Digitally Connected Campus - Student FAQs

Bradley University will leverage T-Mobile 5G Advanced Network Solutions (ANS) and Apple Higher Education to create a Digitally Connected Campus.

Bradley University Digitally Connected Campus Goals:

● Improve digital equity for Bradley University students and advance student success

● Enrich Bradley’s learning environment and create an ecosystem supportive of academic innovation

● Improve the university’s infrastructure and operations

Q: What is Bradley’s Digitally Connected Campus initiative?

● Bradley has entered into a six-year partnership with T-Mobile to establish a student-centric, digitally connected campus, which will be powered by T-Mobile’s 5G Advanced Network Solutions, or ANS.

● T-Mobile is providing significant investments in network infrastructure, devices, and additional services to make the Digitally Connected Campus initiative possible.

● As part of this multi-year effort – in a staged rollout that spans this academic year and next - students, full-time faculty, and many student-facing staff will receive a 10th generation iPad provided by T-Mobile, along with a keyboard case and an unlimited T-Mobile data plan with

hotspot capabilities.

● Bradley will enable each iPad with education and creativity apps, and leverage Apple’s deep expertise in education to offer training sessions and set best practices to generate truly impactful outcomes across campus.

● iPads will be distributed in staged rollouts - the first devices will go to full-time faculty and first-year students in the fall 2023 semester. As the 2023-2024 academic year unfolds, deployment of devices will extend to "discovery cohorts” focused on digital equity, academic innovation, college-level projects, and other student-centered priorities

● There will then be a full launch in fall 2024 to include students, full-time faculty, and certain student-facing staff.

Q: What will the cohort rollout look like? How will they be chosen? Can students apply to be part of a discovery cohort?

● In fall 2023, each of the five colleges will have an opportunity to launch a special project that explores the educational potential of the 5G enabled iPads. It is likely small groups of students will be invited by their dean or professor to be a part of a related discovery cohort.

● In spring 2024, a broader group of faculty and staff will be engaged in Digitally Connected Campus mini-grant projects that explore academic and operational use cases. Some of these projects will tie directly to particular courses or experiences, which will provide opportunities for select groups of students to participate in discovery cohorts.

Q: How might this initiative advance student success?

● During the first year of the initiative, Bradley will begin work on a “one-stop-shop” experience for the devices for students to connect with their instructors and classes, academic and co-curricular experiences, university services, and the campus.

● The initiative positions the university to meet the expectations of a generation of students who seek a digitally enhanced learning experience. Many of these same students have participated in K-12 digital equity initiatives.

● The partnership offers a platform that extends possibilities for students to connect with other students and faculty.

● Students are leaving high school environments where many have been learning on tablets (including iPads). This extends that experience into higher education.

● The partnership creates a platform that could allow students to use real-time data collected in the field to work toward solving today's real-world problems.

● Students may be able to leverage their 5G learning to improve career attractiveness in industries such as Robotics, AgTech, Telemedicine, Augmented Reality, Game Design, and Smart Cities.

● Through consultations with academic leadership, use cases across Bradley's colleges that can leverage 5G connectivity have been identified for implementation in the coming semesters.

Q: How did T-Mobile select Bradley for this initiative?

● T-Mobile sees Bradley as a perfect fit in its efforts to identify a college campus that can best prove how its 5G connectivity solutions can digitally transform the student experience in higher education nationwide. In this sense, Bradley has the potential to become a true exemplar.

● T-Mobile is attracted to Bradley’s institutional size and its Midwest location. Bradley is a scalable size and is essentially a “city within a city.”

● T-Mobile’s has a 5G antenna located on Bradley’s campus that increases the ease and cost of implementation.

● Bradley’s commitment to student-centric strategy, academic innovation, and tracking outcomes associated with the initiative are appealing to T-Mobile.

Q: How is this initiative strategically aligned?

● It aligns with the student-centric vision of Bradley University’s overall strategic plan and direction.

● It advances digital access and equity and, therefore, connects to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion imperative and our strategic action item (Imperative 1 and Strategic Action Item 1).

● Its academic and operational use cases tie to Boundary-Breaking Innovations (Imperative 4).

● To the extent the initiative generates revenue through attracting new students and retaining existing students, it will advance the institution’s financial strength and operational excellence (Imperative 5).

● It advances student success and support, thereby connecting to Student Success and Support (Strategic Action Item 6).

