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117 South Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Help Desk: (207) 778-7300
EXCEL Center: (207) 778-7490
FAX: (207) 778-7255
computer.center@umf.maine.edu


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EXCEL   >>  About & F.A.Q.
 
 
UMF EXCEL, (EXcellence through Connected and Engaged Learning), constitutes a commitment to explore ways that technology can empower learners, enhance face-to-face contact and student-faculty relationships, improve pedagogy, and foster ambitious learning outcomes.

Our vision is of a UMF campus where information technology contributes to institutional excellence as we continue to focus on our core mission of providing "quality programs in arts and sciences, teacher education, and human services."

The campus community will use technology to enhance the teaching/learning environment, to maintain the high quality of our instruction, and to empower faculty and students. At UMF, computers will not replace close, personal relationships between students and faculty; they will enhance such relationships.

We envision a campus where computers will facilitate active and collaborative learning; they will allow conversations to continue outside the walls of our classrooms; and they will permit students and faculty to access information at any time, from any place. In all cases, we will work to insure that technology is accessible to individuals both with and without disabilities.
 
UMF EXCEL Frequently Asked Questions
What is UMF EXCEL?
 Is there a Recommendation for my Major?
As a First-Year student, is it recommended that I buy a laptop through UMF EXCEL?
Is UMF all about laptops?
Does UMF have a wireless network on-campus?
Can I get wireless off-campus?
What are faculty doing with technology in the classroom?
Do I need a new laptop, or a special laptop, or any laptop at all when I come to UMF?
Will students be at a disadvantage if they don't have a laptop?
What's the number one reason to buy a laptop through UMF EXCEL?
What's the difference between a WARRANTY and INSURANCE?


What is UMF EXCEL?

To continue to be #1 and to ensure academic excellence into the future, we can't rest on our laurels. We have to keep the learning process exciting and up-to-date. We need to look at ways to use the latest technology to improve our traditional emphasis on close, personal contact between students and faculty, to provide connections to real work in the real world, and to improve the curriculum in ways that add value and excitement to the learning process. That's the purpose of UMF EXCEL.

UMF EXCEL stands for UMF's vision of creating EXcellence through Connected and Engaged Learning, our program to ensure that technology is used to help students and faculty accomplish more together, while preserving the values that make UMF a wonderful place to learn.

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Is there a Recommendation for my Major?

Students contemplating a major in Secondary/Middle Education and considering purchasing a laptop at this time are advised by that department that an Apple or Dell Enhanced model would be the minimal machine for addressing future computing needs.

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As a First-Year student, is it recommended that I buy a laptop through UMF EXCEL?


Part of the liberal arts experience at Farmington is the opportunity to explore academic and career options in the early semesters here. Deferring a laptop purchase until you have settled on a major may make sense for some.

However, if you desire to purchase a laptop computer at the start of your academic career, the UMF EXCEL Program offers PC and Mac systems, fundamental software, full end-user support for purchasers, extended warranty, and in-house maintenance services for these systems.

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Is UMF all about laptops?

No. Laptops are a component of the UMF EXCEL program. We sell laptops to help facilitate the philosophy that technology can bridge communication gaps, offer a competitive education, and prepare students for the future. The Computer Center operates two 24 hour labs with more than 50 computers, both Macs and PCs, to meet the needs of students who wish to defer a laptop purchase, can't afford one, who bring an older computer of limited capacity to campus, who need access to expensive software or desktop system resources, or who need the resources of an alternate computing environment.

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Does UMF have a wireless network on-campus?

Wireless access to the University of Maine at Farmington network and the Internet is available across 100% of campus buildings. This includes faculty offices, all classrooms and dorms -- Click here to view a wireless coverage map. Any student with an EXCEL laptop or other laptop meeting ResNet Minimum System Requirements can use this network. Contact the Computer Center Help Desk, computer.center@umf.maine.edu 207-778-7300, for details.

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Can I get wireless off-campus?

No. Dialin access to the internet is provided at 50 hours a month for FREE.

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What are faculty doing with technology in the classroom?

The success with making UMF EXCEL work largely rests on faculty and staff. EXCEL in Action covers some success stories with students, as well as professors.

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Do I need a new laptop, or a special laptop, or any laptop at all when I come to UMF?

The answers are "no", "no", and "no". Wireless laptops are valuable academic tools in this era, but are not essential. You may purchase any laptop you feel comfortable with. EXCEL laptop owners buy into the full benefit of using the personalized service of the EXCEL Support Center. Information is available for those who own a non-EXCEL laptop.

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Will students be at a disadvantage if they don't have a laptop?

UMF encourages the use of wireless laptops because their benefits are becoming more and more important, but we provide many other ways to gain access to computers and networks. Our residence halls are "hard-wired". Students can hook up to the campus network through those connections or from home via a modem. All the computers in our labs are also connected to the network.

The main advantages for having a wireless laptop are portability and increased access to the network from many areas of the campus. If you have a desktop computer now, it will still be fine for you next year. If you don't have a computer, you will still have full access to UMF's well-equipped computer labs. Our commitment to maintain these labs is as strong as ever.

We also expect that the EXCEL project will have a positive effect for all students. The resulting faculty development and improved use of technology will enhance the overall learning environment at UMF now and in the future.

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What's the number one reason to buy a laptop through UMF EXCEL?

Personalized service is the number one reason to buy a laptop through the UMF EXCEL initiative. Training is tailored to the needs of the student, service is done on-site and quickly.

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What's the difference between a WARRANTY and INSURANCE?

UMF EXCEL laptop warranties cover parts and labor for hardware failures. Warranties do not cover accidental damage or theft, so we recommend you buy insurance for your laptop. Dell's "CompleteCare" (available on ENHANCED and DELUXE packages only) covers parts and labor if the machine is accidentally damaged--the most common hazard. In many cases insurance can be an inexpensive rider to a student's or parent's homeowner's or renter's policy. Check with your insurance agent. If you would like to purchase theft or damage insurance companies like Safeware can provide it for $70 per year and up.

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