Laptop Loan Program
Laptop Loans
- Technology can be expensive and not every student has the extra funds to purchase
a new computer. Students enrolled at Empire prior to Spring of 2025 may qualify for
a loaner laptop to use throughout their time at Empire.
To request a loaner laptop OR to return and existing loaner laptop, please fill out the Laptop Loan Request / Return Form.
If you have additional questions after reviewing the FAQ below, please email LaptopLoans@sunyempire.edu
All degree-seeking students enrolled before Spring 2025 term are eligible. Priority is given to a student who:
- Has a low expected family contribution (EFC) or low adjusted gross income (AGI) as established by the FAFSA process,
- Receives a PELL or TAP grant
- Is a member of an opportunity program at SUNY Empire
We provide laptops that have similar specifications to those listed below:
- 15” monitor
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- Camera, mic, and speaker
- 256GB Solid State Drive (m.2)
- 8 GB RAM
- 5-8365U CPU with integrated graphics
- No DVD/CD
The laptops are treated as personal technology. Anything not listed above is the responsibility of the student, including external mice, headphones, and DVD/CD players.
There is no tracking software installed on these laptops. Upon return, the university wipes all data and resets it to default factory settings before loaning it again.
Please Note: If a student is found in violation of Empire State University's code of conduct/policies or New York State (NYS) technology policies and the Vice Provost for Student Success or the Executive Director of University Student Services determines that a violation of the student conduct policy and/or violation of NYS policy (with link to specific policy) has occurred, then the Executive Director of University Student Services may request the laptop be returned to Empire State University and data may be reviewed.
All applicants, regardless of if their application is approved or denied, will be notified of their status by email within one week of applying. If approved, the Empire Mail Center will be automatically notified, create a shipping label, and provide notice to the recipient that their laptop has shipped. Laptop shipping can take 3-5 business days.
Yes, laptops are wiped down with sanitizing wipes prior to being boxed and shipped.
Empire State University pays for the shipping of the laptops to and from the student. Please KEEP all original packaging for the return shipment.
Laptops will come with factory default settings. You must use your personal Microsoft account to sign in to the laptop, NOT your SUNY Empire credentials.
Once your first term begins, you will have access to download Microsoft Office 365 applications. You can find instructions on how to download Microsoft Office 365 here Microsoft 365 for Students - Getting Started .
If you are a first-term student, you will receive access to your
- email account upon acceptance to SUNY Empire, and
- Microsoft Office 365 license on the first day of your first term. The Office 365 license provides you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other very useful tools to help you succeed at SUNY Empire!
The laptops are not available for purchase.
Yes, the loans are on a term to term basis.
Important: Please KEEP all original packaging for the return shipment.
The university will send students a shipping label to put on the original box. Students must get the package to FedEx. Please complete the following Laptop Loan Request / Return Form to generate a return shipping label.
Students can keep loaner laptops for the duration of their time studying at Empire but must remain enrolled in classes to remain qualified for the device. At the end of each academic term, students will receive an email confirming their enrollment status for the following term and be provided with any needed instructions for continuing to use the loaner laptop. If you no longer need the laptop, you are welcome to fill out the Laptop Loan Request / Return Form to begin the laptop return process at any time.
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.
Prepare the Laptop for Return
Wipe the unit down to remove any fingerprints, 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!
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We do not have extra chargers; therefore, the charger is critical for the operation of the unit.
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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
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When you get the return label, place it on top of the original shipping label on the original box.
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Place the laptop in the box, securing it with the packing materials.
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Include the charger and cords.
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One strip of packaging tape across the opening of the box will suffice. There is no need for excessive tape.
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Drop the shipping box off with FedEx.
Factory Reset of the Laptop
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We will perform a factory reset of the laptop when we receive it.
Contact us immediately at LaptopLoans@sunyempire.edu.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, or if you are unsure whether or not you qualify for disability services from the university, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services at disability.services@sunyempire.edu
All participants must have read the Student Conduct Policy, complete the Laptop Loan User Agreement, and acknowledge that the college can require the return of the laptop at anytime if there is a violation, to which the student must comply with the timing stated at the point of the demand.
Please note: if a student is found in violation of SUNY Empire Student Conduct Policy or New York State Technology Policies, and determined by the Vice Provost for Student Success or the Executive Director of Collegewide Student Services that a violation of the Student Conduct Policy and/or violation of New York State Technology Policies has occurred, then the Executive Director of Collegewide Student Services may request the laptop be returned and data may be reviewed.
