Fall students can request loaner laptops now; support for loaned Wi-Fi hotspots ends Aug. 31

Students who are registered for Fall 2022 classes can request a laptop computer from the College at no cost, or renew their use of a previously-borrowed computer, 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.

About 150 students already have requested laptops for use in Fall. The College recently increased the supply of available laptops, based on past usage of the loaner program:

• Summer 2022 – 327 laptops requested
• Spring 2022 – 558 laptops requested
• Fall 2021 – 474 laptops requested

Students who borrowed a laptop in a previous semester and want to continue using it for Fall classes must renew their loan request, using the eForm steps above. Students must be registered for Fall before requesting renewal of their computer loan.

Students with a previously-borrowed laptop who are not enrolled for 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 August 31

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

Students taking Summer classes can continue to use their loaned hotspots until August 31, but starting September 1, 2022, the loaned hotspots no longer will 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.

Wi-Fi connections are available on all Cincinnati State campuses. 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.

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.

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.