The California Baptist University Campus Store has been around since 1958. To start the new academic year, it introduced the Apple Bar, making access to new technology easier for students.
Noah Mallett, senior psychology major, shared how he first heard about the new Apple Bar.
“I just heard from word of mouth, I didn’t know that they sold Apple products,” Mallet said.
The Apple Bar is an area inside the Campus Store featuring a display of Apple products, primarily laptops and iPads, sold at a discounted rate for students. It also carries charging cables, speakers and more. All items are also available on the Campus Store website where students can browse the options.
The Apple Bar has an employee stationed there to assist anyone interested in these devices. One employee, Jack Stevens, has worked at the Campus Store since before the Apple Bar opened and shared how it began.
“Last semester, they sent out a poll asking what kind of technology items you wish you could buy here. Some people said iPads, MacBooks, and so I think that kind of got the ball rolling for them,” Stevens said. “Then they started doing some investigation into what it takes to become licensed to sell Apple products. They reached out to Apple and did whatever they had to do, and then, towards the end of the semester, [my boss said] we’re going to be putting in a tech center. We’re going to sell Apple products.”
The Apple Bar was established to meet student needs, as Apple products are widely used among college students.
Jessica Conchas, junior marketing major, shared her thoughts on increasing awareness.
“I think that there needs to be more promotion about it because the only way I really found out was through going into the Campus Store,” Conchas said. “I feel like a lot of students should probably know about this because they could utilize it.”
Stevens also shared his personal use of the technology.
“I got an iPad for note taking, and it’s been super useful in keeping things organized,” Stevens said. “But having that ability to take notes and easily click and drag to move stuff around and erase it. I really love it. I know a lot of people like pen and paper, but we also sell covers that you could put over the screen to make it feel like paper.”
There are many ways to use the Apple Bar and various products students can choose based on their needs. Students are encouraged to stop by the Campus Store to explore the new addition and see how CBU continues to support its campus community.
