When will I receive my laptop?

• MD Students: During Launch week.
• PhD Students: Your program liaison will communicate distribution details by email.

When would I need to connect to the Michigan Medicine network? 

You'll need to connect to the Michigan Medicine network to access specific resources like MiChart, shared drives, library resources, etc. 

• Onsite: Connect to the wireless network on the medical school campus
• Offsite: Log into the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) after logging onto the laptop to connect to the MM network remotely. 

You should login at least once every 30 days to maintain system health. After 30 days, the laptop will require a health check to rejoin the network. When you connect for the first time in over 30 days, the health check will run automatically when you log into the Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can also run software maintenance manually by following the instructions.

The laptop may require reimage or swap if it is off the network for too long. We recommend logging in and connecting to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you are mostly off campus at least once per week to ensure there will be no disruptions to your access. 

How often is the laptop updated?

Updates are completed by the process known as running maintenance. It occurs nightly at 3am if connected to the network. You will see a pop up occasionally asking you to reboot to finalize updates. This process ensures your laptop remains in compliance and also provides updates to applications. Review the article on the HITS laptop update experience for users. 

If you are on the laptop while an update is needed, you will see a yellow dot in the update icon in the bottom right hand of your taskbar. 

• If you are not on campus consistently, follow the instructions to run updates to ensure you receive your updates weekly.
  
  • If you connect to the Michigan Medicine network on site, you do not need to connect to the VPN to run maintenance. 

If this process isn't completed at least once a week, then you may not be able to receive updates including updates to applications, and will need your laptop reimaged. 

How do I log into the laptop?

You will be using your uniqname and UMICH Password to log into the laptop. For information about UMICH Passwords, review the HITS Computing Essentials Guide

Do M1 students (MD Program) need to use this for quizzes and exams?

Yes, all quizzes and exams in the MD program will be required to be taken on your Michigan Medicine provided laptop to help ensure no technical issues occur during an exam. 

Ensure you follow the above steps to keeping your laptop up to date to ensure a smooth testing experience. 

Do I have admin rights on this computer to install other applications or software?

No, there is a process in place to request the ability to have elevated privileges when needed (such as installing software that is not provided by HITS) known as Just in Time Elevated Privileged Access. 

Please check the software list in the next question to see what can be installed on your laptop by HITS before requesting Just in Time Elevated Privilege Access. 

What applications are included on the laptop?

All laptops will be fitted with the following applications:

• Microsoft Office 365
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Dropbox
• Zoom
• Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• MiChart (Epic) 
• Other common applications that you are expected to use during Medical School. A full listing is made available on the HITS Knowledgebase. 

In addition, please visit the Service Catalog to learn about applications supported by HITS that can be provisioned to your laptop.

Where can I learn a bit about the laptop I will receive? 

Each incoming Summer 2025 student will receive a Dell Latitude 5450 Performance Laptop. 

CPU:   i7-1355U

RAM:   16GB, 1x16B, DDR4 Non-ECC

Storage:   M.2 512GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 Solid State Drive

Graphics:  Intel

Display:  14" FHD (1920 x 1080) 400 Nits, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch

Webcam:   FHD+IR

Wi-Fi:  Intel AX211 WiFi 6e 2x2 AX+ with Bluetooth 5.2

Thunderbolt:   Yes

Battery:  3 Cell 54 Whr ExpressCharge Battery

Power Adapter:   65W USB-C adapter

Warranty:   4 years

What if I have only used a Mac before?

Here are a few resources to choose from to learn some of the basics of Windows 11 functionality when transitioning from Macs.  

• Linkedin Learning course: This course can be accessed by logging in with your uniqname@umich.edu email and password.
• Youtube video covering various tasks between Windows and Macs
• Windows article with tips on switching from Mac
• UM ChatGPT Response to prompt about switching 

Lastly, training on Windows 11 in general is available at Microsoft’s website. A few callouts that may be helpful:

Meet Windows 11

• New taskbar and how to configure the taskbar to show application labels
• Revamped start menu and how to move the start menu to the left
• Simplified right-click, context menu
• Multiple desktops
• New widgets, Snap Groups, and additional personalization options
• Voice-activated navigation

Day 1 of Windows 11 Video

We hope these resources help lesson the learning curve of using a Windows device. Remember not all the functionality/settings may be configured for our Michigan Medicine Managed Devices.

I need a laptop but I am a current student who matriculated before the laptop program started. What can I do?

If you're a student who matriculated before the laptop program began and are advised by your faculty/department chair to receive a HITS laptop or you are an MD student returning from LOA to join a cohort that was given a HITS Core Image Laptop, you can fill out this device ordering form.

If I already have a personal device, can I not pick up this HITS Core Image laptop?

No, you must pick up this laptop. It is required to use this laptop for any education and business use for Michigan Medicine. For MD Students, exams must be taken using the HITS Core Image laptop. 

What if I want a tablet or a different device? Will HITS support a personal laptop/device?

You may use a personal device for note taking, personal use, etc. However, personal device support is extremely limited by HITS. If using a personal device to access Michigan Medicine resources, we recommend utilizing our Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). This provides access to a virtual HITS device that allows you to access resources securely. MD students must use the HITS provided laptop to complete quizzes and exams.

I prefer a Mac. Can I have a Mac instead of a PC?

