Purchasing
iPads purchased for university use should be purchased through Apple's TopShop integration following WKU's standard procurement process. ITS reviews purchase requests for devices bought with university funds — items purchased outside of this process may have limited support.
Additionally, AppleCare+ coverage is required at the time of purchase.
Supported Models
The following iPad models are fully supported by ITS:
- iPad — 7th generation and later
- iPad Air — 3rd generation and later
- iPad mini — 5th generation and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch — 1st generation and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch — 3rd generation and later
iPads that do not support the latest version of iPadOS are considered end-of-support. ITS may be unable to resolve technical issues on those devices and will work with the department to identify a suitable replacement if needed.
Device Enrollment and Management
iPads purchased through Apple's TopShop integration are automatically enrolled in Microsoft Intune. When you first turn the device on and connect it to WiFi, you will be prompted to confirm enrollment, allowing ITS to apply security settings and deploy apps to university-owned devices without requiring manual setup from the department.
As part of this management, all WKU-owned iPads are required to have a 6-digit PIN to unlock the device. This is a university security requirement.
App Purchasing and Deployment
Because your iPad is managed through Intune, ITS can purchase and deploy apps directly to your device on behalf of your department. Apps are licensed and managed centrally — departments do not need to use a personal Apple account, and ITS can manage or remove apps as needed.
To request an app, contact the ITS Service Desk or submit a service request by clicking the Request Service button.
Software Support
ITS provides support for the following apps on WKU-owned iPads:
- Microsoft Outlook
- Blackboard
- iWKU
- Connecting to WKU WiFi networks
For apps deployed to your device by ITS at your department's request, we can assist with basic troubleshooting and reinstallation. Support for an app's specific features or functionality may fall to the app's vendor. Only Outlook is supported by ITS for WKU email — alternative email clients may work but will not be supported.
Hardware Support
ITS offers the following hardware support for WKU-owned iPads:
- Diagnostics and triage — If you are experiencing a potential hardware issue, ITS will assess the device to identify the cause.
- AppleCare+ repair facilitation — If a hardware issue is confirmed and the device has active AppleCare+ coverage, ITS will coordinate sending the device to Apple for repair on your behalf.
- Third-party repair facilitation — ITS is unable to repair physical hardware damage (such as a broken screen) directly, but can facilitate a repair through a third-party provider at cost to the department.
Devices without active AppleCare+ coverage or not purchased through Apple's TopShop integration may have limited support options.