Connect2

Connect2 Technology Program Frequently Asked Questions

• Click Here to see the complete Terms and Conditions document that must be signed upon receiving a laptop.
• Click Here to see the Student Software License Acceptance Form that must be signed upon receiving a laptop.

What is the Connect2 Technology Program?
The Connect2 Technology Program is designed to ensure that each student is equipped with the hardware, software and technical support necessary to maximize their educational experience at Valley Forge Christian College.

How does the Connect2 Technology Program work?
Registered freshmen receive a new laptop at the beginning of the fall semester. After four semesters (two years), you will return the laptop and receive a new laptop. Upon graduation, you keep the second laptop. The licensing permits you to continue using the software upon graduation.

Do I own the Connect2 laptop computer?
The laptop is owned by Valley Forge Christian College while you are attending the College. Upon graduation you will take ownership of the laptop.

Who is eligible for the Connect2 Technology Program?
The Connect2 Technology Program is mandatory for all full-time students and transfer students with 75 credits or less.

If I already own a computer, can I opt out of the Connect2 Technology Program?
No. The Connect2 Technology Program is mandatory for all full-time students and transfer students with 75 credits or less..

How do I choose which Connect2 laptop I'd like?
The process starts once you receive an email from the Office of Information Technology with specific information to choose the laptop you want to receive. You can choose a Dell Latitude or MacBook Pro laptop*. If you make your choice after the selection deadline, this could delay processing the request and cause you to receive the computer at a later date.
*Digital Media majors will not receive an email for a laptop choice because they automatically receive a 13" MacBook Pro. In your Junior year, Digital Media majors with financial approval have the option to choose a 15” MacBook Pro for the final 4 semesters (2 years) of the program. Additional charges apply.

What software is included on the laptop?
The most popular titles include Microsoft Office® Professional Suite, Logos® Bible Software, Symantec® Anti-Virus Software, etc.

Are the Connect2 laptops covered by a warranty?
All laptops are covered by the manufacturer warranties for hardware failures. Each computer is also covered under an accidental damage warranty that protects against damage with the exception of certain cosmetic issues. Full-time Apple and Dell certified technicians are on staff to complete laptop repairs on site. If necessary, you will be provided with a loaner laptop during the repair of the original computer.

If I don’t like the Connect2 laptop I choose, can I exchange it for another model?
Once you make a choice for a laptop, you must keep that laptop for the first cycle of 2 years (or 4 semesters). At that time, you may choose a different model that you will keep upon graduation.

What does my Connect2 Technology Program Fee pay for?
The Connect2 Technology Program goes beyond simply distributing laptops to students. Besides the cost of the laptop, the Connect2 fee pays for the bundled accessories (Sleeve, Flash Drive, Network Cable), the Microsoft Office® Professional Suite, Logos® Bible Software, Symantec® Anti-Virus Software, and Dell CompleteCare or AppleCare. The Connect2 fee also pays for in-house technicians that repair the computers on-site.

Where should I go if I need support?
If you need technical support, there are many options available to you:

• Visit the Help Desk located on the first floor of the Storms Research Center
• Submit an issue online at http://support.vfcc.edu
• Call 610.917.2000 to reach the Help Desk
• Email support@vfcc.edu

How can I safeguard my laptop from loss or theft?
You should not leave your laptop or accessories unattended at any time. If the laptop is in your room, the room should be kept locked. You may also consider purchasing a cable lock.

If my laptop is lost or stolen, what should I do?
If a laptop is lost or stolen on campus, you should immediately visit the Office of Campus Security, located in the Student Life Building, to file a police report. If a laptop is lost or stolen off campus, you should immediately file a police report with the police department closest to the location of the theft. In those instances, you should deliver a copy of the police report to Campus Security. In either case, you should also notify the RA, RD and Help Desk. A deductible will apply to a total loss or theft. Once the reports are completed and the deductible is paid, you will be provided with a replacement laptop.

Are there computer labs available on campus?
Five distinct computer lab environments are available on campus for students:

• Storms Research Center Computer Mall
  There are sixteen 21" iMacs that dual boot with Windows 7/Mac OSX 10.7 Lion operating systems.
• Instructional Computer Lab
  There are thirty-two 21" iMacs that dual boot with Windows 7/Mac OSX 10.7 Lion operating systems.
• Homework Lab - Mac OSX 10.7 Lion.
• Music Department Midi Lab
  There are sixteen 21" iMacs with Mac OSX 10.7 and instrumentation input.
• Video Instruction Lab
  There are sixteen hardware-upgraded 27” iMacs designed to run the latest in video editing software.

How can I access the network and Internet on campus?
High speed Internet access of 100Mbps is provided to every student through the campus network via wired or wireless connection. There are more than 120 wireless access points in various locations throughout the campus. Internet access is monitored and logged.

Do I get to use my computer over breaks?
Students may use the laptops during breaks, including the summer months. Students who need support during breaks can go online to submit an issue at http://support.vfcc.edu, email support@vfcc.edu or call the Help Desk at 610.917.2000.

Where do I go to print my papers, assignments, etc.?
The Storms Research Center Computer Mall has printers available for use. Students are given $20.00 of printing credits each semester and may add additional credits if needed at the SRC Front Desk.

Why do I need to change my password?
Changing your password is important. The password you are given initially is only meant to be temporary. You will need to change your password every 60 days to keep it secure. Be careful to choose something difficult for someone else to guess. The password must be at least 8 characters in length.

What about email?
Once you are accepted to VFCC, you will receive a student email account (Example: firstname.lastname@mail.vfcc.edu) You can access your email account through http://webmail.vfcc.edu on or off campus.

Tools, Resources and Software

What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is our online course management system. Every course has content available in this web-based system including course information, syllabi, gradebook, assignments, exams, etc. The system also provides access to numerous research databases and community groups. The website is http://elearn.vfcc.edu

What is MyVFCC?
MyVFCC provides access to student grade information, account information, and unofficial transcripts. In addition, all pre-registration is done online through this software. The website is http://my.vfcc.edu.

Integrated Library System
Unicorn is the library information system used at VFCC to search the Storms Research Center’s holdings. This system also provides a Web-based interface for searching. In addition, patrons have access to a “My Account” feature that allows them to edit personal information, request an item, view and renew items that are currently checked out on their account, and view fines. The website is http://src-vfcc.vfcc.edu.