Texas Tech University
Higher Education
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student computing n
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Customer Overview
The Texas Tech University, as part of the Texas
Tech System, provides educational opportunities to
more than 27,996 students with its main campus in
Lubbock. Student access to technology is critical to
Texas Tech University’s education strategy. Many
colleges and departments encourage student
personal computer ownership.
CHALLENGE
Texas Tech University needed to support student
computing not only in terms of service and
maintenance but also by offering a comprehensive
technology program.
Technology At Hand
Enriches Minds
Texas Tech University’s Dell-based Student Computing
Initiative provides every learner with access to technology
I
ndependence is a tradition at Texas Tech University stemming from its beginnings when residents of
West Texas wanted a college to call their own and to remain distinct from other state universities. TTU
SOLUTION
Texas Tech University worked with Dell™ to create
a successful Student Computing Initiative through
a combination of student and parent orientations,
hardware and software bundles tailored to specific
programs of study, computing facility standardization
and strategic technology planning.
opened its doors in 1924 with less than 1,000 students. Today, Texas Tech University has expanded its
reach dramatically, with a current enrollment of more than 27,996 students.
The Texas Tech University System is comprised of Texas Tech University in Lubbock with five additional
locations in the state and one in Seville, Spain. The system also includes the Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center with campuses in four Texas cities plus two additional site locations. The university is a
leader in many areas; such as undergraduate research programs that attract top students from around the
BENEFIT
The partnership with Dell has fostered a seamless,
integrated campus computing environment. Using
a simple online ordering process, students can buy
high-value systems at a reduced cost that keep
them connected to critical education resources.
Standardization creates an efficient support model
for central and departmental IT professionals.
world and the Graduate-On-Time program, recognized as a model for public universities.
Student computing requires flexible, diverse, and dedicated university resources
Technology is an important part of Texas Tech University’s leadership. From administration to classroom
instruction and research efforts, technology forms the foundation for mission-critical functions. Texas
Tech University understands that student access to technology fosters independent learning as well
as collaboration.
Dell works with us to customize programs that fit our objectives. Plus, Dell’s hardware is
reliable, allowing us to build successful programs with confidence.”
— Dr. Kathy Austin, Assistant Vice President, TTU IT Division
In order to ensure that every student can obtain the technology resources
357,000 annual logins. “Many professors conduct classes from our labs because
they need, TTU instituted a Student Computing Initiative supported by the
their department cannot afford and support the high caliber of resources that
university’s existing robust network and support infrastructure. Given the large
are available in the computing facilities,” Kathy describes.
student population and multitude of academic programs, managing an initiative
The labs are supported by the IT team with four certified technicians through
of this size and scope presented several challenges. Not only did TTU need a
the Dell Warranty Parts Direct program. Another four certified technicians
vendor that could provide dependable, high performance hardware, that vendor
support faculty, staff and student system repairs. The certification enables
also needed to offer flexible programs and services compatible with TTU’s
technicians to order computer parts and quickly repair systems in-house.
institutional goals and environment.
Capital replacement planning is another way the TTU IT team leverages the
Dell partnership to reduce costs to the TTU community. By proactively planning
Texas Tech University collaborates with Dell
when systems will need to be refreshed, the university can coordinate large
Through their existing relationship with Dell™, Texas Tech found the right
purchases to maximize available budgets and refresh technology regularly.
partner to help execute the initiative. “Dell works with us to customize
programs that fit our objectives,” Dr. Kathy Austin, Assistant Vice President of
Enterprise support is a key piece of successful solution
the TTU IT Division explains. “Plus, Dell’s hardware is reliable, allowing us to
Strategic technology planning is another component of the Student Computing
build successful programs with confidence.”
Initiative. Dell enterprise back-end solutions form a solid foundation that
The Student Computing Initiative’s success begins with educating students
and parents about the Dell partnership to help eliminate the guesswork of
supports student access to information and communication tools for a seamless,
standardized and compatible environment.
selecting a computer. During new student orientation and parent sessions held
Dell servers and Dell/EMC® storage area networks populate all of TTU’s
for more than 10,700 freshmen, transfer, international and graduate students
data centers. The Dell enterprise infrastructure supports student messaging,
and their parents, members of the TTU IT team explain program benefits and
collaboration, document storage and web access. Dell also powers Texas Tech
purchasing options.
Texas Tech University simplifies computer ownership for students by
recommending Dell Latitude™ notebook and OptiPlex™ desktop bundles,
according to specific academic programs. The bundles contain the ideal
combination of specifications, including processor speeds, storage space and
application compatibility.
Another successful aspect of Texas Tech’s Student Computing Initiative
is academic computing facility standardization. Labs outfitted with 281 Dell
OptiPlex systems are located throughout campus to provide technology access
to students who may not have their own computers. Collaborative computing
areas allow student groups to meet and use technology together to complete
assignments. The labs are heavily used throughout the year with a total of
The Dell and Texas Tech University Student
Computing Initiative minimizes the distractions
of inefficient technology, so students can stay
focused on learning.”
place image here
— Mr. Sam Segran, TTU Chief Information Officer
University’s high performance computing solutions for data-intense research
projects. Plus, the Dell enterprise solution is central to a comprehensive disaster
recovery and business continuity plan.
Dell and Texas Tech University partnership facilitates
focused learning
The Dell™ and Texas Tech University partnership has resulted in many benefits
for students, parents, instructors and IT staff. Standardized configurations save
parents and students money because they know what system specifications
are required for a particular curriculum. Students and parents can confidently
How it works
Hardware
Student Computing – recommended purchase
Dell Latitude™ D420, D620 and D820 notebooks
Dell OptiPlex™ desktops
Academic Facility Computing
Dell OptiPlex™ desktops
Enterprise Infrastructure
Dell PowerEdge™ Servers
Dell/EMC Storage Area Networks
purchase a computer knowing that they will not need to upgrade basic system
features such as RAM, hard drive capacity or peripherals until later in the
students’ academic career.
Software is another area where parents and students save money through the
Student Computing Initiative. A Microsoft® Campus Agreement and Symantec®
Software
Microsoft ® Office
Microsoft Exchange
WebCT®
contracts allow students to purchase and upgrade software, for the cost of the
media ($5-$20).
Furthermore, standardized student, lab and data center configurations results
in more efficient maintenance and support. The TTU IT staff has been Dell trained
SERVICES
Dell Warranty Parts Direct
Custom Factory Integration
and certified, so they can resolve support issues quickly. Not only is downtime
reduced, but maintenance costs are less too. The technology team does not need
to keep a large inventory of spare parts on hand, and they can focus on mastering
one hardware platform.
Most of all, the Dell Student Computing Initiative enhances the instructional
mission at Texas Tech University. Faculty and students can enjoy more media rich
content delivery, which translates into more opportunities for a more effective
learning environment and culture. “The Dell and Texas Tech University Student
Computing Initiative minimizes the distractions of inefficient technology, so
students can stay focused on learning,” says Mr. Sam Segran, TTU Chief
Information Officer.
March 2007
Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typography, photography or omissions. Dell, the Dell logo, OptiPlex, Latitude and PowerEdge are trademarks of Dell Inc. Microsoft is a registered
trademark of Microsoft, Inc. Blackboard is a registered trademark of Blackboard Inc. EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation. Symantec is a registered trademark of Symantec
Corporation.WebCT is a registered trademark of WebCT, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names
or their products. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. © 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written
permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. 07DPUB108_0307.