Borrowing a Device from the Student Chromebook Loaner Program (SCLP)

Overview

Initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic while campuses were shut down, and administered by the Office of the Provost, the Student Chromebook Loaner Program (SCLP) is intended to provide short- to medium-term to support students who do not have access to the technology resources they need for learning.

For example, a student without access to a computer can request a Chromebook, and then use the Pitt Digital Virtual Student Computing Lab to use the software in the computing labs or connect to a class via Zoom.

 

Loan Terms & Conditions

  • SCLP only distributes Chromebooks running ChromeOS.

 

  • ChromeOS is not Windows and is not compatible with Windows applications.

 

  • ChromeOS is not macOS and is not compatible with macOS applications.

 

  • SCLP does not distribute Windows laptops or MacBooks. 

 

  • ChromeOS is a lightweight operating system primarily intended for use with web apps and remote resources like the Pitt Digital Virtual Student Computing Lab. (For example, if you need to use Microsoft Word, your options are to use the limited Microsoft 365  app or to access the desktop version through the Virtual Lab.) We request that you ensure that you are able to access all of the resources and programs that you will need through these means prior to proceeding with the loan process. For your convenience, here is an article with some of the pros and cons of ChromeOS . Keep in mind that SCLP devices may not be the latest models but are tested for reliability and equipped with the necessary features to meet the basic needs of an average student.

 

  • Loaner devices with their provided chargers are due back to a Drop-In Support location by the end of the current semester in good working condition. Consult the the University's academic calendar  for the official end of the term and take note of Drop-In Support location hours when attempting to return your borrowed device.

 

  • The Drop-In Support (DIS) and SCLP teams will not provide replacement chargers for loaned Chromebooks and do not loan out USB-C chargers on their own.

 

  • DIS and SCLP do not offer support for Linux applications running on ChromeOS. Users who choose to do this do so at their own risk.

 

  • Devices are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis, and submission of a request does not guarantee availability.

Detail

Available Technology

Dell Chromebook 3100 (Specifications )

Lenovo 14e (Specifications )

Or Equivalent

 

Request Process

Pittsburgh campus students: Request a device online:

  1. Review the loan terms and conditions, as well as alternative options.
  2. Submit a request for a device. Be prepared to provide the following information:
  • University Computing Account username
  • Reason for request and anticipated length of loan
  • Department/School and academic program 
  1. Pitt Digital will review the request. 
  2. If the request is approved, you will receive an email with pickup instructions. If the request is declined, you will also be notified via email.
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Related Articles (3)

Connecting Chromebooks to PittNet Wi-Fi
Connect to PittNet Wi-Fi by configuring your Chromebook device according to these specifications
Setting Up a Chromebook to Use on Campus
While Chromebooks tend to be limited by their low-resource and cost-conscious design, many University resources can be accessed through web apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), Chrome extensions, Android apps, and remote resources. We'll go over some frequently-used resources and the best way to access them from a Chromebook.
Virtual Student Computing Lab
The Pitt Digital Student Virtual Computing Lab enables you to remotely access lab software and resources from any location, using almost any computer or mobile device, at any time of day. It's your personal 24/7, on-the-go lab.

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Drop-In Support
IT SERVICE DELIVERY AND SUPPORT Pitt Digital provides Drop-In Support to provide hands-on help for the personal devices of students, faculty, and staff.
Technology Loaner Program
DESKTOP AND MOBILE DEVICE SUPPORT The Technology Loaner Program is a service that provides students, faculty, and staff with devices that they may not otherwise have access to. The program has two main components: the Travel Loaner Program which provides faculty and staff with loaner laptops and smartphones for international travel and the Student Loaner Program which provides Chromebooks.