Software for Instruction
The Art Media Technologist (AMT) is the departmental coordinator on all software used for teaching. The AMT can research software capabilities and usage for class needs, advise on currently available resources, and manage the purchasing process (including Stanford’s mandatory DRA and accessibility pre-screenings). Please consider the overview of currently available and approved software for alternatives before submitting a request for a new class software. Requests for software assistance and purchasing can be made here.
The AMT needs to receive class software requests by the deadlines listed below. These dates will remain the same for each academic year. It is pertinent that these deadlines are honored to guarantee new software is available for your class. Quarterly software pushes are meticulously coordinated by staff and Stanford IT to prepare classroom devices for the next quarter.
- Fall Classes: June 15th
- Winter Classes: November 15th
- Spring Classes: February 15th
Mid-quarter software requests with a lead time of minimum of two weeks will be reviewed but cannot be guaranteed. Mid-quarter software requests with less than two weeks lead time will not be considered. In that case, please consider the Department’s available software depository for alternatives.
Considerations for student-use
Requests for highly-specialized or unusual software may present a variety of challenges including issues related to distribution to students, Stanford’s data safety policies, installation on Stanford-owned devices, and methods of payment. To mediate these obstacles, our experienced staff might suggest the following solutions for your class:
- If individual licenses are not possible, a shared account might be advised.
- Licenses might have to be installed only on Stanford-owned devices, available for check-out to students.
- Students may need to purchase and install software on their own devices, which would need to be outlined in the class syllabus so that students are aware in advance of this cost. Reimbursing students for these purchases is not standard practice, so please consider this option carefully before proceeding.
- Gift cards cannot be granted to students to support buying software. Gift cards are considered taxable income and can put students over a threshold for financial aid, tax brackets, and Federal Work Study eligibility.
- Under no circumstances can the Department support software that requires a Stanford Purchases card to be entered on a student’s personal device.