Technology Requirements 2021 (Archive)

Introduction

UCSF is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) campus and requires all students to own a personal device for UCSF-related activities. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that devices meet or exceed a set of standards that will allow students to participate effectively in the UCSF technology ecosystem. Technology will be an integral component of your UCSF education. Having adequate hardware is worth the investment--your focus should be on your education, not dealing with technical issues caused by dated or underpowered devices.

These requirements also ensure that incoming students have installed all security software required by the UCSF Minimum Security Standards. UCSF students have a legal and ethical responsibility to preserve and protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all confidential information, both patient and non-patient related. Security regulations are dictated by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), other Federal and California privacy laws, as well as UCOP and UCSF Policies, and Medical Center Administrative Policies and Procedures.

Sections

1. Laptop requirements
2. iPad and keyboard requirement
3. Software requirements
4. Set up UCSF email
5. Internet requirement

1. Laptop requirements

You must own a laptop computer that meets the following minimum specifications. If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preference for Mac or PC.

2. iPad and keyboard (recommended) 

A. Apple iPad or iPad Pro

1. 9.7-inch display or larger
2. 2 GB of memory or more
3. 64 GB of storage or larger
4. Supports iOS 14

The following models meet this criteria:

• iPad Air 4 (2020) | 10.9-inch | 64 or 256 GB
• iPad Air 3 (2019) | 10.5-inch | 64 or 256 GB
• iPad 2020 (8th-generation) | 10.2-inch | 128 GB
• iPad 2019 (7th-generation) | 9.7-inch | 128 GB
• iPad 2018 (6th-generation) | 9.7-inch | 128 GB
• iPad 2017 (5th-generation) | 9.7-inch | 128 GB
• iPad Pro 4 | 11 or 12.9-inch | 128, 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB
• iPad Pro 3 | 11 or 12.9-inch | 64, 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB
• iPad Pro 2 | 10.5 or 12.9-inch | 64, 128, 256, or 512 GB
• iPad Pro | 9.7 or 12.9-inch |128 GB

If you do not already own an iPad that meets these criteria, we recommend you buy the most recently released version of the iPad. We offer no other recommendation from this list and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preferences. If you plan on using your iPad as your primary device for taking notes, you may want to consider getting an iPad with larger screen and if you want the ability to use an Apple Pencil, please check for compatibility at https://www.apple.com/apple-pencil/.

B. iPad keyboard

• There is a large variety of keyboard manufacturers and designs; we offer no specific recommendation and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preferences.
• You should expect to pay $100 to $200 for a quality keyboard and should consider the following features:
  • Folio-style or clamshell: a clamshell case that firmly holds your iPad in place will allow you to work more easily when desk space is limited. Folio cases tend to be lighter and cheaper but typically rely on a groove or magnet to hold you iPad in place and offer only a single propped-up angle to view the display.
  • Always-on or removable: Some cases make it difficult to use your iPad as just a tablet. If you plan on using the keyboard infrequently, you may want to consider a case that can be easily removed.
  • Bluetooth or Smart Keyboard: Certain iPads support Smart Keyboards, unlike Bluetooth keyboards, you don't need to pair or turn on your Smart Keyboard.
  • Typing experience: To varying degrees, all iPad keyboards offer smaller-than normal keys in a compact layout. You will need to be comfortable typing short answer and essay questions on your keyboard and we emphasize that you take this into consideration and use your keyboard often enough that you are comfortable using it during exams.

3. Software requirements

You must have the following software installed on your computer. You may be prevented from connecting to the UCSF network without having all the required security software installed.

4. Set up UCSF email

Before arriving at campus, you must be able to send/receive messages from your UCSF Email. Use of this email account is required for all communications involving UCSF business, research, and studies. You are expected to check this account periodically to stay apprised of all program and campus messages. In addition to being able to send/receive messages, you are required to enroll in the UCSF Password Management Tool and change your original password that was distributed by the Registrar. Please see First Time Login instructions on the Technology Introduction for Students.

Your use of UCSF Email is governed by the University of California Electronic Communications Policy. Additionally:

• The use of third-party email services is not approved by UCSF--including the forwarding of email to an outside service (e.g., Yahoo and Gmail).
• Do not share your own or other people's email account or password.
• Don’t share our mailing list email addresses with people who are not affiliated with UCSF.
• Do not use your email account for unlawful activities, commercial purposes, personal financial gain, chain letters, unsolicited marketing, or letter bombs.
• When you send a confidential email, use Secure Email. Regular email is not encrypted by default.

5. Internet requirement

You are required to have a home internet connection. Your connection speeds must be sufficient for high quality group video calling on Zoom: 1.5 Mbps upload and 1.5 Mbps download.

To test your connection go to: https://www.google.com/search?q=speedtest

If internet service is included with your student housing, this meets your internet requirement. All other students are responsible for selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and purchasing service. You are responsible for the cost of this service, which averages about $60 per month. The largest providers in San Francisco are Sonic, AT&T, and XFINITY. Availability, speed, and pricing can vary depending on where you live and level of service you prefer.

If you’re not in campus housing and you’re using wireless at home, you must configure your wireless network with WPA encryption to comply with UCSF policy. If you’re uncertain about how to do this or how to confirm it, ask a knowledgeable friend or contact your internet service provider or the vendor of your wireless access point.

Archive

Technology requirements for student pharmacists entering in:

• Summer 2020