Frequently asked questions
This page answers frequently asked questions about device requirements, support and technology resources at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Ownership questions
Incoming, degree-seeking first-year undergraduate students and incoming degree-seeking transfer students are eligible to receive a device if they are new admits and enrolled full time.
Students with declared majors in the College of Business, College of Engineering, Reynolds School of Journalism, and School of Public Health will receive our Microsoft Surface Pro technology kit.
Students with declared majors in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, College of Education & Human Development, College of Liberal Arts, College of Science, School of Medicine, and School of Social Work will receive our Apple iPad Air technology kit.
Faculty may request a device when units are available. Priority will be given to those that are teaching undergraduate students and provide a detailed description outlining the intended use. Please email DWPI for additional information at dwpi@unr.edu.
Graduate students are not eligible for a device at this time.
For any students who may not be eligible to receive a device through DWPI, we supply @One with devices that can be checked out on a semesterly basis. Please contact @One for availability.
All eligible incoming freshman and transfer students will receive their Digital Wolf Pack Initiative technology kit just before the start of their first semester at the University.
For the majority of incoming first year students this will be at the NevadaFIT Check-in. For transfer students not attending TransferFIT and those not attending NevadaFIT there will be separate distributions within the first two weeks of the term.
Students who are eligible for a technology kit will be contacted via their University email address on file. Please be sure to check your email regularly to ensure you receive all communication from DWPI.
Students who are not eligible for a device through the DWPI can check out a device from the @One. The devices can be checked out for an entire semester.
The device is considered University property until your graduation. Upon your graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno ownership will transfer to you. If you leave the University for any reason prior to graduation, you are expected to return your device and accessories or purchase it at its depreciated value.
You may not sell or otherwise change ownership of the device until device ownership has been transferred to you via graduation or purchase.
If you leave the University of Nevada, Reno prior to completing your undergraduate degree and are participating in the DWPI, you have the option to purchase or return the entire technology kit upon your departure. This includes the device itself, any accessories such as a stylus, keyboard or case, and the same model charging cable and adapter that was included with the technology kit. You will be charged a replacement fee for any missing accessories.
Returns are made by in-person appointment only. To begin the return process, please complete the following form: Returns, Buyouts, and Transfer of Ownership Form
If you withdraw or transfer from University of Nevada, Reno prior to completing your undergraduate degree, you have the option to purchase your device and all related accessories to keep ownership. The process of purchasing your device is outlined below.
- Please complete the Transfer of Ownership form and select the option to buyout your DWPI Technology Kit: Returns, Buyouts, and Transfer of Ownership Form
- Once the signed Transfer of Ownership form has been received, you will be directed on how to make the purchase of your device. After purchase, we will remove the mobile device management (MDM) and University-provided apps (Microsoft Suite, Goodnotes, etc.) and you can continue to use the device as you would with any other of your personal devices. Please note that after we remove the MDM software your device will need to be reset to factory settings, so we encourage you to back up the device regularly to prevent any loss of data.
Students who graduate from the University will be able to keep their devices at no cost. Graduates will be informed of the data that University management will be removed from their devices, which will occur approximately 30 days after final degrees are posted. To fully remove all University management, the device will need to be erased, so students should ensure that all information on the device they wish to keep is saved elsewhere before the device management system is removed. Please note that University-provided apps and resources will also be removed along with device management.
Students who have applied and been approved for a Formal Leave of Absence can keep the device and accessories for up to a year before returning them, and must inform DWPI via email at dwpi@unr.edu of the absence. If you do not enroll in classes after your Leave of Absence ends, you will be charged for your device and accessories unless you return it.
Using your device for class
Please check with your college or department to determine any discipline-specific technology requirement. The University does not require students to purchase or own a laptop. Regardless of what device you have, most discipline-specific software is accessed via a virtual desktop. For information on how to set up a virtual desktop on your device, visit the OIT Knowledge Base article collection on Connecting to Virtual Desktops.
Yes. If you require assistance, University of Nevada, Reno's Disability Resource Center is available to help you through available options. You can set up an appointment by calling (775) 784-6000, emailing drc@unr.edu, or by visiting the University of Nevada, Reno DRC website.
Students may customize their device with technology for both learning and personal life. The devices are theirs to customize and use for classes, video call family and friends, or watch their favorite content. The University of Nevada, Reno encourages students to utilize the device for both schoolwork and personal life.
Although we encourage students to customize their devices, there are still certain actions banned by the University for the safety and security of all our users. For a full understanding of uses and alterations that are prohibited by the University, please refer to your signed Student Technology Agreement in WebCampus.
