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Posted: 10/22/20

TAMU’s New Laptop Loaner Program Proves Popular with Students

 

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Over 230 students at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) this Fall have tapped into a new program that ensures their access to technology…at absolutely no cost to them. 

TAMIU’s Loaner Laptop Program provides students with Dell Latitude 3410 laptops with 14” display, camera and microphone.  They’re pre-loaded with software suitable for TAMIU classes and online and cloud connectivity. Available on a semester-long basis, they are subject to status checks. The initiative is funded by the TAMIU CARES program.

Scheiby González Fisher,  executive director of the sponsoring Office of Outreach and Pre-College Programs, said reaction from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

“For many, it was an instant relief. They knew that they’d have the access they needed this semester. It truly helped to affirm our University’s commitment to our students’ success. These are challenging times for all students, and making sure that they have access to the tools they need to succeed is simply mission critical for TAMIU,” González Fisher concluded.

Andres Rivas-Martínez, a junior Multidisciplinary Studies major, said the loaner has helped his entire family.

“It’s awesome because I don’t have to wait for my brother or dad to finish with our family laptop,” he said.

Andrea Lozano, sophomore English major, agreed that the loaner laptop has provided her with an access point she also doesn’t have to share with others.

“It’s great! I don’t have to share with the rest of my family which is a huge plus -- before it was an issue where my siblings and my parents had to use it for their school work or work in general,” she shared.

José Meyo, a senior History major, said the laptop’s availability has helped to keep him focused, on task and in touch with his family.

“The loaner laptop program has benefited me very well. I am able to do my work and assignments without having any trouble such as lagging when I am online with my professor. Also, this laptop has helped me keep in touch with my family back home by using the webcam!,” he said.

To qualify, TAMIU applicants complete a simple online questionnaire, contract and acknowledgement.  Applicants must be current TAMIU students, enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and be fully paid for the semester of enrollment to be eligible.

Online applications are available at go.tamiu.edu/laptop.  Computers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Contact the Office of Outreach and Pre-College Programs at 956.326.2720, email outreach@tamiu.edu , or visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 138.

Registration for the Spring semester 2021 begins Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. Financial Aid is available, and University  offices are open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TAMIU student Alejandro Espinoza picks up his laptop for the Fall semester as part of the University's Loaner Laptop Program.

TAMIU student Alejandro Espinoza picks up his laptop for the Fall semester as part of the University's Loaner Laptop Program.