Laptops will help students with increased technology needs of remote learning format due to COVID-19
Oakland Community College will offer up to 3,500 Dell laptops to students who register for 12 or more credit hours this fall to help them be successful with the increased technology needs they will face due to a remote learning format.
To qualify, full time students can submit an application for the laptop program by September 16, 2020.
According to Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr., OCC is using $1 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress in March 2020 to fund the laptop program.
“We wanted to make sure our students have the technology needed to be successful in a remote learning environment, and we are one of the only community colleges in Michigan to provide direct technology assistance to full-time students,” Provenzano said.
In addition to the laptops, Provenzano said the college will provide all students with access to necessary software programs specific to their Fall term course needs through OCC’s online software system, part of OCC’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
Additional information regarding the program:
· Students will be notified if they qualify for the laptop after September 16, 2020.
· Laptops will be sent direct to qualifying students from Dell beginning the week of September 21, 2020.
· Students may keep the laptop after the Fall 2020 semester for use in future OCC and other college courses or for personal use.
· OCC’s VDI system will have data on each student’s Fall-term class schedule and automatically allow access to the appropriate virtual software needed for those particular classes.
· Students who require internet access will be provided a designated area on each OCC campus for Fall 2020 term to use the college’s Wi-Fi network.
“We understand how difficult this COVID-19 pandemic has been on our students, and we wanted to make sure they would be able to stay home, stay safe and continue their college education by offering the technology they need to be successful this Fall term,” Provenzano said.
Students who have registered for 12 or more credits for Fall Term by the Aug. 30 registration deadline and are interested in receiving a Dell laptop should link to OCC Cares Laptop Program to complete the Laptop application. Students who have any additional questions regarding this Dell Laptop program should email careslaptop@oaklandcc.edu.
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: OCC Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu