Student Loaner Laptop program will continue in 2021-22; new choices coming to laptop purchase program

Cincinnati State will continue to offer to registered students during academic year 2021-22 the option to borrow laptop computers and Wi-Fi hotspots from the College at no cost.

About 200 students are using loaned laptops and/or hotspots during Summer semester.

Additional computers and hotspots will be purchased using Federal stimulus funds to ensure that the loaner program can continue to support students in Fall Semester 2021 and Spring Semester 2022.

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

• Students must be logged into MyCState to access the form, and must be registered for Fall classes before submitting the form.
   
• Students who are using loaned equipment in Summer and are registered to continue classes in Fall 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, which is headed by Vice President Amy Waldbillig and includes representatives of academics, information technology services, and financial aid, has recommended adding 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.