ITS Technology Assistance Program (TAP)

The program provides eligible first-year and new transfer students on institutional aid with a brand-new college‑issued laptop for long‑term academic use, supporting digital equity and full participation in coursework.

New students starting at Pomona College in the fall of 2026 who receive institutional aid as part of their financial aid award are eligible for a new laptop. This group includes new domestic, international, and transfer students. Students are notified directly from the Pomona College Financial Aid Office if they are eligible. ITS does not decide who is eligible.

Not at first. The laptop is issued for use during the student's time at Pomona (including summers and breaks) and becomes yours after graduation if all academic and financial responsibilities are met.

Students must use the laptop for academic work, keep it in good condition, follow ITS policies, arrange repairs when needed, and return the device to ITS located at the Cowart Building if they leave Pomona College before graduating.

Students must immediately report the loss to ITS and Campus Safety. Understand that replacement costs may apply depending on circumstances.

You must return the laptop to ITS if you withdraw, take a leave, or transfer. If you return to Pomona, the device may be reissued.

No. The TAP program uses a standardized Apple model chosen for academic compatibility and supportability.

No upfront cost. Some repair costs may apply if damage is not covered by AppleCare.

To ensure students with demonstrated need have reliable technology for coursework, research, and participation in the digital academic environment at the College.

Yes, but opting out does not provide additional financial aid or reimbursement from the College.

Once you have received a notification from Financial Aid confirming your eligibility for the laptop program, you will receive an email from ITS with the detailed location for the laptop pick-up on August 22, 2026. We cannot mail it to you ahead of time. 

The final location of the laptop distribution is still being decided.  You will receive location details in an email from ITS in mid-July. Please be prepared to show proper identification when you pick up the laptop. 

Please reach out to the ITS ServiceDesk. Servicedesk@pomona.edu  We will coordinate a time for you to come in, and we can help onboard you. 

The laptop is set up for zero-touch provisioning, which means that once you enter your Pomona College computer login credentials, the laptop will begin downloading software and operating system updates. Once that's complete, you will be an administrator on the laptop and can add your own software, Apple ID, etc. 

No. Ownership transfers to you at graduation. Please note that you must pay tax on the laptop's residual value, which is typically just a few hundred dollars. You can avoid paying tax on the residual value by returning the laptop to the College. ITS will provide instructions for removing management profiles.

No. ITS will provide instructions for removing the management profile.

No. Students may not sell, trade, or transfer the laptop until ownership officially transfers at graduation.

Yes, as long as the software complies with Pomona’s IT policies and does not compromise the security of the device or the College.

Yes. The laptop is enrolled in Pomona College's device‑management system for security updates, required software, and compliance. Students should not remove the laptop's management tools.

The laptop includes a power adapter and a charging cable. Other accessories (cases, mice, adapters) are not included.

Accessories vary by personal preference and learning style. The program focuses on providing a standardized laptop that meets academic needs.

Accessories can be purchased from the Pomona College Coop Store, the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, or similar retailers. ITS does not provide accessories.

Yes. Students are encouraged to use protective cases or bags to reduce the risk of damage.

Yes. You may sign in with a personal Apple ID for apps and iCloud. The device must remain enrolled in Pomona College's management system until graduation.

Yes. Students may take the laptop for study‑away programs or personal travel. Students are responsible for repair logistics and costs while outside the U.S.

Students needing accessibility‑related hardware or software should contact Accessibility Resources and Services in the Dean of Students Office. ITS can help coordinate accommodation.

Yes. ITS provides instructions for installing print drivers and connecting them to Pomona’s printing system.

Yes. Most classrooms support HDMI. Students may need to purchase their own USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.

Students contact ITS for repairs and are responsible for any costs not covered by Apple warranty or AppleCare. ITS can help with basic troubleshooting but does not attempt hardware repairs.

Start with ITS for laptop technical troubleshooting and campus software, and Financial Aid for eligibility questions.

Yes, 4 years. AppleCare covers hardware defects and some repairs. Students are responsible for any costs not covered by AppleCare, including accidental damage.

Repeated damage may result in additional costs incurred by the student. Students are expected to take reasonable care of the device.

Yes. ITS maintains a limited pool of loaner laptops for short‑term use while your device is being repaired.

Battery issues are typically covered under AppleCare.