Microsoft Office License for CityU Students: Microsoft Student Option 2011 Scheme

What is the Microsoft Student Option (MSO) scheme?

To encourage use of IT and use of genuine software, this scheme entitles CityU’s students to use one university subscribed copy of the latest version of Microsoft Office (“the software”) during the licensed period (1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012). Eligible students include all regular full-time and part-time students.

The application procedure

Although the license already covers all eligible students to use the software, students still need to apply for their own copy of the installation disks (“the disks”) for installing the software onto their computers. To do this, students have to submit the application on-line within the application period by visiting http://crs.cityu.edu.hk/ and clicking the shortcut "MSO" there.There are two versions of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 (for Windows) and Microsoft Office MacStd 2011 (for Mac), for students to choose from. Each student is eligible to use only one version of Microsoft Office and install the software on only one privately owned computer. The installation disks were individually packed inside a sealed envelope with a unique set-up key printed inside. The key which served as a license of the software is a confidential item and must not be disclosed to anyone.

After the announcement and the email invitation, the first round of online applications for this year had taken place during the period from 24 to 30 October 2011. More than 9,300 successful applications (with Windows to Mac ratio of around 10:1) were received.

First batch of distribution

As we have only 3000 copies of Windows version and 50 copies of Mac version in stock, only the same foregoing number of applicants was invited by email to come and collect their disks. The remaining applicants had to wait for the next batch to be distributed tentatively in Semester B 2011-2012.

For this first batch of distribution, a counter was set up within the CSC Service Counter during the period from 8 to 17 November 2011. For the convenience of the students, the distribution time also covered Saturdays and Sundays and almost all counter opening hours, i.e. 9:00am - 9:00pm (Mon-Sat) and 2:00pm - 5:00pm (Sun).

It was found that students who applied for Windows installation disks requested Mac installation disks when they approached the counter to collect their disks. Clearly, these students did not observe or consider carefully what they applied for at the time of application. Since we don’t have spare disks to support these ad hoc changes, they have to wait until their media for the next round have been ordered and delivered. To avoid this from happening again, a corresponding modification has been made to the online application form prompting students to select the desired version before the final confirmation.

More information

List of Software Offered in the MSO