Summer and Fall students have options for loan or purchase of laptop computers

Students, Technology

Jun 15, 2022

laptop computer user's hands on keyboard

During Summer Semester 2022 and continuing in Fall Semester 2022, registered students have the option to borrow a laptop computer from the College at no cost.

The College has added to the supply of laptops for the loaner program, which has been used by several hundred students each semester since the program began in Spring 2020.

To request a loaner laptop for Summer, students who are registered for and attending classes must follow the steps below.

First, the student must log into MyCState
Then, the student can complete the “Student Technology Loaner Program” eForm
After the student’s request is confirmed (by email), equipment can be picked up in ATLC 315 on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting August 15, students who will be able to use the eForm include:

Students registered for Fall classes who have not previously borrowed a laptop from the College.
Students who borrowed a laptop in Spring or Summer semester and want to continue using the loaned computer for Fall classes. (Students must be registered for Fall before requesting renewal of their computer loan.)

Students not registered for Summer or Fall who have a laptop they borrowed from the College previously must return the computer as soon as possible to avoid a $1,000 charge on their Cincinnati State account.

Loaned Wi-Fi Hotspot program to end when Summer Semester concludes

Previously, in response to pandemic lockdowns, the College’s technology loaner program included Wi-Fi hotspots as well as laptop computers.

Now that access to Wi-Fi is widely available again– including on Cincinnati State campuses– the hotspot loan program is ending, and funds previously allocated for the hotspot costs will be used for other technology support.

Off-campus public locations that provide free Wi-Fi include all branches of the Cincinnati Public Library and free public Wi-Fi hotspots provided by AltaFiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell).

Students with loaner hotspots who are not taking Summer 2022 classes were informed this week (via email from Chief Information Officer Frankie Baker) that support for loaned hotspots will end on June 30. These hotspots will no longer connect to Wi-Fi starting July 1.
Students taking Summer classes can continue to use their loaned hotspots until August 31, 2022.
Starting September 1, 2022, the Summer-use hotspots will no longer connect to Wi-Fi.
To ensure environmentally-safe disposal of hotspots, students are asked to return the equipment to the ITS Walk-Up Window, Main 349, on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bookstore computer purchase program will offer multiple options

In Summer 2020, Cincinnati State made it possible for students who are using financial aid to apply some of their financial aid funds to cover all or part of the cost of purchasing a laptop computer.

The College’s Student Technology Task Force, headed by Vice President Amy Waldbillig along with representatives of academics, information technology services, and financial aid, developed a list of recommended computers that can be purchased at the Follett Cincinnati State Bookstore. The original list of recommendations was reviewed by academic Program Chairs.

Recommended computer options have changed over time because of supply chain issues. Three options for Dell computers are expected to be offered starting in July 2022:

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with i3 processor – $499
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with i5 processor – $699
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 with i7 processor and 2-year warranty – $1,099

The Dell computers are recommended for students in most Cincinnati State degree and certificate programs (except AVP, GRD, and WEBM).

Students should check with their Program Chair or Academic Advisor if they are uncertain about the type of computer needed. More information is on the College web page “Recommended Laptop Computers.”

Students enrolled in the College’s Multimedia Information Design programs– Audio/Video Production (AVP), Graphic Design (GRD), and Web & Multimedia Design (WEBM), should visit the College web page “Laptop Computer Requirement for MID Programs” to see recommended Apple computers. The recommended Apple computers also are expected to be available from the Follett Cincinnati State Bookstore.

Financial Aid considerations

Students using financial aid to help pay for their Cincinnati State education may be able to use some funds 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 immediately must buy a “CState Recommended” computer from the College Bookstore, selecting from the Dell or Apple options described above.
- Computers purchased using financial aid cannot be returned to the Bookstore for a refund unless the package is unopened.
Students who wait to use their refund of “excess” financial aid can purchase a computer from any store/vendor.
Students should talk to a Financial Aid advisor for more information.