Notebook Security and Insurance Resources

Students Attend Computer Training

Since Northwest began providing notebook computers for students, ten notebook computers have been reported stolen from rooms and vehicles. During the 2006-2007 academic year six notebook computers were stolen within one month. Although, theft is rare and occurred primarily off-campus and outside Maryville city limits, students should take security measures to protect their notebook computer. See the Notebook Guide for tips on how to protect your notebook computer.

Additionally, students are responsible for repairs for their notebook computer with financial responsibility determined by severity of damage. During the 2006-2007 academic year there were about 100 repairs that resulted in the cost of repair being billed to the student. The most common non-warranty repairs were broken LCD screens and motherboards with the cost of repairs between $200 and $300. However, unless major damage was found or the damage was the result of obvious vandalism or gross negligence students will not be billed for the full cost of repair.

Northwest notebook computers are covered by the vendor for manufacturing defects and will be covered for accidental [minor] damage with a $50 deductable (which will be billed to the student's Northwest account). Accidental damage includes but is not limited to: liquid spills, cracked LCD screens, broken USB ports, unauthorized repairs resulting in damaged components, etc.

Students are financially responsible in full for major damage and vandalism/gross negligence. Additionally, students are financially responsible in full for replacement of their notebook computer if it is lost or stolen.

Note: It is important to immediately file a police report if your notebook computer is lost or stolen. Filing a report and providing that report to the ECSC will result in a refund if the notebook computer is recovered and may reduce financial liability.

For major notebook computer damage, vandalism or theft, students are encouraged to purchase liability insurance from an insurance provider. Two such vendors of which we are aware are listed below:

Note: Northwest, however, is not endorsing either of these vendors, and if you wish to purchase insurance from any other vendor you are free to do so.

All notebook computer repairs must be completed at the Jon T. Rickman Electronic Campus Support Center (ECSC).

Northwest notebook computers are the sole property of Northwest Missouri State University and must be returned when a student leaves the university or their campus notebook contract concludes.

Note: students are responsible for the replacement cost of their notebook of up to $1,500.00. Additionally, students are responsible for the cost of repairs to their notebook computer due to damage. Financial responsbility is determined by severity of damage.