UM-Flint Student Affairs secures emergency laptop loan grant

The University of Michigan-Flint's Division of Student Affairs has been awarded a 2023 Liaison IMPACT grant of $5,000 to support the purchase of four new laptops for its Emergency Laptop Loan Program. The award was presented in Chicago at the Liaison CAS Experience, July 24-25. 

The Emergency Laptop Loan program offers short-term loans of PC laptops, AT&T hotspots, headsets and web cameras for students in need.

"Initiated in November 2020 to support students' online learning and technology needs during COVID, the DSA Emergency Laptop Loan Program has proven to be a valuable resource over the past few years," said Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs. "The generous support of the Liaison IMPACT Grant, along with other funds donated through the Student Affairs Opportunity Fund, will allow us to continue to upgrade and expand our equipment to provide the very best technology support resources for our students in need."   

Liaison International is a company that aids institutions of higher learning with admissions management and marketing automation software and services. The Liaison IMPACT grant is an employee-funded initiative aimed to support programs that directly benefit students.

Since its inception, the Emergency Laptop Loan Program has helped more than 100 students with about 70% of the requests being for laptops. At times, UM-Flint has loaned out its entire stock and been unable to meet additional laptop requests. The grant will increase the university's ability to respond to student needs.

Currently-enrolled students in good standing who show demonstrated need can submit a request for equipment for up to one semester. If the request is approved, they may receive an equipment loan through the Frances Willson Thompson Library. 

UM-Flint staff from the DSA, the Thompson Library, and Information Technology Services work together on the program to review and approve grant requests and maintain equipment. Program staff also help students with other resources, including on-campus computer labs and emergency grants.