At this time, PCs are the standard laptop for this program. By using one type of computer across the program, we can ensure applications function correctly, our service desk can provide faster technical support, and resources such as 'how-to' articles are correct for all users.

Mac desktops are made available for student use in the Taubman Health Sciences Library Computer Labs.

What if the HITS provided laptop will not work for my educational needs? 

If you have any specific educational or accessibility requirements that are not fulfilled by the HITS provided Windows laptop, please partner with your faculty advisor, mentor (PIBS) or Learning Specialist (JT Sangsland) to obtain the necessary approvals and submit a request for different equipment. The request form has the necessary details.

For non-accessibility requests for non standard devices, please work with your faculty or department admins to complete the device ordering form. 

Note: A preference for a non-windows laptop does not meet the criteria for requesting different equipment.

Do I get any computer peripherals/accessories (mouse, laptop bag, etc.)?

An HDMI cord will be provided at the time you receive your laptop. Any other items can be purchased at your own convenience or through the University of Michigan Central Campus Tech Shop.

How can I keep my laptop safe and secure? Where can I learn about cybersecurity best practices for my HITS Core Image laptop?

HITS provides multiple short Cybersecurity (Safe Computing) courses that we encourage students to review before using their HITS Core Image laptop to ensure you are comfortable with keeping your laptop secure. They are located on the HITS Cornerstone website by logging in and are listed below. Follow the instructions on how to search for a course. 

• IA-10006 Cyber Safety Best Practices - Module 1: Hackers, Malware, and Phishing
• IA-10007 Cyber Safety Best Practices - Module 2: Password Safety
• IA-10008 Cyber Safety Best Practices - Module 3: Technical Support Scams and Social Media
• IA-10009 Cyber Safety Best Practices - Module 4: Protecting Data

Where can I learn more about best practices using this laptop if I am traveling internationally?

Please review the Data and Technology Security tab on the University's travel guidelines website. 

What "personal use" can I use this laptop for? Are there any other security guidelines I need to follow?

You can use your laptop for reasonable personal business such as watching videos, streaming music, or study tools, etc. We recommend using web based software as much as possible. You are also expected to follow Michigan Medicine guidelines for use of the laptop. In addition to reviewing the Student IT Policies for the University, you can also review the Protect the U guidelines at SafeComputing. 

What will this laptop be capable of?

The HITS Medical School Student Laptop program is intended to provide a core image laptop for every medical school student to ensure they can access standard tools and resources to enable their studies and work at Michigan Medicine. The laptop is capable of performing general computing activities such as  browsing the internet, video conferencing, and basic application utilization. 

For information on a device that can be utilized for research purposes/high end computing, you can consult with our Academic IT Staff who can point you in the right direction. 

What happens if the laptop is accidentally damaged or stops working? 

If you encounter issues with your laptop, contact the HITS Service Desk. They will help arrange a replacement laptop that will become your new permanent device.

You will not be charged any fees. Ensure your data is backed up via one of the cloud storage solutions in order to prevent any loss of data (see later question on options). 

What happens if the laptop is lost or stolen?

If it is stolen, please file a police report with DPSS before calling the HITS Service Desk. A detailed process guide can be accessed at KB0014577: Staff Process for Reporting Lost or Stolen General Compute Devices

What happens if I lose my laptop's charger?

HITS will not be able to provide a replacement. You will need to purchase a replacement charger. 

Do I need to return it when I leave the university or graduate?

Yes, you will need to return the laptop if you leave or graduate. If you take a Leave of Absence/Dual Degree, you will not be required to return the laptop during that time. 

If you are leaving the program, please submit a device return catalog request to coordinate returning the laptop. 

Can I buy the laptop after graduation?

No, all laptops will need to be returned to HITS.

Can I customize the laptop, including the packaged applications/shortcuts provided with it (backgrounds, shortcuts, etc.)?

Yes, you are free to add or move around applications/shortcuts to your desktop, taskbar, start menu, etc. However, some customizations may be reset during routine laptop updates.

Will the laptop be automatically backed up? Where should I save my information?

We will enable OneDrive PC Folder Backup to automatically back up files saved to your desktop, documents, and images folders. This enables seamless switching of laptop and provides you with 1 TB of personal backup storage. In addition, we recommend utilizing one of the many cloud storage options when the need for collaboration arises. 

What cloud storage options should I use?

This answer depends on a variety of factors, like department, use-case, and data sensitivity. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the data sensitivity guide to see what are the levels of data sensitivity and what storage options are appropriate for those data levels.

To ensure Michigan Medicine data security, please do not use a personal account for any cloud services or any other 3rd party cloud services. 

Do I need to install or run anti-virus software?

Your Michigan Medicine provided laptop comes pre-installed with an anti-virus called CrowdStrike that runs automatically. 

How do I access resources if I am off campus?

Many standard education resources/applications do not require the use of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). However, some research and clinical applications do. We recommend the use of the Cisco Secure Client VPN that is installed on your Michigan Medicine provided laptop and WVD if you need to access those resources on a personal device. 

What if I need additional accessibility options?

For assistance with any accessibility requirements, please contact through email the appropriate resource:

• MD students: Jensen Whitmore and JT Sangsland
• PhD students: TJ Shannon

What if I have other questions about the laptop program? Who do I contact for support?

You can contact the HITS Laptop Project team with any additional inquiries. This FAQ will then be updated to assist all students.