ACU dishing out iPhone / iPod touch to all incoming freshmen

by Darren Murph posted Feb 26th 2008 at 11:54AM

Never heard of Abilene Christian University? We're guessing a wide majority of the general public hasn't either, but the institution is definitely getting its name out there by promising each incoming freshman this fall an iPhone or iPod touch. Granted, these aren't being explicitly marked as "free," but similar to Duke's efforts in years past, ACU plans on using these devices for educational enrichment. Reportedly, the handhelds will enable students to "receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their professors' offices, and check their meal and account balances" -- and that's just for starters. Interestingly, we aren't told whether or not the folks already enrolled will be left out -- nor what determines which Apple you get -- but we do know that the entity is hoping to "expand the program in the future."

[Thanks, Byzil]

Filed under: Handsets, Software, ATT, GSM, EDGE, Apple, iPhone OS

Tags: Abilene Christian University, AbileneChristianUniversity, acu, class, Culture, education, iphone, ipod, ipod touch, IpodTouch, learning, school, university

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Richard @ Feb 26th 2008 12:39PM

Makes total Christian sense: Since you can't send an MMS Message on the "J-Phone" it'll remove the possibility and tempation of spontaneous, drunken friend-2-friend pR0n.

Neutral

dhaasgob @ Feb 26th 2008 1:44PM

But you can look at porn sites via the iPhone...

Although, I bet they have little 'honor code' tracking devices that make sure you don't sin while using it. Oops, too late you already did by coveting it when you first received it.

ACU is such a 19th Century school when it comes to lifestyle choices. Giving away iPhones and iPods won't make a dent on that. That and being freakishly expensive.

Neutral

xj @ Feb 26th 2008 1:21PM

I lived in Abilene for a while and ACU is quite the opposite of a party school. So while the Iphone may be tempting, you'll need it because you'll lack any social life outside of church.

Neutral

E.P. @ Feb 26th 2008 2:35PM

I recently graduated from Abilene Christian University, and am happy the decided to go ahead with this plan. This will only add to the university's connected feeling. The campus already has tons of wi-fi coverage, and when u add the iphone/ipod touch into that, it makes it even better. And to the comment about ACU not being a party school, you are correct. But to the part about not having a life, I think that is not a good statement at all. If all u want to do in college is drink and party, go somewhere else. But if u actually want to have fun in school, get a great education, and get an iphone, well acu's your place!! Lol.

Highly Ranked

Dun @ Feb 26th 2008 2:33PM

ACU . . . go Wildcats! Can I come back for a few classes and get a phone?

ps: there is plenty to do at ACU. Getting a great education being the first priority!

No real "need" for anything else. Take it from me: A "fun loving, Rocking Rodeo, Fire House, etc. loving dropout."

Neutral

elgee02 @ Feb 26th 2008 2:51PM

Does AT&T offer any discount to ACU students on service? If not I'd just take the iPod touch and use my current service provider.

The college I went to (Arizona State) just started offering mothly access discounts (10%) and sweet discounts on phone to students through Verizon Wireless, any student who could provide a valid student ID card could receive a nice discount on service, phones, and accessories. Alumni and employees at ASU also get a discount too.

I'm curious if any other service providers offer discounts to students of any college or university.

Neutral

PredatoryDuck @ Feb 26th 2008 8:17PM

ATT offers discounts to IU students -- 12% of the voice plan. Basically, this covers the taxes and a little more, but is nice nonetheless.

Neutral

Gib @ Feb 26th 2008 11:05PM

I would probably jump ship if they offered an iphone to me at my school. Finally have a legitimate reason for having phone out in class :)

Neutral

blane @ Feb 27th 2008 6:16PM

I am an ACU grad from way back, and my oldest child will most likely attend there in about 18 months. I think this a neat idea, but I had the same questions regarding cellular data rates, etc. We are an ATT family, so at least we can use it on our family plan. I had actually been thinking about getting him an iPhone when he went to college. Now, for what we will be paying, we should all get a nifty new phone!