Kansas University hasn’t had any serious discussions about journalism students purchasing their own portable electronic devices, said Ann Brill, dean of journalism.

The University of Missouri School of Journalism has a new policy asking incoming freshmen to purchase an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or similar devices. Brill, who spent eight years teaching at Missouri, has been following that decision.

In a world where technology changes constantly, Brill questions a policy that would commit students to one device for four years. She also said it could be an inconvenience to students who are on family plans under different wireless carriers or in rural areas where the coverage area is different.

“I’d rather look at a variety of platforms and say are we meeting the needs across platforms because our audience out there aren’t all going to have those phones,” Brill said.

As of now, course fees that KU journalism students pay are put toward buying technology that can be checked out, such as laptops and cameras.

“To a large extent you can really do the things you need to do with the equipment that we have for you,” Brill said.