Student Loaner Laptop program continues in Fall; financial aid can be used to purchase computers

Cincinnati State announced in June 2021 that during academic year 2021-22, registered students will continue to have the option to borrow a laptop computer and/or a Wi-Fi hotspot from the College at no cost.

Around the same time, the College placed an order (using Federal Stimulus Funds) for 400 new laptops to be added to the loaner program.

Like many shoppers who are experiencing pandemic-related delays, the College is still waiting for the additional laptops to arrive. They are now scheduled to be delivered at the end of September.

In the meantime, loaner laptops continue to be provided to students, including some laptops taken from the current inventory of computers reserved for employees.

• Since June, 326 students requests have been completed for a laptop, hotspot, or both.
• About 50 requests are pending pickup.
• About 60 new requests (for a laptop, hot spot, or both) are in process.
• About 50 requests are incomplete, meaning the student didn’t complete the eForm or didn’t respond to a request for updates to their form.

Chief Information Officer Frankie Baker said some students who requested laptops primarily so they can use Microsoft Office tools are receiving some of the best of the College’s supply of older laptops to use until newer computers arrive.

Students who are registered for Fall Semester classes can still use the eForm COVID-19 Student Technology Loaner Program – 2021 to request a loaner laptop or hotspot.

• Students must be logged into MyCState to access the form, and must be registered for Fall classes (15-week or 10-week) before submitting the form.
   
• Students who used loaned equipment in Summer and are registered for Fall classes can submit the eForm to “renew” their use of borrowed equipment.

Bookstore computer purchase program will offer lower-priced options

Begininng 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 and the academic Program Chairs developed a list of recommended computers that can be purchased at the Follett Cincinnati State Bookstore.

• The current list of recommended Dell computers for most of the academic programs is available at https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/tech-computer/computerdiscounts/recommended-computers
   
• 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

The Student Technology Task Force headed by Vice President Amy Waldbillig, along with representatives of academics, information technology services, and financial aid, has taken steps to add some lower-priced options to the list of recommended Dell computers.

• After Program Chairs have an opportunity to review a revised list, updated information will be posted on the College website and the College Bookstore’s website will be updated also.

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.
• 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 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.