Laptop Loan Program Supports UA Little Rock Student Success
What began as a federally-funded emergency response has evolved into a long-term resource for UA Little Rock students. The CARES Laptop Program provides loaned laptops to students for the duration of their enrollment on the main campus.
The program, initially supported by federal CARES Act funding, is now sustained through a collaborative effort between the Office of the Provost, the Academic Affairs Retention Office, IT Services, and the Ottenheimer Library. The partnership reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to essential technology.
Any student enrolled at the UA Little Rock main campus is eligible to apply for a laptop. The Academic Affairs Retention Office assesses applicants based on financial need and grade level. Undergraduate students are given priority, though graduate students are also supported through the program.
A total of 278 laptops are in circulation. Students checked out 132 of them for the first time this semester, while renewing 146. Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator at UA Little Rock, said the program has an inventory of 348 laptops, though the number fluctuates as devices are returned and processed.
“The level of demand for technology has always existed at a steady level, and most students keep their laptops for multiple semesters,” Sollars said. “This program is integrated into the existing loan system the library uses, so we can scale as needed or as we acquire more laptops.”
The program plays a key role in student retention and academic success by reducing a significant financial burden.
“It’s one more thing off a student’s checklist,” Sollars said. “A new laptop can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the student’s program needs. By providing students with a laptop, we can carry that cost, provide them with reliable technology, and give them access to library and IT support.”
According to previous program surveys, 93% of students who responded said having a loaned laptop was “very important” to meeting their academic needs, while the remaining 7% indicated it was “important.”
“The majority of our feedback highlights that the process for obtaining a laptop was easy, accessible, and simple,” Sollars said. “Many students reported that having the laptop was very helpful for completing assignments, attending online classes, and supporting their overall academic success.”
Senior student Cornell Cornelius Jr. said the program has been critical to maintaining his academic progress.
“The CARES laptop provides a level of flexibility that is vital for me, especially when considering my disability and the recovery process from my previous surgeries. Having this technology available allows me to stay on track regardless of my physical constraint,” he said.
“In all honesty, I don’t believe my GPA would be where it is today without the resources provided by this program. It is an incredibly important initiative, and I truly hope it continues to support students like me,” Cornelius added.