How do I apply to borrow a laptop or hotspot for my NWTC classes?

Answer

Laptops or Laptop/Hotspot Combinations

In addition to the computer labs that students can use during building hours and the federal internet/computer discount programs, NWTC also has a collection of 8-week checkout laptops and some hotspots to assist NWTC program students who:

Need them for their credit classes and
Have a lack of technology in their home (including no internet access at home if asking for a laptop paired with a hotspot) and
Are not able to use on-campus computers (due to dependent care needs, working late several nights a week, or transportation issues) and
Do not have any current financial or conduct holds on their account or prior instances of being billed for damaged or overdue equipment.

Note: These Hotspots only work in areas with good broadband reception. They will not improve poor internet signals and cannot be checked out to do so. They can only be used for academic work and have data limits. Instead, apply for the federal internet/computer discount programs!

How to Apply

Program Students - If you meet the requirements above and require a laptop or laptop/hotspot combination, go to the Resources section of the My.NWTC Student Portal to complete the Laptop Application Form (GED/HSED/ELL students use a different form, see below).

Upon submission, your application will be reviewed for eligibility and holds. While you will receive an email confirmation right away, DO NOT come to pick up until you have been told that you have been approved for a laptop and there is one available for you at the location you selected (around 2 weeks before classes start).

GED/HSED/ELL Students - If you need a laptop, please talk to your instructor to receive the link to your special application form after you have started attending classes. While you will receive an email confirmation right away after applying, DO NOT come to pick up until you have been told that you have been approved for a laptop and there is one available for you at the location you selected.

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Approved students are added to a waitlist once all laptops in the collection have been checked out. Waitlist students are contacted as laptops are returned by other students.

Picking Up Equipment

Green Bay Pick Up - Once contacted for pick up, visit the Library during our hours by driving to 2740 W Mason St and parking in Lot E or F. Walk down the path, under the skywalk, and over the courtyard to door #5. See our map. Come prepared to login to the laptop while on campus (using your NWTC ID number and password). Librarians will teach you how to connect to the College's resources remotely.

Pick Up at Other NWTC Locations - If you selected to pick up at a different NWTC location, a front desk staff member will contact you when a laptop becomes available.

Due Dates and Fees

8-Week Laptops are due back after the session ends but can be renewed in August, December, and March if you are still taking classes. All laptops will need to be returned in May after the school year ends during our hours. Please reply promptly to emails and texts about renewing or returning. All laptops must be returned by their due date to avoid being charged a daily late fee ($3 per item) as well as the replacement fee ($800 for laptops, $200 for hotspots, and $1500 for Macs).

Students are also responsible for paying all costs of collections, such as collection agency fees, credit bureau fees, legal filing fees, service of process fees, publication fees, witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees. Students in default on financial obligations to NWTC will be prohibited from registering for new classes and will not receive transcripts and/or grades.

Students who have been denied a laptop due to previous billing, damages, or financial/conduct holds on their account may appeal the decision after clearing current holds and meeting with the Manager of the Library. During the appeal process, they will be asked to meet with the dean of their program to discuss the situation. If the dean approves an exception and signs the appeal form, the student will need to meet additional conditions to check out a laptop for the next 8-week session.