Norfolk State provides Apple products for all students
NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston announced that every incoming and returning student will be provided an iPad Pro with ultra-fast 5G speeds to access their studies on and off campus, as well as Apple Pencil, Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, and AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation, enabling students to access all aspects of the NSU academic enterprise and digitally engage with faculty, peers, administrators, and NSU learning platforms from any location.
NSU, the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Commonwealth, will distribute more than 6,000 Apple products to students, faculty and select staff members during the Fall 2021 semester. NSU will be the first HBCU to facilitate a campus-wide deployment of these Apple products to all students and faculty in a first-year program such as this one. Students will be able to keep the devices throughout their enrollment at the university. And, upon graduation, students can purchase the device for a nominal fee of $1. The devices will be provided to faculty and staff at no cost. The Spartan Innovation Academy is a special initiative designed to give Norfolk State students constant and seamless access to scholastic activities, professional development opportunities, and retention efforts using Apple’s cutting-edge product line. As a result of this program, students and faculty will benefit from enhanced digital connection to the university’s technology infrastructure with twenty-four hour, seven days a week access to course materials.
“The Spartan Innovation Academy program is all about giving students the tools they need to be successful in and outside of the classroom,” said Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston. “The University is committed to access and affordability for all students. We know that providing students access to powerful tools will help ensure a successful academic career while reducing the cost of obtaining a degree.”
“Moreover, we know that the creativity of our students is endless. I am excited about the possibilities for coding and app development, with the help of our amazing faculty, that will be beneficial for the entire Spartan community.” Adams-Gaston also said the devices will give students the opportunity to unleash their creativity, download digital textbooks and cut down on overall back-to-school expenses.
With this expanded use of Apple technology to enhance their matriculation and study in all academic disciplines at the university, the Spartan Innovation Academy is ensuring that NSU students are “First Day” ready upon graduation with both the academic theory and technological aptitude needed for professional success.