As information technology becomes a more vital element in people’s daily lives, prospective students are looking more closely at the way colleges and universities provide and support technology resources for their students. To assist in this process, EDUCAUSE has developed a consumer's guide to evaluating information technology on campus.

Written in cooperation with the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the EDUCAUSE Guide provides a series of questions that prospective students and their parents might want to ask in order to understand how a particular institution uses information technology in its day-to-day life.

George Mason University is pleased to cooperate in this effort to provide information to students by publishing our responses to the questions in the EDUCAUSE Guide. We hope this information will help students interested in George Mason evaluate our use of information technology and learn how our approach might fit their needs and interests.

For information about the EDUCAUSE Guide, see www.educause.edu/consumerguide

For information on other student guides, see
www.educause.edu/studentguide/1581

What You Need to Know and What You Should Ask When
Choosing a College or University

You’re not just a student. You’re a consumer too, and you should know what you’re paying for, so ask!

In searching for the right college or university, you’ll find all kinds of guides, lists, and rankings designed to help and influence your choice, along with print and web resources that schools are glad to send you.

Computers are everywhere and will be a big part of your college experience. While a campus’technology resources, support, and services will not be the only factors you consider, they are important, variable, and too often misunderstood.

One of the best tactics is to ask questions. Remember, there are no “dumb” questions, just those you want answers to before you make a commitment.