STUDENT COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
COMPUTER DISCOUNTS
The University has a website with information about the minimum computer requirements for University wide courses. University Student Computer Initiative
Student, Faculty, and Staff discounts on computers are available through http://g2g.vcu.edu/ & directly from the computer manufacturers.
Software
Software required by the Art Foundation Program is: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, all of which can be used on either a Macintosh or PC platform. Major departments have varying software requirements. Computers leased through the VCU arts Computer Rental Program will have the Art Foundation Program’s required software already installed.
In addition to owning a computer, students are required to obtain a VCU email address and to check their VCU email account on a regular basis. The University, individual departments and faculty often send official communications via email and all students are required to read and understand these emails.
Student Equipment
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Student Computer Initiative requires all incoming students to own a computer that meets the University’s minimum standards. To view the University’s standards, click here. Keep in mind that many departments in the School of the Arts have specific requirements in addition to the University’s requirements.
Performing Arts Computer Requirements
Performing Arts students must have a computer that meets the University’s minimum requirements.
Visual Arts Computer Requirements
Hardware: If you have been accepted in our Art Foundation Program as an incoming freshman, you should consider which of the following three options would be best for you.
Option 1 - If you already own a computer that meets the Art Foundation Program’s minimum requirements, we encourage you to bring that computer for use during your Art Foundation year.
Option 2 - If you do not already own a computer that meets the University’s or the Art Foundation Program’s minimum requirements, we encourage you to learn more about the VCUarts Computer Rental Program (click here). Renting a computer for your Art Foundation year will postpone the need for you to make a new computer purchase until your sophomore year, when you have entered a major department in the School of the Arts. If you would like to learn more about the rental option, please e-mail arthelp@vcu.edu, call us toll free at (866)-534-3201.
Option 3 - You may choose to purchase either a new PC or MAC system, or you may be interested in upgrading the PC or MAC unit that you already own to meet the Art Foundation Program’s minimum computer requirements.
Software: Software required by the Art Foundation Program includes Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, all of which can be used on either a Macintosh or PC platform. Major departments have varying software requirements. Computers leased through the VCUarts Computer Rental Program will have the Art Foundation Program’s required software already installed.
Data Storage: USB Memory Key.
Transfer Students (Sophomores, Juniors)
Please be aware that some of the departments may have computer requirements that exceed the University’s suggested computer requirements. Please check with the department that you will be entering regarding their specific computer recommendations.
