Story by Katlyn Mackie, Staff writer
Financial issues are no longer keeping students from having technology thanks to a new laptop bank program recently implemented by the Student Government Association.
Clint Combs, former SGA president, said financial problems are often the leading cause of students dropping out of college, even if it is not a substantial amount.
“When we can institute programs that take these distractions away from our students, it allows for them to better focus on their academics,” Combs said. “I am still incredibly proud of this program, and with it integrated into programs like Racers Helping Racers and the meal swipe bank, it provides a security net for all students who might find trying times in college.”
Tori Wood, SGA president, said the laptops available in the program are older and do not receive use from the university.
“We thought it was obviously a great way to help students that need a laptop but aren’t able to provide it themselves,” Wood said.
Students can apply on SGA’s website under the Services and Programs tab or fill out a paper application in the Center for Student Involvement. Students are asked on the applications about their employment, financial aid and reason for needing a laptop.
From there, an SGA committee reviews the application to decide if the student is admitted into the program. Once admitted into the program, the student signs a contract to return the laptop at the end of the loan period. If it is not returned, there is a $150 fee.
Once a student is accepted into the program, the university will loan a student a laptop for a semester.
Combs, who came up with the idea, said the program was inspired by a similar service at Western Kentucky University that recycles used Apple computers and gives them for free to students who complete a certain amount of community volunteer work.
“If we were able to reduce the financial burden to students who might need a laptop, but couldn’t afford it, then the program would be a success in my eyes,” Combs said.
The idea for the program was first brought to Dr. Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, in Fall 2016. Combs said the logistics of the program were discussed and then brought to the attention of Keith Webber, chief information officer, to discuss the possibility of implementing this type of program at Murray State. The program was approved by the end of the previous academic year.
Christian Barnes, senior from Nortonville, Kentucky and coordinator of the laptop bank, said depending on the availability of laptops, the loan period can be extended from one semester to a full year.
Currently there are only 10 laptops available in the program, but Barnes said he hopes to see the number of laptops grow.
“We want this to be a well-known program on campus and we want it to be successful and to have more devices to hand out as well,” Barnes said.
Combs said he hopes students who need the program will seek it out. He said he thinks the next step for the program would be for SGA to find funding to refurbish the computers. He also hopes for possible sponsorship opportunities where businesses provide funding to purchase new laptops to be loaned to students.
The laptop bank was created with the combined efforts of SGA, Information Systems Office and Procurement Office. The program is currently in trial period with hopes of being permanent in the next academic year.