Laptop Loan Program

SUNY Empire State College is coordinating loans of laptops to students who need them. This was initiated to assist students during the COVID-19 pandemic as we became acutely aware of students suddenly losing access to computers at a time when computers were particularly critical for academic success. We have since expanded this to assist with students who find themselves in need of the technology.  

There is no cost to students associated with this loan. Shipping costs will be covered by the college. 

Students may Request, Renew, and Return a laptop by following the link below and completing the brief application. The application includes FAQs about the kind of laptops we have available, as well as other questions you may have.

Laptop Request Form

Laptop Loans: Frequently Asked Questions

All degree seeking students enrolled in an upcoming term are eligible. Priority is given to students who are PELL recipients/have a low Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as established by the FAFSA process

Follow this link to fill out an application

Laptop Request Form

It is not possible at this time to choose from the laptops. The laptops which are currently being distributed are:  

HP 250 G7 Notebook PC or late model Dell Latitude such as 3400, 5500, 5420  

  • 15” monitor  
  • Windows 10 Pro (64bit)  
  • WiFi   
  • Bluetooth  
  • Camera, mic, and speaker  
  • 256GB Solid State Drive (m.2)  
  • 8 GB RAM   
  • i5-8365U CPU with integrated graphics  
  • No DVD/CD  

The laptops are treated as personal technology. The user sets it up as they wish with the understanding that the college may not be able to support all the set-up, that is, if the user downloads a virus or has trouble with installation of any software beyond what we would support on their personal computer.  

There is no tracking software installed. Upon return, the college ensures it is wiped of data and reset back to default factory settings before repurposing it. 

All applicants will be notified of their status within 7-10 days of application submission via e-mail. 

It will take 3-5 business days to arrive after notice to recipient that the laptop has been shipped

Yes, laptops are wiped down with sanitizing wipes prior to being boxed and shipped

Empire State College pays for the shipping of the laptops to and from the student. Be sure to retain all packaging for return shipment. 

Laptops will come with factory default settings. Instructions for how to download Microsoft Office 365 are provided with the laptop.

By default, anything sent to your SUNY Empire email address will automatically be forwarded to the personal email address you have on file. Your access to your SUNY Empire Outlook email account, as well as the other Microsoft software that SUNY Empire offers, will become available the first day of the term that you are registered for. I have included a link to an article about this that may be helpful once your license becomes active. 

Microsoft 365 for Students - Getting Started

No, the laptops are not available for purchase 

Yes, the loans are on a term to term basis. Be sure to retain all packaging for return shipment

The college will send students a shipping label to stick on the original box. Students will then need to get them to UPS

When you know you are finishing your last class, go to this link and choose the "return" option in the form.

The college will be in touch with you via email to your ESC email address to confrim.

Contact us immediately at collegewidestudentservices@esc.edu

If you are in need of accommodations due to a disability, or if you are unsure whether or not you qualify for disability services from the college, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services at disability.services@esc.edu

Yes, laptops are renewed on a term to term basis. If you would like to Renew your contract for another term, follow this link and select “Renew” in the form.

Contact collegewidestudentservices@esc.edu with any questions about this opportunity. 

All student actions are governed by the colleges policies on Student Conduct. www.esc.edu/studentconduct

Prepare the Box

Locate the box and make sure original paperwork for the laptop are included in the box.

If you do not have the box, you will need to purchase another box, designed for shipping laptops. We will need to reuse this, as was the original objective with the box it was sent to you in.

Prepare the Laptop for Return

Wipe the unit down to remove any finger prints, etc. We recommend using a paper towel or wipe. Avoid getting liquid inside the computer. Avoid spraying anything directly on the computer.

The Charger

Don’t forget it, we need it!

  • We do not have extra chargers, therefore, the charger is critical for the operation of the unit.
  • If you lost the charger, you will need to replace it. To know which charger to replace with, you will need to look online, identifying the specific model of laptop, to ensure the correct charger. The model information is on the underside of the laptop.

Shipping

  • When you get the return label, place it on top of the original shipping label on the original box.
  • Place the laptop in the box securing it with the packing materials.
  • Include the charger and cords
  • One strip of packaging tape across the opening of the box will suffice. There is no need for excessive tape.
  • Drop the shipping box off with UPS.

Factory Reset of the Laptop

  • We will perform a factory reset of the laptop when we receive it.

Questions?

We’re here to help.

SUNY Empire State 1 Stop Student Services is a partner in your successful college experience. Check out their website at www.esc.edu/1stop, contact 1stop@esc.edu, or call them!

800-847-3000, ext. 2285