Technology Requirements
As part of the admission process to LUGC, you are required to attest to certain competencies in the use of technology.
Students must have the following skills:
- Ability to use email to correspond with faculty, staff, and students
- Ability to access, create, and save documents in Microsoft Office formats; at a minimum, you must be familiar with Microsoft Word
- Ability to browse the web, including downloading and installing common plug-ins (listed below) and configuring common browser options
- Ability to configure and run applications, including an antivirus application, to ensure that your system is secure and transmitted files are virus free
- Ability to record, upload, and submit self-recorded video and voice recordings.
- To enroll in classes online, you must have access to a computer and meet the hardware and software requirements. Some of the requirements listed are applicable only to specific courses and are indicated accordingly.
- Students must be able to run, install, and configure programs and be able to store and retrieve documents and files on their computer. Supported file types for assignments include: .pdf, .txt, .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, and .xlsx.
- Students should understand how to operate the built-in features and/or external equipment prior to using them in the classroom environment.
Hardware and Software Requirements for All LUGC Students
To enroll and participate in classes online, students must use a desktop computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with at least the following items
- CPU processor to support the Operating System (OS) and applications
- 8 GB of random-access memory (RAM)
- 120 GB of free hard-drive space (additional space may be needed for course-related files)
- Internal or external webcam with integrated microphone
- Audio output device to play sound
- Headset or earbuds with microphone (recommended)
Because online learning tools at LUGC are mobile responsive, students may use mobile devices such as tablets (e.g., iPad), mobile phones, and notebook computers (e.g., Chromebooks) to perform some academic activities and thereby supplement the use of a desktop computer or laptop. However, a desktop computer or laptop must remain the primary device for studies at LUGC.
Please note that to install and use mobile apps for studies at LUGC, the mobile device must meet the apps’ hardware, storage, and data requirements. Data rates may apply; check with the mobile service provider.
Internet Access
High-speed internet access is a necessity due to the use of multimedia technologies in our courses. We recommend a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 4 Mbps. Speeds slower than this may impact a student’s experience.
Software Requirements for All Students
Please see the below software requirements for online classes:
Desktop Support
Operating System
- Microsoft: Windows 10 (Version 21H2); Windows 8.1
- Apple: macOS 11 (Big Sur); macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
*Microsoft discontinued extended support of Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023.
Release candidate versions are not supported. Local administrative privileges to the operating system may be required.
Browser
- Google Chrome (latest version)
- Mozilla Firefox (Latest version)
- Apple Safari (Latest version; minimum version 13)
- Microsoft Edge (Latest version; minimum version 85 August 2020 release)
- Microsoft 10 and the Edge Browser: The Microsoft Edge browser IS NOT currently supported for Canvas or our Student Portal. Many features work well; however, users may experience issues with classroom discussions and popup blockers. We recommend students use Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox.
Tablet and Mobile Support
Android
- Operating System: Android 8.1+
- Browser: Chrome
- Supported Browser Version(s): Latest
Apple
- Operating System: (OS) iOS® Version 12.5.4
- Browser: Chrome
- Supported Browser Version(s): The latest minor or point release of the most recent two major versions of iOS. Examples: iOS 10.3.2 is supported but not 10.2.1. iOS 9.3.5 is also supported but not 9.0.2.
Windows
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Browser: Chrome; Firefox
- Supported Browser Version(s): Latest of all browsers, except for Microsoft Internet Explorer (not supported) and Firefox ESR
Productivity Software
All students are provided with Microsoft Office 365, which is available as a free, renewable subscription to active, enrolled students at LUGC.
- A current list of the following software
- Microsoft Office 365 (2019)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader Free Download
- Oracle Java Free Download
- Google Documents Free Download
- iWork – mac Pages, Numbers, Keynote (for MAC users)