Laptop Loan Program

Beginning with the Fall semester of 2020, all students will be required to have a computer for their classes.

Beginning in the Fall of 2020, a computer is required for every class at Galveston College. *** Recommended minimum student computer specifications*: A laptop or notebook (mobile workstation) with the following minimum specifications*:

Screen Size: 13” to 15”

Display Resolution: 1920 by 1080

Memory: 4 GB to 8GB

Processor: Intel Core i3 – equivalent or better

Hard Drive/Storage: 256GB SSD

Keyboard: Standard Integrated Keyboard

WIFI: WIFI enabled

Other: Integrated webcam, microphone, and speakers**

Examples: Minimum examples include, but are not limited to:

Dell Inspiron 14-3000
Dell Inspiron 15-3000
Dell Inspiron 5000
Dell Latitude 3500
HP Notebook 15
HP 250 G7
Equivalent or better computers are acceptable

*Instead of using your computer’s microphone and speakers when participating in an online discussion in public places (such as the College library), headphones (or earbuds) with an integrated microphone are recommended.

This program was established to assist students who need off-campus computing resources during this rapid shift to online instruction. This program attempts to close the gap between those students with financial need for computing resources who do not have the financial assistance.

The Information Technology (IT) Office provides the Laptop Loan Program to students. The Laptop Loan Program allows qualified students to borrow laptop computers from the IT department for use during a long (fall or spring) semester, saving students hundreds of dollars in college costs.

Students who do not have access to the following computer equipment, which is required to run virtual learning and Canvas, may benefit from borrowing a laptop:

· Windows or Mac OS X operating systems (Google Chromebooks, iPads, iPhones, and Android tablets and phones do not support Canvas)

· A webcam

· A microphone

Applications to apply for the Galveston College Laptop Loan Program can be completed online.

Apply Now

In order to be considered, students must meet the following criteria:

· Must be enrolled in a minimum of (3) credit hours

· Your enrollment for the semester must be paid in full, or have satisfactory payment arrangements with the Business Office

· Have no academic, financial, or other holds

· Have no financial holds

If a laptop and/or accessories are damaged, lost, stolen, or not returned while checked out by the student, the cost of repairing or replacing this laptop, and/or accessories be assessed a dollar amount of no less than $20 and no more than $600 depending on the degree of damage.

Charges that are accrued as a result of violations of these policies will result with a hold put on the Galveston College student account and will prevent the student from registering for a future term, receive an official transcript, or receive a diploma until paid in full.

Abuse of laptop loan privileges may also result in disciplinary action and the inability to borrow laptop computers in the future.

Failure to return the laptop within the semester deadline date or at the time of complete withdrawal, or at the time the student stops attending courses, will be considered failure to return Galveston College property and appropriate action will be taken.

No form of illegal or illicit activities are allowed with the laptop. (i.e., hacking, pirating, viewing or downloading illegal or illicit content, etc.).

If any illegal activities occur with this laptop, the student may be subject to disciplinary rules and regulations of Galveston College, as well as referral to criminal authorities.

If a student withdraws completely from Galveston College or stops attending all of their courses, the laptop will need to be turned in immediately.

Galveston College provides computer resources for the purpose of accomplishing tasks related to the mission of the college. Authorized users are allowed to use the college’s computer resources for school related and incidental purposes, subject to the College’s Computer Use policy and other applicable college policies, and state and federal law. For additional information concerning the College’s computer usage policy and/or procedures, please consult the Galveston College Catalog and/or Student Handbook.

Laptop computers are limited in quantity and are borrowed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible students.

Applications take 3-5 business day to review. Once approved or denied, the student will be notified via Whitecaps email.

Approvals with instructions on checkout and pickup will be sent via Whitecaps email.

Laptop pickups are by appointment only. The link to setup the appointment will be provided in the approval email.

Microsoft Office 365

Galveston College provides free Microsoft Office 365 to students while they are actively and currently enrolled in courses of one credit or more. The service includes Office 2016 software downloads on up to 5 devices and 1 TB of OneDrive storage space. Students can activate their account at Microsoft Office 365.

Please refer to the Whitecaps Email and Microsoft Office 365 instructions for a guide to activate the account. Other helpful video training can be found at Microsoft 365 Basics Video Trainings.

Canvas All students should be logging into Canvas daily to check your assignments, grades, and communication from your instructors. If you are having trouble accessing Canvas or features within Canvas, please reach out to the Distance Education department at DistanceEd@gc.edu and they will assist you further. If you do decide to email the Distance Education department, please make sure to include:

· Your name

· Phone number

· Galveston College ID number

· Description of the issue you are having in Canvas

Make sure that you are checking your Whitecaps email regularly. Vital communication from the College will be sent to your Whitecaps email, including any replies to questions sent to DistanceEd@gc.edu.

Make sure that you have gone through the Canvas New Student Orientation if you have not done so already. The orientation is a quick and easy way to get familiar with the functions of Canvas. You can then find the New Student Orientation in the form of a link at the top of your Canvas Dashboard.

User ID and Password Information for Canvas:

Your Galveston College student ID is GC followed by your student ID, and your initial password is the same password you used to log into the Whitecaps portal.

Username – As provided to you by Admissions (EX. GC0123456)

Password – Login assistance is available through the GC IT Service Desk, 409-944-1352, Regents Building, R-120.

