IT@NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Rationale 
• Programs used in class and subscriptions provided by NCS
• Device and operating system requirements
• Loaner devices for use on campus
• Printer access
• Network access
• Insurance
• Backups 

Rationale 

NCS Upper School teachers rely on students’ access to a device, the internet, and academic software to complete work in and outside of the classroom. To address skill development and equal access to devices, the Upper School instituted a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policy starting with the 2019-2020 academic year. This policy will ensure students consistent access to devices when they are necessary in the classroom and compatibility with software used for classes. Students will receive instruction and support to be able to effectively use and manage their own devices. 

If you receive financial aid and have questions, please contact Wendy Wilkinson, the director of admission and financial aid.

For any questions about the policy or your device, please contact Tommie Hata, the director of academic technology.

Programs used in class and subscriptions provided by NCS

NCS provides access to software subscriptions necessary for the classes in which students are enrolled. This includes but is not limited to Microsoft Office (both installed “desktop” and online versions) and the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. 

Many computers come preinstalled with trial versions of software including Microsoft Office. These trial versions need to be completely uninstalled before installing versions provided by the school.

Device and operating system requirements

The above requirements are intended to ensure compatibility, common user interface and experience, and the school’s ability to support students’ devices. The minimum storage capacity is intended to support the software used for class and space necessary for typical academic and personal use over four years.

Some of the software used in our classes and provided by NCS are not compatible with iPads and Chromebooks. 

Students are required to bring and have daily access to a laptop meeting the requirements outlined above. Devices should be charged and properly configured to be functional in class throughout the day.

Students are required to maintain compatibility with the software necessary for courses, including, where necessary, by running operating system updates to their devices. 

Loaner devices for use on campus

NCS has a limited number of school-owned laptops for on-campus use only when students’ devices are not functioning during the day.

Printer access

NCS provides students access to printing at select devices across the campus. 

Network access

NCS provides students access to our network and to the internet. A content filter applied to our network limits access to websites including inappropriate material. 

Insurance

With proper care and use, we are confident that modern devices meeting the requirements listed above will last for the four years students are enrolled in the Upper School. But accidents happen. We strongly encourage that you purchase a repair/replacement plan for your device. 

Backups 

Both MacOS and Windows have built-in tools to back up the device to an external storage device and to the cloud. We strongly encourage monthly backups and updates to current operating systems to ensure compatibility with software being used for class.