The Maitripa College hybrid low-residency model offers students both onsite and online course delivery formats, creating the conditions for an educational journey grounded in spiritual and community formation. A computer (ideally a laptop) is required for all degree, continuing education, and auditing students.
This document describes the minimum technology requirements students must meet in order to ensure a reliable and effective learning experience at Maitripa College. Students are responsible for ensuring their equipment and internet access meet these requirements before beginning coursework.
1. Recommended Student Computer Specification
The following specifications ensure smooth performance for online learning, document editing, web browsing, video conferencing, and multitasking between applications:
- Operating System: Windows 11, macOS 12+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 35+, or similar modern distributions)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (11th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 5000 series or Apple M1/M2
- RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB preferred
- Storage: 256 GB SSD minimum, 512 GB preferred
- Display: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Webcam: 720p or better (required for synchronous sessions)
- Internet: 10+ Mbps broadband (wired or reliable Wi-Fi)
- Audio: Built-in speakers/microphone or USB headset
2. Required Institutional Platforms
Maitripa College uses the following platforms to deliver coursework, facilitate communication, and support academic operations. All students must be able to access and use these platforms. Account credentials and on-boarding instructions are provided upon enrollment.
Populi: Student Information System and Learning Management System
Populi is Maitripa College’s integrated student information system (SIS) and learning management system (LMS). Students use Populi to access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades, communicate with faculty, register for courses, and manage their student accounts.
Requirements:
- A modern, up-to-date web browser: Google Chrome (recommended), Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari (macOS), or Microsoft Edge
- High-speed internet connection
- JavaScript and cookies enabled in browser settings
- No additional software installation required. Populi is entirely web-based
Zoom: Video Conferencing for Synchronous Sessions
Zoom is used for live synchronous class sessions, faculty office hours, advising meetings, and community events. Students are expected to participate with both video and audio enabled during synchronous sessions.
Requirements:
- Zoom Workplace desktop application (free download from zoom.us); students should keep the application updated to the latest version
- Supported operating systems: Windows 11 or later (64-bit), macOS 10.13 or later, or major Linux distributions (Ubuntu 16.04+, Fedora 30+)
- Webcam (720p or better) and microphone/headset
- Bandwidth: minimum 3 Mbps for group video calls; 10+ Mbps recommended
Google Workspace: Email and Collaboration
Maitripa College provides students with institutional email accounts through Google Workspace for Nonprofits. Students use their Maitripa Google account for official college communications, and may also use other Google Workspace tools for collaborative coursework.
Requirements:
- A modern web browser: Google Chrome (recommended), Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge
- Internet connection required for all Google Workspace functionality
Box: File Storage and Sharing
Maitripa College uses Box for secure file storage and sharing. Students may be directed to access shared course resources, submit materials, or collaborate on documents through Box.
Requirements:
- A modern web browser for web-based access (no additional software required)
- Box Drive desktop application (optional, for local file syncing): available for Windows 11+ and macOS 11+
Library Databases and Research Resources
The James A. Blumenthal Library provides students with access to online research databases, catalogs, and digital resources to support academic coursework.
Requirements:
- A modern web browser with JavaScript enabled
- A PDF reader for accessing research articles and documents
- Internet connection required
3. Software Requirements
Office Suite
Students need access to an office suite for document creation, spreadsheets, and presentations. Either of the following is acceptable:
Office 365:
- Available as a web-based version on all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Desktop apps available for Windows and macOS only
- Requires a Microsoft account and internet connection
LibreOffice (free and open-source alternative):
- Fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Works with Microsoft Office file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
- Provides Writer (Word), Calc (Excel), Impress (PowerPoint), and more
- Minimum requirements: 1 GB RAM, 1.5 GB disk space
- No internet connection required for core functionality
PDF Readers
A PDF reader is required for accessing course readings, research articles, and institutional documents.
Windows: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free), Microsoft Edge, or Chrome/Firefox built-in viewers
macOS: Preview (built-in), Adobe Acrobat Reader (free), or Chrome/Firefox built-in viewers
Linux: Evince/Document Viewer, Okular, Atril, or Firefox/Chrome built-in viewers
Web Browsers
A modern, up-to-date web browser is essential for accessing Populi, Google Workspace, Box, library databases, and all other web-based academic resources. Recommended browsers:
- Google Chrome (recommended), available for Windows, macOS, and Linux; automatic updates; free download from google.com/chrome
- Mozilla Firefox, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux; open source and privacy-focused; free download from firefox.com
- Apple Safari, recommended for macOS users; included with macOS
- Microsoft Edge, included with Windows 10 and later
For Linux users: LibreOffice comes pre-installed on many Linux distributions or can be easily installed. Office 365 and Google Workspace are accessible through web browsers (Chrome or Firefox) for full cloud-based functionality.
4. Platform Summary
The following table summarizes all platforms used at Maitripa College and their access method:
| Platform | Purpose | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
|
Populi
|
LMS and SIS: courses, assignments, discussions, grades, registration, student account | Web browser (no installation required) |
|
Zoom
|
Synchronous class sessions, office hours, advising, community events | Desktop application (free download from zoom.us) |
|
Google Workspace
|
Institutional email, document collaboration (Docs, Sheets, Slides) | Web browser (no installation required) |
|
Box
|
Secure file storage and sharing | Web browser; optional desktop application |
|
Library Databases
|
Research databases, digital catalogs, academic resources | Web browser |
5. Technical Support and Questions
Students who have questions about technology requirements or who need assistance with any of the platforms listed above should contact Maitripa College at support@maitripa.org or call 503-235-2477. Technical guidance is also provided during the online pre-semester orientation, which all students are required to complete before beginning coursework.

