The School of Business Administration's MBA program is joining a select group of universities that require incoming, full-time students to bring a laptop computer to class.

The requirement becomes effective in September with the next round of new students.

David D. Palmer, executive director of the MBA programs, said the school's faculty decided to make the leap because "the effective use of technology has become such an integral part of all fields in the business world. Our students, to be among the best, must have high- level skills in the use of computers and computer software, and in their ability to use those tools to analyze data. Today, in several fields, the complexity of analysis requires top-end skills with computers and sophisticated software."

MBA officials developed a set of recommended features for the laptops, but will not be involved in the actual purchase, said Palmer, citing the potential for problems regarding maintenance and support of the machines should the University be listed as the owner.

The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College will join UConn in requiring laptops in September. Last year, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) instituted the requirement in its business school.

RAV