Inside VCUarts: Computer Center
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.
If you're looking for VCUarts departmental requirements, that information is here.
- School of the Arts Graphics Lab (full service print bureau)
- Student Computer Initiative
- Computer Proficiency Assessment
VCUarts Computer Center
Pollak Building, Room 313
325 N. Harrison Street
Richmond, VA 23284 -2519
arthelp@vcu.edu
(804) 827-1249
(804) 827-1187
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" MacBook Pro with 2.66GHz processor.
4GB of RAM
300GB/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 2008, Adobe CS4 Design Premium, and other University required software)
Costs:
Fall semester – $525.00
Spring semester - $525.00
Summer semester - $400.00
Submit Rental Request
Email questions to: arthelp@vcu.edu
STUDENT COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
COMPUTER DISCOUNTS
Student, Faculty, and Staff discounts on computers are available through http://g2g.vcu.edu/ & directly from the computer manufacturers.
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. The University, individual departments and faculty often send official communications via email and all students are required to read and understand these emails.
Student Equipment
Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Computer Initiative requires all incoming students to own a computer that meets the University's minimum standards. To view the University's 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.
Performing Arts Computer Requirements
Performing Arts students must have a computer that meets the University's minimum requirements.
Visual Arts Computer Requirements
Hardware: If you have been accepted in our Art Foundation Program as an incoming 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 or the Art Foundation Program's minimum requirements, we encourage you to learn more about the VCUarts Computer Rental Program (click here). 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 you have entered a major department in the School of the Arts. If you would like to learn more about the rental option, please e-mail arthelp@vcu.edu, call us toll free at (866)-534-3201.
Option 3 - You may choose to purchase either a new PC or 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 includes 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 VCUarts 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.