● It holds the potential for building student-centric community partnerships (Strategic Action Item 8).

Q: How might this initiative bolster Bradley’s recruitment over time?

● As the first university in the nation to establish a student-centric, digitally connected campus powered by T-Mobile’s 5G Advanced Network Solutions (ANS), this initiative enables Bradley University to be distinctive and differentiated in today’s hyper-competitive higher education market.

● It also positions the university to meet the expectations of a generation of students who seek a digitally enhanced learning experience.

Q: Why is Bradley pursuing this initiative and directing funds to it?

● Bradley must show value and distinction in the market.

● Over time we expect this initiative to have a positive impact on the university’s recruitment and retention of students.

● Through this appealing six-year partnership, T-Mobile is incurring much of the expense associated with this student-centric initiative. For instance, Bradley’s initial costs during the first year are under $1 million and will be covered by charitable contributions.

● The President and the Board of Trustees have made a commitment not to use operating funds to cover Bradley’s costs for this initiative. To this end, the University has multiple options, from additional charitable contributions to grant opportunities to technology fees. Presently, these avenues are being carefully considered.

Q: Can I use the devices and 5G data plan at home, on breaks, and/or off-campus?

● Yes. The device will connect cellularly on and off campus, subject to T-Mobile’s coverage. You can review T-Mobile’s coverage map here. T-Mobile’s 5G network covers 325 million people across 1.9 million square miles – more than AT&T and Verizon combined.

● All data usage is included in the plan, regardless of location of the use of the device. The 5G-enabled iPads not only connect to the hybrid 5G network on Bradley's campus, but also connect to any public 5G or 4G LTE network offered by T-Mobile.

Q: Do I still need to buy a laptop?

● The iPads are not intended to replace all other device needs on campus. The answer depends on your computing needs. Students are encouraged to visit this link to help determine whether a laptop is also needed for their course of study at Bradley University.

● While not all classes will leverage the iPads themselves as a prime learning tool, the hybrid 5G network will provide the instructors of these courses the ability to implement additional learning experiences (e.g., real-time data collection, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital twins, digital textbooks, and augmented reality experiences).

Q: What if I already have an Apple iPad or other tablet?

● The Apple iPads provided by Bradley University include additional security and a curated suite of apps that will be beneficial to your campus experience. Bradley encourages you to take advantage of the benefits provided by the 5G unlimited data plan that is only included with this device.

Q: Can I install personal apps or use my Apple ID on the university-provided iPad?

● Yes. Each user is allowed to use their own Apple ID.

● All uses of the products must conform to the Bradley University IT Policies.

Q: What kind of support will be available for technical issues or questions related to the iPad?

● iPads provided through Digitally Connected Campus come with AppleCare for Enterprise (ACE). ACE provides 24/7 phone support for hardware, iOS and Apple software, including how to use Apple apps. If hardware needs to be repaired by a technician, you can schedule a time with the Apple-certified technician as soon as the next day. Specific information on receiving ACE support for your iPad will be provided on the Bradley University Digitally Connected Campus webpage.

Q: If devices need to be shipped out for repair, will there be backups? Will students be charged for damage?

● Students can do a full backup to iCloud to save apps, data, and configurations if the device is functional. iCloud is free up to 5GB, then has a monthly cost to the individual.

Q: How much storage is available? What if more storage is needed?

● The iPad has 64GB of storage capacity on the device.

● iCloud storage is available free for up to 5GB, then at a cost to the individual.

● Current students also have access to Google Drive and OneDrive through their Bradley credentials.

Q: Are there any training or support resources available to help me adapt to the new iPads with 5G technology?

● Bradley will leverage Apple’s deep experience to offer training sessions and recommendations on excellent uses of iPads. Training and support resources will be shared in upcoming communications.

● For those who are ready to start learning more about iPads now, Apple Professional Learning Live is one avenue for exploring helpful resources, gaining new skills and considering ways iPads can support excellent teaching and learning.

● Apple Foundational Skills is another option, with micro lessons on using the iPad as well as core Apple Apps for the iPad.

Q: Will I be responsible for any costs associated with the university-provided iPad?

● There are no costs associated with using the device, 5G network, or provided applications. Costs that may apply:

     ○ Paid apps used on the iPads (not provided by Bradley University)

     ○ Subscription- or fee-based services used on the iPads

     ○ Any additional accessories not provided by Bradley University

     ○ Service fees for physical repair on the iPads

     ○ Any damage due to misuse not covered under the AppleCare for Enterprise plan of the device

     ○ Failure to return or purchase the iPad upon graduation or unenrollment

Q: How long can I keep the university-provided iPad?