The University of Nevada, Reno's IT group manages the devices by using device management software. JAMF is used for management of the iPads, and Intune is used for management of the Surfaces. This allows the University to push out certain software to the devices and assist users with security issues like resetting passcodes or disabling devices reported as lost or stolen. These softwares do not permit OIT to obtain any personal data or other information from the device or the apps installed on the device.
If you withdraw or transfer from the University of Nevada, Reno, you must either return the device and accessories, or purchase the technology kit at its depreciated value. For more information on how to return or purchase your device visit the Device Return and Purchase page.
Device care, safety and security
iPad
To best protect your iPad, you can do the following:
- Turn on the "Find My iPad" feature.
- Set a strong passcode (e.g., not 1234 or 9999).
- Record your serial number in case your iPad gets lost or stolen and you need to provide a report to University Police Services (keep this in a secure place and do not share it with anyone).
- Don't leave your iPad unattended and do not let anyone else use your iPad.
- Put a sticker on your iPad so you can tell your iPad apart from others.
Turn on the "Find My iPad" feature
Surface
To best protect your Surface, you can do the following:
- Turn on the "Find My Device" feature.
- Set a strong passcode or password (e.g., not 1234 or Password#1).
- Record your serial number in case your Surface gets lost or stolen and you need to provide a report to University Police Services (keep this in a secure place and do not share it with anyone).
- Don't leave your Surface unattended and do not let anyone else use your Surface.
- Put a sticker on your Surface so you can tell your Surface apart from others.
The device will not be replaced by the University in the case that it is lost or stolen. You will not be charged for a lost or stolen device.
My device was lost or stolen on NSHE property
If your device was lost or stolen on Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) property, please contact University Police Department-Northern Command at (775) 334-2677 to file a report or go online unr.edu/police. Make a note of the police report number and submit a ticket to the OIT Support Center so the device can be disabled.
My device was lost or stolen outside of NSHE property
If your device was lost or stolen outside of NSHE property, please file a police report in the jurisdiction where the loss or theft occurred. Make a note of the police report number and submit a ticket to the OIT Support Center so the device can be disabled.
If your device is an iPad
If your device is damaged while out of town, the best option is to wait and take it to the Nevada Wolf Shop when you return to campus. If you are unable to do that you can take it to an Apple store or authorized Apple dealer to have it serviced as part of AppleCare+. Please be sure to submit a ticket to the OIT Support Center to make them aware if your iPad is replaced as it may affect your University-supported apps on the iPad.
If your device is a Surface
If your device is damaged while out of town, the best option is to wait and take it to DWPI when you return to campus.
Contact the OIT Support Center Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to work with an on-site technician via chat or phone, or walk-up to the Computing Help Desk in the Knowledge Center’s 2nd floor atrium.
iPad technology kits
Your iPad is covered by AppleCare+ coverage for both manufacturer defects and accidental damage. This provides two repairs per calendar year for the first four years of AppleCare+. You will be required to pay the $49 plus tax for repair of the iPad and the $29 plus tax for repair of the Apple Pencil. Visit the AppleCare+ coverage website for further details. Non-Apple accessories are not covered by AppleCare+, please contact dwpi@unr.edu for repair or replacement questions.
If your iPad or Apple Pencil physically breaks, AppleCare+ repairs can be made through either the Nevada Wolf Shop located inside the Joe Crowley Student Union or through an Apple Store. The Wolf Shop phone number is (775) 784-6597. You can also contact AppleCare for Education (800) 800-2775 option 3.
The Apple Pencil is not covered by AppleCare+ if it is lost or stolen.
Please be sure to submit a ticket to the OIT Support Center to make them aware if your iPad is replaced as it may affect your University-supported apps on the iPad.
A core set of apps will come pre-configured on the device, including native apps for iPadOS on the device, Microsoft Office Suite and access to University-specific apps.
iCloud is not an approved location for data storage or data sharing of confidential and regulated data covered under FERPA or HIPAA at the University. For data not covered under FERPA or HIPPA, iCloud is approved as a location for data storage and sharing. For more information about storage options by data type, you can visit the Office of Information Technology's storage restrictions by data type webpage.
Contact the OIT Support Center if you have questions.
No. If you need access to previously purchased apps, sign in with your Apple ID and download them to the device after setup has been completed. You can transfer files between devices using AirDrop or a USB-C drive.
Surface technology kits
If your Surface is damaged or broken, create a TeamDynamix ticket with the Office of Information Technology.
A core set of apps will come pre-configured on the device, including native apps for Windows OS and Microsoft Office Suite.