Student loaner laptop program has revised the criteria for borrowing free computers

Starting with Spring Semester 2024, new criteria are in effect for students who want to request free use of a College-supplied laptop computer.

Students eligible to request loaner laptops are:

• Students who are part of the CState Accelerate program.

• Students who are admitted to a degree or certificate program and are enrolled for 7 or more credits in a semester.
  • Students who continue to meet eligibility requirements will be able to extend their loan into subsequent semesters.
  • If an eligible student who received a loaner laptop becomes ineligible in the next semester, the laptop must be returned.
  • Students who borrow a laptop and are not enrolled for classes the following semester or do not meet eligibility requirements must return the computer as soon as possible to avoid a $1,000 charge on their Cincinnati State account.
• The “Student Technology Loaner Program” eForm used to request a loaner laptop will open for new requests on Jan. 2, 2024.
  • Newly-requested laptops will be released to eligible students starting one week before the semester begins.
• Click to download the complete Policies and Guidelines for the Student Technology Loaner Program

New guidelines help ensure that laptops are available despite limited inventory

Chief Information Officer Frankie Baker said the new criteria will help ensure that laptops are available for students with the greatest need.

“In Fall Semester, we had 160 requests for laptops we couldn’t fill because of no inventory,” Baker said.

The College has 1,200 laptops dedicated to the loaner program. Several hundred computers were added to the supply in Fall 2022 to accommodate usage, which had grown steadily since the program started in 2020 to assist students during the pandemic.

• During 2023, a total of 557 students borrowed a laptop, including 329 new requests in Spring or Summer, and 228 new requests for Fall 2023.
• However, 643 students continued to use the laptop they borrowed previously.

Currently, about 30 laptops are in inventory. The availability of computers for new loans fluctuates based on the number of returned computers, and the condition of the returned computers.

Students can purchase computers from College bookstore using financial aid

Students who want to use financial aid funds to purchase a laptop computer can choose from 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.

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.