Laptop Computer Requirement

Our accounting undergraduate majors are required to have a laptop computer for all accounting classes above the accounting principles classes. This includes ACC 21, 22, 61, 80, 82, 84, 85, and 90. Entering freshmen may not be required to have a laptop computer until their sophomore or junior year, depending on their progress in the accounting major. Under most circumstances, transfer students will need the laptop computer when they start classes at C.W. Post.

The laptop computer has become a standard tool in the accounting profession. In addition, the CPA exam became computerized in 2004. CPA candidates are expected to perform research electronically, write and to prepare spreadsheets on a computer as part of the exam.

There is a national trend in the use of laptop computers in accounting education as well as in other disciplines and in many universities. We believe that the use of a laptop computer is part of a first-rate accounting education. The integration of technology into the curriculum adds value to every student’s education, skills, and marketability. An important and immediate advantage is that students have access to a variety of professional software applications; accounting, business, and taxation research databases; and class enhancements (such as information available on WebCT, relevant Web sites, etc.) wherever they are. Students have wired and wireless access to the C.W. Post Campus local area network from numerous locations on campus, including the “smart” classrooms in Lorber Hall. Faculty members are able to make relevant and timely assignments without worrying about whether students have a computer at home, at work, or are able to find a computer in a campus computer lab at a time that is convenient to them. Students can get their work done wherever and whenever they can find the time. Because they always have access to programs and files, students will use the programs more often and for more purposes. In sum, the laptop enhances and extends every accounting student’s proficiency and productivity.

The use of the laptop is one part of a student's education. As with many other aspects of their education, students will get more out of it the more they put into it. A great amount of preparation and learning takes place out of the classroom itself. We expect that most of our students' use of the laptop will take place outside of the classroom. Some courses and some professors require more extensive use of the computer than others, both inside and outside of the classroom. In some classes, students are instructed to bring the laptop to every class. In other classes, the use in class is more limited. Each professor gives guidance as to when to bring the laptop to class. Some students may find it useful to bring the laptop to every class, while others will prefer to use it in class only at specified times.      

The School of Professional Accountancy’s Advisory Board members and recruiters from accounting firms are very supportive of our laptop requirement. They view it as a great benefit to our students and believe it makes our program distinct from others. We have confidence that using a laptop over the two or more years that our students take accounting courses at C.W. Post will enhance their learning; increase their proficiency with computers; and provide them with additional skills that can be listed on their resume and described in interviews; and better prepare them to begin their professional career.

Although no specific brand of computer is required, Long Island University has negotiated an agreement with Dell that provides students an opportunity to purchase or finance a notebook computer with a rich set of features at discounted prices. Each configuration also includes a network card, modem, and wireless card. If students decide to consider other computer brands, they should compare the price and features to the recommended models. Access to the campus network requires a 10/100BaseT Ethernet card and a patch cable. Access to the Internet/WWW from home requires a modem. This can be a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a standard telephone modem – depending on the service available. Students also should purchase Microsoft Office Professional Edition, which the Office of Information Technology is working to make available at a heavily discounted price. Questions about hardware or software issues may be directed to the C.W. Post Office of Information Technology at (516) 299-2281.

Students are responsible for purchasing the laptop computer. Students may be eligible for student loans as part of their financial aid packages. Check with the financial aid office for details.