FAQs
Goals and Objectives
What is the goal for Mobile Merrimack?
A. Mobile Merrimack advances the college’s long range goal of creating a modern academic enterprise grounded in innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship. Mobile Merrimack leverages the opportunities that mobile learning technology provides to:
- Promote innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, focused on the 21st century competencies of Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity
- Engages all students in creating an individualized digital learning environment
- Reduce the cost of education and foster sustainable practices
How will Merrimack College students benefit?
A. Merrimack students will benefit in the following ways:
- Enhance active and collaborative learning environments
- Improve access to faculty through a common technology platform
- Increase opportunities for asynchronous learning
- Reduce costs with digital textbooks and other learning materials
iPad Distribution Plan
What iPad and case will students receive?
A. The entering class will receive the following:
- iPad Air Wifi 4th generation (model A2316) with 4 yr AppleCare+
- iPad case
- iPad Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Smart Keyboard
When will students receive their iPad?
A. Students will receive their iPads at the start of the academic year. If you have started your semester and not received your iPad, please contact the IT Help Desk during normal operating hours for guidance: 978-837-3500 or AskIT@merrimack.edu.
How does my iPad access the internet?
A. iPads are Wi-Fi enabled only. Students will be able to access the MCStudent network on their devices in and out of the classroom.
Who owns my iPad?
A. The iPads are purchased and are the property of Merrimack College until the student completes four semesters (not including summer terms). During the time that Merrimack owns the iPad we expect that students will care for the iPad and treat it as they would other personal property. At the end of the four semesters the iPad becomes the property of the student.
Students who withdraw or take a leave from Merrimack within their first 4 semesters can either work with the Bursar’s Office to purchase their iPad or return all items in working condition. If returning their iPad, we recommend doing so in person to: Information Technology Services, located on the 2nd Floor of McQuade Library Alternatively, students may return the iPad and Merrimack-provided accessories by mail.
If mailing, we recommend insuring the package. Merrimack College Information Technology Services/ L9 315 Turnpike St North Andover, MA 01845 Students returning their iPad should sign out of their iCloud account and erase all content and settings. For instructions on how to do this, please visit.
Once Information Technology has received the iPad and accessories and verified that the devices are in working order, related charges will be removed from the student’s bill. If the iPad is returned damaged, the student will be assessed an Apple Care fee. Contact Information Technology (askit@merrimack.edu) or the Bursar’s Office (bursar@merrimack.edu) with questions.
Will I be able to keep my iPad through the summer and vacation breaks?
A. Yes. Your iPad is yours to use whenever and wherever you go.
I already have an iPad. Will I be able to use that one?
A. To ensure device consistency and to reduce the downtime and distractions that come with mixed technology/software/application environments, students need to use Merrimack-provided iPads. Because Merrimack is supplying the device, we will be able to maintain learning continuity and provide superior support services for Mobile Merrimack iPads, including immediate replacement of a broken iPad by Merrimack’s IT Help Desk under the AppleCare insurance plan.
Additional Technology and Accessory Needs
Do I need a computer if I have an iPad?
A. All students are issued a new iPad, case, Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil upon arrival at the college. While this is sufficient for almost all computing needs for the first year, most students also purchase and use a laptop. In general this is up to student preference. Some disciplines that do require a good deal of graphics - Graphic Design etc - prefer a MAC. Students who use PC-based software such as SPSS often prefer PCs. Additionally, computers and printers are available for students in public spaces.
Does my iPad come with other accessories?
A. Yes. iPad Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
Apps, Coursework, and Textbooks
Do students buy the apps for the iPad or does the school
A. Students will purchase and own the apps required for their classes. All students will be required to create their own Apple ID if they don’t already have one. If students are setting up an Apple ID, we suggest using a personal email (not your merrimack.edu email) to establish an Apple ID. They will use their Apple ID to purchase and manage all apps and other related content on their iPad. Upon graduation, students will be able to continue using whatever apps they have purchased on whatever new iOS device they happen to buy in the future.
Can students install their own apps?
A. Yes. Students may install their own apps onto the iPad as governed by the honor code and Student Handbook. The CETL can provide guidance and training.
How will professors use the iPad in their classes?
A. Use of iPads in the learning environments and courses will vary. The iPad and the wide variety of apps offer numerous opportunities for teaching and learning. One of the primary advantages of our mobile strategy is that it will offer students various ways to engage with content, which will meet the needs of all students and their individual learning preferences.
Are iPads used in all classes?
A. Use of the iPad for official course work, as well as access to devices during class, is at the discretion of our faculty. It is recommended that you bring the iPad to class with you as you will find many opportunities to benefit from using it including note taking, creating interactive presentations and iMovies, collaborating, and using assistive technologies as needed.
What are my textbook buying options with an iPad?
A. With iPads you can now consider learning needs and preferences, cost, lifestyle, and sustainability, while making textbook selections. Whether you are looking for savings, going green, leveraging assistive technologies, integrating apps or planning to travel with athletics, work, conferencing, or study abroad, using an eReader with your iPad offers many advantages in an academic environment. Students should check course syllabi for details on materials needed and consider digital textbook availability.
iPad Training
Will students be trained on how to use their iPad?
A. Yes. Students are provided with instructions on setting up their Apple ID’s, iPad basic settings, email, and recommended apps to install. Students will also be introduced to their iPad during their FYE course. Digital literacies have been embedded in this course and will assist students in leveraging technological approaches in effective note taking, time management, and organizational skills. Productivity and workflow are also covered as well as creating interactive, effectual presentations and iMovies. These skills should provide a foundation from which the students can build.
Where can I learn more about the iPad?
A. Professors and peer mentors provide excellent recommendations. In addition, students are encouraged to explore online resources such as the App Store, blogs, and YouTube videos for innovative academic strategies and solutions. For further assistance please email the CETL at cetl@merrimack.edu.
iPad Service, Support, and Security
How will I get service and support for my iPad?
A. The iPad comes with the AppleCare + warranty, which covers hardware repair through Apple’s limited warranty including telephone support by Apple. This warranty covers four years from the original purchase date and also includes up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee.
Details on the Apple iPad warranty for the US
In addition to support by Apple through their online, telephone, retail and independent Apple Authorized Service Providers, students can leverage the Mack Tech Bar located on the first floor of the McQuade Library.
What should I do if my iPad is lost or stolen?
A. Lost or stolen iPads should be reported immediately to Campus Police. Never confront a suspected thief. Incidents of theft will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Ultimately, the Student assumes all risks of loss of the Equipment.
What safety measures exist?
A. The devices should be locked with a passcode and with the Find My iPad service enabled via iCloud. That way, if your iPad is taken, no one can access your private information and you will have a greater likelihood in locating and retrieving your iPad.
What data security issues should I consider?
A. We are committed to internet security for students and faculty. Students should back up their devices using iCloud or a computer (Mac or PC) via iTunes.
Are the iPad serial numbers recorded somewhere?
A. Yes. When you pick up your iPad, the serial number will be recorded. They will also be laser etched with the Mobile Merrimack logo.
Are there rules students must follow when using iPads?
A. Yes. iPads are powerful tools for recording and exploring the world around us. Their ease of use and mobility make filming and recording your activities fun and exciting to share. However, there can be other consequences if they are used to invade the privacy of others. All members of the Merrimack community are obligated to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy For Technology. Students who use their iPads inappropriately may face judicial action at the discretion of the College.
Where can I find a copy of the Merrimack College Student Computer User Agreement?
A. View a copy of the Merrimack College Student Computer User Agreement (PDF).
