The UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot is a new initiative from Information and Educational Technology (IET) designed to expand and improve the virtual computer lab experience students already use. By enhancing existing technology, this pilot helps ensure students have reliable, easy access to the tools and software they need to succeed from anywhere.
Currently, IET operates 18 computer classrooms (teaching spaces for instructors using computer technology in their courses); four computer labs designed for student use; and a legacy virtual lab, which enables students to access specialized software during specific hours.
The Digital Lab Pilot was previously named the IET Expanded Virtual Computer Lab Pilot. This initiative only applies to the Digital Lab Pilot, the legacy virtual lab and physical computer labs operated by IET. The IET computer classrooms or computer facilities maintained by other units on campus are not in scope for this initiative.
At a Glance
What's New
- Expanded, on-demand access to specialized software, leveraging new technology and the legacy virtual lab to create a new virtual lab experience.
- Fewer access barriers related to physical lab availability and limited hours.
- Students work with the same high-performance tools from any location at any time.
- More efficient use of software licenses and computing infrastructure.
- Reduced need for costly hardware and underutilized lab space.
What Stays the Same
- 18 campus computer classrooms remain available for instructional use.
- Four IET-operated computer labs are available through June 2026: 91 Shields, 78 Hutchison (IET Media Lab), 15 Olson and 2214 Teaching and Learning Complex. One computer lab will continue operating through December 2026. Updates will be available after the pilot concludes.
- On-campus printing and access to computers remain available.
- Access to specialized software is available through the UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot and for some items, the legacy virtual lab.
Timeline
Fall 2025 - Planning
- Initiated assessment of higher education technology trends and platform evaluations
Winter 2025 - Prepare for Pilot
- Finalize pilot goals and process
Spring 2026 - Pilot
- Complete testing via a variety of hardware and software solutions
- Engage students from various majors/disciplines and classes to participate in the pilot and provide feedback
- Follow up with instructors about impact on instructional experience
Fall 2026 - Implementation
- Implement new services based on pilot outcomes and feedback
- Continue operating one computer lab through December 2026
Next steps to be announced based on pilot outcomes.
What is the UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot?
The UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot enhances the student experience, building on our legacy virtual lab service to provide students with access to specialized software anytime anywhere. As a pilot, this initiative relies on feedback from students to ensure the final service offering meets community needs.
- By providing students with on-demand access to specialized software through a secure virtual environment, the pilot removes the barriers related to physical computer lab availability and limited hours. Students can work with the same high-performance tools from any location at any time of the day.
- The pilot enables more efficient use of software licenses and computing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly hardware refreshes and underutilized lab space.
- This initiative will ensure access to computing devices and printing is available.
Together, these benefits position the UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot as a scalable, sustainable model for supporting evolving student needs.
Why are you conducting this pilot?
The university is committed to providing students with an enhanced technology experience supporting their educational journey. As new tools emerge and technology evolves, Information and Educational Technology (IET) is exploring options to deliver expanded access to specialized software via a comprehensive digital lab while ensuring students continue to have printing and computer resources.
With on-demand access to specialized software through a secure online environment, students are no longer limited by lab hours or location. This approach improves access to devices and resources, makes better use of technology, and supports a more efficient, sustainable way to meet the growing demands of the UC Davis community.
Where are the IET computer labs and when are they closing?
The computer labs operated by IET are located at 91 Shields, 78 Hutchison (IET Media Lab), 15 Olson and 2214 Teaching and Learning Complex. These computer labs will continue operating through June 2026. One computer lab will continue operating through December 2026. A status update will be available after the UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot concludes.
Are there other computer labs on campus?
Yes, other schools, colleges and campus units maintain their own computer lab resources. Some labs are restricted to specific majors and/colleges. A selection is available below (with more updates expected soon):
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (https://ic.ucdavis.edu/)
College of Engineering (https://labs.engr.ucdavis.edu)
Department of Design (https://arts.ucdavis.edu/design-computer-studios)
What's the difference between a computer lab and a computer classroom?
Computer classrooms are teaching spaces for instructors using technology in their coursework. Computer labs are available for student use at specific times of the day, independent of an instructor.
What is a virtual lab?
A virtual lab, such as the UC Davis Digital Lab Pilot, is a service that enables students to access course-required software anywhere anytime.
Are the computer classrooms closing?
No. The 18 campus computer classrooms, which are for instructional use, are not closing.
Will students still have access to specialized software as part of this pilot?
Yes, students will continue to have access to specialized software as part of this initiative.
Will printing still be available?
Yes, students will continue to have access to printing as part of this initiative. Find a printer on campus.
Will students still have access to computers as needed?
Yes. As part of this initiative, computers will be available as needed for students. IET is working with stakeholders on this approach.
UC Davis students experiencing financial barriers that may impact their ability to access computing and printing services can reach out to Aggie Compass Basic Needs.
This page is intended to provide the current status of ongoing planning and will be updated as the pilot progresses and additional feedback is gathered.
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