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Law Technology and Academic Computing
The Law Technology and Academic Computing department exists to help faculty, staff, and students with their computing needs. For laptop assistance from a technical support intern, students should drop by Bannan 110 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday) or Heafey 136 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday). You may also call 554-5762 to schedule an appointment.
In addition to six technical support interns, the department consists of the following full-time staff members:
- Allan Chen, Assistant Dean
- Ed Mananquil, Systems Manager
- Norman Davidson, Faculty and Staff Help Desk Manager
- Jesse Palacios, Support Manager
- John Quevedo, Faculty and Staff Support and Operations Manager
- Sid Maestre, Web Developer and School Webmaster
- Michael Morales, Classroom and Media Projection Manager
Laptops
The School of Law does not require students to have laptops, and they are not necessary for successful completion of the degree program. However, over 90 percent of law school students do use laptops and the law school does recommend laptop use for the following reasons:
1. The faculty and administration increasingly use the Internet to correspond with students; post assignments, syllabi, course materials, and sample exams; and conduct out-of-class discussions through threaded discussion or chat rooms. While the law school does have dedicated desktops in Heafey Law Library, it is more convenient for students to access the Internet via laptop while on campus.
2. In most classes, students have the option of typing their examinations using their laptops running specially provided software (handwriting is the default option).
3. Students may wish to take class notes via laptop, although individual faculty determine the course’s laptop usage policy.
Recommended Laptop Program
Law Technology and Santa Clara University has teamed with Dell, Apple, and specific resellers to offer students the opportunity to purchase high-quality laptops at discounted prices. Each year, we try to offer heavily-discounted, pre-configured machines, though promotions from each vendor outside of agreements with SCU Law should also be considered. Law Technology strongly recommends that students purchase laptops through the school’s program for a number of reasons:
1. Specific recommended configurations for laptops are often significantly discounted.
2. Recommended laptops are designed to handle all student computer needs and maximize opportunities for future upgrades.
3. Recommended laptops support the operation of the ExamSoft testing application, used for all computerized Law School exams (Apple laptops require additional software).
4. Recommended Apple laptops come with extended warranties.
For specific information about the current program, see law.scu.edu/lcomp/recommended-laptop-program.cfm.
Laptop Support Limitations
Law Technology is not responsible for calling vendors for technical support for laptops, including recommended laptops. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their vendor for computer support, including the return of defective parts. However, staff at the Student Help Desk will help and advise if possible. Our Help Desk is dedicated to the Law School community, and we do go to lengths to provide support. In addition, Law Technology does not provide the following support at the beginning of an exam for problems that arise due to
1. Failure on the part of the student to properly install the latest version of ExamSoft.
2. Failure on the part of the student to bring any necessary connection cables.
3. Computer incompatibility problems of any sort, both hardware and software.
4. Difficulties booting up, starting ExamSoft, and/or troubleshooting any computer problems at the start of an exam.
5. Computer problems of any nature that cannot be resolved within 10 minutes of the start of the exam.
Consequently, Law Technology strongly recommends that all students consult with the staff via drop-in or by setting up an appointment prior to each semester’s exam period for a “check-up.”
Law Library Connectivity
All Bannan Hall classrooms are fully networked. Every student seat in the first floor rooms has two electrical outlets and a single network jack allowing access to the Internet. Upper floor classrooms have network jacks along the perimeter of the room. The entire building offers wireless connectivity. All study carrels in Heafey Law Library and over 100 seats at the study tables are networked and have easy access to electrical outlets. Students with laptops may connect to the Web, their e-mail, Lexis/Nexis, and Westlaw from any seat in the six classrooms, the Moot Court room, and the majority of seats in the law library.
The law library and all Bannan classrooms are also fully wireless. Students do not need to be in the labs or connect via data jacks to access the University network system, though they will need to authenticate for security reasons.
Computer Labs
There are two computer labs with a total of 28 PCs available in Heafey Law Library. The law library also has 13 public access terminals available for use. There are two high-speed Dell printers available for printing and plans to install a third in the Bannan Lounge. These printers use the SmartPrint system (see below). Printing is also available from the law library study carrels or from the classrooms and the wireless connections. Both labs are open for use when the law library is open.
In addition to the law school labs, there are several workstations, both PC and Apple Macintosh, in the Harrington Learning Commons. Unlike the law library labs, which are restricted to law student use only, these computers are available to all University students.
SmartPrint
To reduce waste, the University uses the SmartPrint printing system. All student network printing is coordinated through SmartPrint. All law students receive 500 pages of free printing per semester. Students who exceed this limit will be charged 8 cents per page via their ACCESS card. More information and configuration instructions can be found at it.scu.edu/help/printing. As always, the Help Desk is available to help with configuring SmartPrint for your computer.
Connectivity
Wired access
On-campus students need Ethernet connectivity, either built-in or via an add-on card, to connect to the University network and the Internet. Laptops purchased through the Recommended Laptop Program come equipped with Ethernet connectivity. For students who already have a laptop or plan to purchase a laptop on their own and do not have a built-in network adapter, any PCMCIA or PC Express Ethernet card will work. Please consult with Law Technology staff before purchasing a PCMCIA or PC Express Ethernet card.
Wireless access
Most laptops come with a built-in wireless card. For students who have a laptop that does not have a wireless card, Law Technology strongly recommends the purchase of a Linksys PCMCIA wireless card. Testing by the Law Technology staff indicates that this type of card is the most reliable and easy to use. For students who decide to purchase another type of wireless card, note that the SMC and Dlink cards are not compatible with the law school wireless system; do not use these cards.
Webmaster
The law school webmaster designs and maintains the law school’s website. He can advise student organizations that have or want Web sites. Student organizations should first consult the documentation in the Law Student Organization Resource Guide or at law.scu.edu/resources/the-guide-for-law-student-organizations.cfm.
For more information contact Law Computer Services at 408-554-5762 or lawhelpdesk@scu.edu.
