Fall students can purchase “CState Recommended” computers at College Bookstore

Students enrolled for Fall Semester 2020 are receiving information this week via email about two options to obtain computer equipment:

• Purchase a “CState Recommended“ laptop at the College Bookstore (using financial aid funds, if qualified)
   
• Borrow a laptop computer and/or Wi-Fi hotspot from the College

Purchasing Computers:

Students can now buy directly from the Cincinnati State Bookstore a laptop computer recommended for Cincinnati State remote and/or in-person classes in their major.

• To learn more about recommended computers for each academic program and get links to the Bookstore’s “CState Recommended” computers, see https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/cstate-recommended-laptop-computers

Program chairs reviewed and recommended one of three Dell computers for each academic program.

• Students enrolled in Audio/Video Production, Graphic Design, Graphic Imaging Technology, and Web & Multimedia Design can see recommended Apple computers on a different web page: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/laptop-computer-requirement

Financial Aid Considerations:

• Students who are using or plan to use financial aid to help pay for their Cincinnati State education may be able to use some funds to buy a computer.
   
• Depending on the type and amount of financial aid awarded, students may be able to use “excess” financial aid funding (after tuition and fees have been paid) to cover all or part of the cost of a laptop computer and required software (if applicable).
   
• Students using financial aid to purchase a computer must buy a “CState Recommended” computer from the College Bookstore– unless the student waits to use their refund of “excess” financial aid. Refund checks will be mailed in mid-October.
   
  Purchases can be made online, with arrangements for delivery to the student’s address or pick-up at the Bookstore.
   
• Computers purchased using financial aid cannot be returned to the Bookstore for a refund unless the package is unopened.
   
• Students should talk to a Financial Aid advisor for more information.

Borrowing Laptops and Hotspots:

For Fall Semester 2020, Cincinnati State will continue to have a limited number of laptop computers and personal Wi-Fi “hotspots” that can be borrowed by Cincinnati State students at no cost, on a first come, first serve basis.

To borrow a laptop and/or hotspot, students must complete an eForm:

• First, log into MyCState/Blackboard.
• Then, click this link: COVID-19 Student Technology Loaner Program.