Whitecaps Email

Galveston College students should check their Whitecaps email several times daily. The College will make official announcements via Whitecaps email first. Students must use their Whitecaps email address to contact Galveston College advisers and staff. For guidance logging in use the Whitecaps Email and Microsoft Office 365 instructions. For help with email, contact helpdesk@gc.edu or visit https://gc.edu/access-your-student-email/.

Reduced Cost or Free Internet Access

As colleges across the country move classes and services online, access to reliable internet service is critical. Below is a list of several companies providing free or low-cost internet access during the current emergency. This is list is for informational purposes only. Galveston College does not have any affiliation or contract with any of the services listed below. For questions about the services listed below, contact the company directly.

Provider	Brief Description
Spectrum	Spectrum Internet® Assist – Get high-speed internet at an affordable price. Spectrum Internet Assist is available exclusively to qualified households. FEATURES – Spectrum makes it simple for qualified households to sign up for low income Internet assistance. Free Internet modem; High-speed Internet at 30 Mbps; No data caps; No contracts; Optional in-home WiFi service at $5/mo.
Internet Essentials from Comcast	New Applicants? It’s easy to get affordable high-speed Internet at home with Internet Essentials. New customers will receive two months of free service in response to the Coronavirus emergency. You may qualify if you are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others. Learn how to get connected today!
Xfinity WiFi	Xfinity WiFi – With millions of hotspots, you can stay connected at your favorite places. Enjoy Xfinity WiFi at no additional cost – it’s included with your Xfinity Internet service; Save on your wireless data plan; Get access to new security features at select hotspots across the country
Cox	Cox is offering reduced fees and eliminating data usage overages (link is external) to help low income and those impacted from Coronavirus challenges, like seniors and college students. Cox customers also have free access to Cox WiFi hotspots.
AT&T	AT&T is providing free access to its WiFi hotspots throughout the country. They are offering unlimited internet data and internet access for limited income households for $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program.

Galveston College David Glenn Hunt Memorial Library services are accessible online. Students, faculty, and staff can access academic eBooks to support the curriculum, reference eBooks, leisure eBooks, article databases, eJournals, eMagazines, research guides, and video tutorials. The library also has a live chat service available during regular operating hours. Students can schedule individual online reference appointments, as well. All virtual services are accessible in one place for students, faculty, and staff.

The GC Library Online is designed to help students at a distance or taking online courses locate and use Galveston College library’s online resources and research tools. GC Library Online is also intended to help faculty and staff become more familiar with online library resources and services to help our students be successful in their research and use of the library. For assistance, contact gclibrary@gc.edu or view the library’s FAQ page https://gc.libanswers.com/.

Laptop Loan Program Application Process

Eligibility and Information · Email – laptoploan@gc.edu

Laptop Technical Support · Email – servicedesk@gc.edu

1. Who is eligible to borrow a laptop?

To be eligible, you must be a student enrolled at Galveston College with a minimum of three (3) credit hours toward your eligible program. All eligibility criteria must be meet before approval for the Laptop Loan Program.

2. Do you need an instructor or advisor referral?

No, you can apply directly. Click on the link above once it is made available. Be sure to provide all information requested and that you meet all eligibility requirements.

3. Can I keep the Laptop for the next semester?

Yes, if you were approved and borrowed a laptop through the Laptop Loan Program for the fall you can reapply for spring . More details will be sent for renewing your Laptop by email.

4. If I borrow a laptop, when is due back?

Your borrowed laptop will be due back to the IT Service Desk no later than the last week of the semester. You can turn in the laptop at any point in the semester. If at any point you withdraw completely from Galveston College or you stop attending your courses, the borrowed laptop will be due back immediately.

5. I heard some colleges are giving away laptops. Is this laptop mine to keep?

No, this is a loan of college equipment. When you pick up the device you’ll sign a form stating you accept the valuation of the computer as we’ve assessed it, and that you will return the device on or before the due date, in the same condition, or a hold will be placed on your account for the assessed value. We need these devices back to continue supporting students.

6. Does it cost anything to borrow the laptop through the Laptop Loan Program?

Checking out a laptop is a free service for Galveston College registered students. It will be handled like borrowed equipment from Galveston College, and students will receive notices for due dates, extensions and other information to their Whitecaps email. The only costs that would be incurred is if the device is lost, stolen, damaged or otherwise not returned in its original state.

7. How long can I use the borrowed laptop?

You can use the mobile device for the current semester and with the option to renew your application for the following semester.

8. Who do I call if I need technical support?

Please contact the Galveston College IT Service Desk (R-120) during normal operating hours for hardware related issues with your loaner laptop. Limited support is available for troubleshooting applications necessary for classwork, labs, and examinations. Please check with your instructor first for information for your class.

If it is determined that the laptop’s hardware is in need of repair and it is not the fault of the user due to accident, misuse, or otherwise, the student must arrange a time with the IT Service Desk to bring it in for repair, either onsite or through the manufacturer. You can contact them at helpdesk@gc.edu or 409-944-1352.

9. What if I need internet access?

At this time there is no hardware resources provided by Galveston College to provide internet access to students in need. Please check the Other Resources tab for community information on internet access.

Galveston College Computer Requirement Information