Apple Technology Set-up and Guidelines

Courtesy of the Office of Information Technology

As an Apple Distinguished School, Southern Virginia University aims to inspire collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking by equipping you with the tools you need for academic and career success. This is why we provide every student with an iPad Air, Smart Keyboard, and Apple Pencil—otherwise known as your Apple Bundle.

Please note, these devices are owned by the University and made available for your academic or personal use, and thereby must not be traded, defaced, or sold. Once you complete your degree and graduate from Southern Virginia University, you will then become the sole owner of your devices. In the case that you need to return your Apple Bundle to the University, please be sure to return every item you received at iPad Deployment, including the charging cable and block.

Setting Up Your iPad Air

The Office of IT services every University-issued iPad Air through our remote management system. To set up your new iPad Air:

Your student account grants you access to tools including the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive), the Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, etc.), Canvas, and Zoom.

Once you have logged in to your student account, you will create or log into your existing Apple account. This does not need to be the same login as your school account.

In addition to the standard apps downloaded on your iPad Air, you may download any apps available in the App Store. Please note, the University does not cover the costs of any applications you install on your device, including any apps required for a course.

Please use caution when downloading anything onto a University-owned device. Always ensure that whatever you download comes from a reputable source and is inline with the University’s Standards of Conduct.

New to Apple? Here’s a few tips

Not everyone is familiar with Apple devices, so here are a few tips to get you started:

• Your iPad Air charges from a USB-C cable, an increasingly common charging port among mobile devices. While your Android device or Nintendo Switch charging ports can connect a USB-C cable, do not use Apple charging cables to charge these devices. Apple cables charge at a higher wattage and may decrease the battery life of your non-Apple devices.
• Apple uses encryption in their devices to keep all of your files safe. This means if you forget your password and are not connected to Wi-Fi, we cannot help you break back into your iPad without wiping the files. To avoid this problem, always backup your iPad files and make sure to note your passwords when you change them.
• When using shortcuts, Apple keyboards use the “command” ⌘ key instead of a “CTRL” or control key. (ex. ⌘+c is copy and ⌘+v is paste) See all commands
• If you prefer to use different default apps for internet browsing, email, calendar, etc. (like Google Chrome instead of Safari), you can make those changes in the settings menu.
• Your Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the side of your iPad Air below the volume buttons. When attached, the pencil charges wirelessly.

Caring for Your Devices

You will be responsible for any damages to your Apple devices, so it is in your best interest to handle them with care. Here are some recommendations to help keep your devices in the best shape:

• Keep your iPad Air in the Smart keyboard case at all times. If you choose an alternate case for your iPad Air, please note that cases covering both iPad and keyboard can bend the iPad casing or rip at the edges of your keyboard
• Keep your devices away from food and water. Often water damage does not cause immediate harm to an iPad, but it will degrade its functionality over time
• Maintain your iPad between 32-95 degrees. If your iPad was left in a cold place, let it warm up before turning it on. Do not use it in places where it would overheat or leave it in your car. Extreme temperatures will cause damage to your device.
• Be careful handling your iPad, even when it is in your bag. Do not throw or sit on a bag with an iPad inside. When traveling, try to avoid packing your iPad in checked luggage.
• Placing heavy items on top of, or in a bag with, an iPad may cause its casing to bend over time. This subtle damage is very bad for the circuitry.
• Do not leave your iPad unattended in public spaces.
• When you are not using your iPad, lay it flat on a solid surface like a desk or a shelf, not in a bag.
• Avoid humid environments like the bathroom or a sports bag. The keyboard is especially susceptible to high levels of humidity and will fray and wrinkle.
• Do not put stickers on your University-issued technology. In the case you need to return a device prior to graduation, you will be charged a fee for any stickers or residue found.

Damage Fees

Please note that Apple technology returned with the following damages will result in fees.

Learn more about the return process

Contacting IT & Support Portal