B-8 and in the Commons Underground.

School of the Arts Graphics Lab (full service print bureau) (link)
KnowledgeNet (link)

VCUarts Computer Center
Pollak Building, Room 313
325 N. Harrison Street
Richmond, VA 23284 -2519

Email: arthelp@vcu.edu
V: 804 827.1249
F: 804 827.1187

Staff

COMPUTER RENTAL PROGRAM

Why risk getting stuck with the wrong computer?

The VCUarts Computer Rental Program was developed by the Computer Center to meet the specific needs of Art Foundation students, but is available to any student, faculty or staff in the School of the Arts.

The Macintosh PowerBook laptops include all software required by the Art Foundation Program.
(Students in other departments within the School of the Arts may need to purchase additional software. Please check with your department to learn more about their specific software requirements.)

Details:
Macintosh 15.4" MacBook Pro with 2.00GHz processor.
2GB of RAM
100GB/7200rpm Hard Drive
Apple SuperDrive
Airport Card
PowerBook shoulder case
Free maintenance/technical support and comprehensive insurance covering accidental damage and theft for the PowerBook and the software installed by the VCUarts Computer Center
Apple Protection Program
Software: (MS Office 2004, Adobe CS2, and other University required software)

Costs:
Fall semester - $525
Spring semester - $525
Summer semester - $275

Submit Rental Request
Email questions to: arthelp@vcu.edu

COMPUTER PURCHASE DISCOUNTS
Discounts on Apple and Dell computers are available through online@vcu.edu.

COMPUTER CENTER

Software: Software required by the Art Foundation Program is: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, all of which can be used on either a Macintosh or PC platform. Major departments have varying software requirements. Computers leased through the VCU arts Computer Rental Program will have the Art Foundation Program's required software already installed. Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Computer Initiative requires all incoming students to own a computer that meets the University's minimum standards. To see Departmental standards, click here. Keep in mind that many departments in the School of the Arts have specific requirements in addition to the University's requirements. (Requirements discussed below.)

In addition to owning a computer, students are required to obtain a VCU email address and to check their VCU email account on a regular basis. New students may create their VCU email account online here. The University, individual departments and faculty often send official communications via email and all students are required to read and understand these emails.

Freshman

Performing Arts
Performing Arts students must have a computer that meets the University's minimum requirements. Dance and Choreography students must have a PC Windows operating system; Music and Theatre students may have either a Mac or a PC.

Visual Arts
Hardware: If you have been accepted in our Art Foundation Program as an in-coming freshman, you should consider which of the following three options would be best for you:

Option 1
If you already own a computer that meets the Art Foundation Program's minimum requirements, we encourage you to bring that computer for use during your Art Foundation year.

Option 2
If you do not already own a computer that meets the University's and the Art Foundation Program's minimum system requirements, we encourage you to learn more about the VCUarts Computer Rental Program by clicking here, by calling us toll free at (866) 534-3201 or through e-mailing arthelp@vcu.edu. Renting a computer for your Art Foundation year will postpone the need for you to make a new computer purchase until your sophomore year when entering a department major in the School of the Arts.

Option 3
You may chose to purchase either a new PC or a MAC system, or you may be interested in upgrading the PC or MAC unit that you already own, to meet the Art Foundation Program's minimum computer requirements.

Software: Software required by the Art Foundation Program is: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, all of which can be used on either a Macintosh or PC platform. Major departments have varying software requirements. Computers leased through the VCU arts Computer Rental Program will have the Art Foundation Program's required software already installed.

Data Storage: USB Memory Key.

Transfer Students (Sophomores, Juniors)
Please be aware that some of the departments may have computer requirements that exceed the University's suggested computer requirements. Please check with the department that you will be entering regarding their specific computer recommendations.

Useful Links:

VCUarts Computer Rental Program