Beginning next fall, Ball State will give a desk-top computer and color printer to every freshman admitted with distinction who does not receive a scholarship. Officials estimate 700-800 top high school graduates who have already been admitted to Ball State would be eligible for the free computers if they choose to enroll on the campus.

"For the last 15 years we have developed a technology-rich environment that uses computers and telecommunications to improve teaching and learning," said Vice President for Student Affairs Douglas McConkey. "This is a major commitment to demonstrate the importance we place on the computer skills of our students."

Board of Trustees President Thomas DeWeese called the program a significant step in strengthening undergraduate education and attracting the state's brightest high school graduates.

Ball State was the first college campus in Indiana to link its classrooms, laboratories, library and residence hall rooms to campus computers using a fiber optic system. It also requires all students to demonstrate computer competency before graduating. For the first time this year all freshman English composition courses are conducted in classrooms where all students have a computer at their desk.

To receive a free desk-top computer and printer when he or she enrolls next fall, a student must score at least 1120 on the SAT exam and earn at least a 3.0 grade point average in a college preparatory program in high school. Those who meet the requirements and don't receive one of the university-based merit scholarships will get a computer.

McConkey said the program could cost the university $1 million and will be financed through technology funds backed by private gifts from the Ball State University Foundation.

"We believe strongly that college graduates must be technologically competitive to succeed," he said. "This is part of Ball State's commitment to provide the powerful resources our students will need."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about this story contact Douglas McConkey at (765)285-1444 or by E-mail at dmcconk@bsu.edu.)