Fall students have new choices for purchase of laptop computers; loaned laptop program continues in Fall but Wi-Fi hotspot loans end

Students who want to use financial aid funds to purchase a laptop computer now have three recommended computers– at three different price points– that can be purchased through the Follett Cincinnati State Bookstore.

The three options for Dell computers are:

• 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.

• 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 majoring in 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, which can be purchased through the Bookstore also.

Since Summer 2020, Cincinnati State has 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, developed the initial list of recommended computers, which was reviewed by the academic Program Chairs. Recommended computer options have changed over time because of supply chain issues.

Financial Aid considerations for laptop purchase

• 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.

Loaner Laptop program continues in Fall Semester

Students who are registered for Fall 2022 classes 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.

Students can request a loaner laptop for Fall starting on August 15, 2022, by following these steps:

• First, the student must log into MyCState
• Then, the student can complete the “Student Technology Loaner Program” eForm (Link opens only for students)
• 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.

Students who borrowed a laptop in Spring or Summer semester and want to continue using the loaned computer for Fall classes must submit a “renewal” request, using the eForm steps above. Students must be registered for Fall before requesting renewal of their computer loan.

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

Loaned Wi-Fi Hotspot program ends on August 31

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.

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 promptly return the equipment to the ITS Walk-Up Window, Main 349, on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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).

College employees who are using loaned Wi-Fi hotspots can continue using the equipment. Employees will be informed if there are changes to the employee technology loaner program.