To facilitate the delivery of “freshman-orientation information” along with course material, the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri is asking its students to go in for either an Apple iPhone or an iPod Touch, beginning this fall.

Classifying the possession of an iPod Touch as “the minimum requirement,” the University Website specified that either of the two devices will help the students to electronically download material from iTunes University, a free section of the iTunes Store. 

Referring to the iPhone or iPod Touch requirement, the University’s Web page said the devices can be used by the students to review recorded lectures before exams. The University stated: “We are trying to take advantage of that as a means to deliver course content. The video capability of the iPod Touch and iPhone makes this an ideal delivery platform and gives students a device on which they can review lectures and other course material while on the go or working out.”

Going by a statement made by Brian Brooks, associate dean of the School of Journalism, one of the other reasons for “requiring” the purchase of either device is for the benefit of students on financial aid. Brooks also told the Columbia Missourian that the requirement “will not be enforced,” and there will be no penalty for students not possessing the devices.