● You may keep your university-provided Apple iPad as long as you are a degree-seeking, enrolled student at Bradley University.

● We are currently finalizing the details of a device purchase option that will define how individuals who wish to retain iPads when they leave the university may purchase the device at a reduced rate.

Q: During the six-year partnership, what will the process of updating/refreshing devices look like?

● Students will continue to progress through their time at Bradley University with the iPad they have been provided.

● We are currently finalizing the details of the device refresh process.

● Bradley will receive new devices throughout the partnership with the amount of new devices partially depending on the number of graduating students choosing to purchase their iPads.

Q: Is the iPad mine to keep?

● The iPad is technically the property of Bradley University.

● Once you graduate or transfer out of Bradley University, you will have the option to purchase the iPad at a

discounted price based on the age of the device.

Q: What can I put on the iPad?

● The device is yours to customize and use for classes, FaceTime, or even stream movies and shows on

Netflix and other services.

● You are encouraged to use the technology for both school work and your personal life.

Q: Am I going to be monitored by the University through the use of the iPad?

● No, you are not being monitored on your iPad. This is a “managed” device, which primarily just means that

Bradley can push updates and apps to the devices for your benefit, manage the service plan for the

devices, and help protect the device if it is lost or stolen.

Q: Can I “Jailbreak” the iPad?

● No. This is not an appropriate use of the device. Please do not attempt to jailbreak your iPad.

Q: What is 5G, and how does it differ from previous wireless technologies?

● 5G was built for high speed and reliability and low latency. All those who use this 5G network through their

Connected Campus iPad will experience significantly improved connectivity and communications.

● With speeds 10 times faster than 4G, students and faculty can leverage this enhanced connectivity to, for

example, engage in immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR), facilitate real-time data

collection, empower the use of emerging technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), and create

an environment that cultivates interdisciplinary projects.

Q: How will this impact Bradley’s network?

● The iPads and the 5G network will supplement Bradley’s network ecosystem. The iPads will reduce the

amount of data being transmitted across the campus Wi-Fi system, including student video streaming and

virtual meetings being performed on the iPads’ 5G connection. This will make more of Bradley’s network

bandwidth available to employees and students connecting their computers to Bradley’s Wi-Fi.

● In-class access to the learning management system through iPads on the 5G network will reduce some

collective reliance on the Wi-Fi network while students are in class.

Q: Will there be WiFi downtime on campus during the implementation of the 5G ANS network?

● No. The implementation of the 5G ANS network will not impact the existing Bradley network.

Q: Will 5G improve the internet connectivity and speed in the classroom?

● Your Digitally Connected Campus iPad will have connectivity and 5G speeds using the 5G network within

the classroom, as well as anywhere T-Mobile has public network coverage on and off campus.

● Additionally, your iPad can be used as a hotspot for connecting another device to the 5G network (with

10GB per month of hotspot data at 5G speeds). The speeds are throttled down to much slower hotspot

speeds after the 10GB threshold. You will need to wait until the next month for another 10GB of 5G speeds.

However, there will not be any billing for the data overage.

● We anticipate the deployment of the 5G network and the iPads will reduce the amount of data that is

transmitted across Bradley’s Wi-Fi network, having a positive impact on the Wi-Fi’s connectivity and speed.

Q: Will I need to upgrade my devices to take advantage of 5G?

● Only your Digitally Connected Campus iPad comes with the 5G cellular data network.

● You can connect to 5G by using your iPad as a hotspot (with 10GB per month of hotspot data at 5G

speeds). The speeds are throttled down to much slower hotspot speeds after the 10GB threshold. You will

need to wait until the next month for another 10GB of 5G speeds. However, there will not be any billing for

the data overage.

Q: Are there any health concerns associated with 5G technology?

● 5G uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) which is regulated by entities such as the Federal

Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection (ICNIRP) for operating within set safety limits.

● Governments and regulatory bodies continuously monitor and enforce these standards to ensure 5G

infrastructure and devices adhere to the safety guidelines in order to safeguard public health. Organizations

such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific advisory bodies review and assess available

evidence to provide guidance and ensure public safety.

● WHO reported no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies,

including 5G.