- Laptops, digital textbooks, wireless everywhere, and universal card access provided to students -
HAMBURG, N.Y. -- Hilbert College’s cutting-edge Digital Campus Initiative will provide every on-campus undergraduate full time student with a laptop and digital textbooks. In addition, this program will improve and expand wireless access across Hilbert’s Hamburg campus and implement a universal card access system for students. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to enhance learning and inspire innovative teaching, both inside and outside of the classroom, while creating digital equity for all Hilbert students. The initiative will launch in fall 2022 for returning and new students.
“During the pandemic and the subsequent shift to remote learning for all, the college experienced the impact of the digital divide,” Hilbert College President Dr. Michael Brophy said. “We moved quickly at that time to provide laptops and other technological resources to those that needed the support. This new Digital Campus Initiative aims to ensure that all students have the tools they need for success in the twenty-first century.”
Hilbert students will receive a convertible laptop, which can be used as a laptop or tablet computer. While Hilbert is still working on the details of the specific model, laptops will be equipped with 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB hard drives and a 13-inch touchscreen. The most up-to-date information can be found on Hilbert’s website which will be updated as the Digital Campus Initiative progresses and FAQs are developed.
According to a recent Student Watch Report, the average college student spends more than $1,300 on textbooks and supplies during a school year. This can be a major barrier to academic success as students can struggle to shop around for the cheapest book, share books, or even go without the books they need to succeed in their classes. As a part of this initiative, all students will have what they need on the first day of class. Many books will be offered electronically and will be seamlessly delivered through Blackboard, Hilbert’s learning management system.
“We recognize not all students come to Hilbert with access to the same supporting resources,” Hilbert College Provost Dr. Maureen Finney said. “We are thrilled to launch this initiative because as an institution, we are dedicated to addressing the barriers textbook costs present to student success with this affordable solution. We are proud to support students’ educational and professional aspirations by ensuring they have access to the materials they need to succeed.”
Additionally, Hilbert will be upgrading and expanding its current WiFi infrastructure to support the increase in connected devices across campus. The Campus Safety department will be initiating the universal card access system in conjunction with Information Services.
“We recognize our students’ need for WiFi everywhere on our campus along with their desire for improved security which will be provided through the new card access system,” Hilbert’s Chief Information Officer Jeremy Trumble said. “We are eager for these enhancements to be implemented for the coming academic year.”
Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 800 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs in criminal justice administration and public administration, including a track in health administration.