Fredonia unveils laptop computer program with a vision to transform student learning

The vision at SUNY Fredonia to make sure all students are equally equipped with the technology they need to succeed is getting a major boost with the development of the innovative FRED Laptop Program.

Beginning in the Fall 2021 semester, first-year students will be able to acquire state-of-the-art laptops equipped with the software they need for their studies at Fredonia. It is part of President Stephen H. Kolison Jr.’s cross-campus initiative to both provide equal opportunities for all students and to “crisis-proof” the university.

“COVID-19 has taught us many things including the need to be able to continue teaching and learning effectively under a variety of circumstances – pandemic, climate or preference induced. To achieve this, access to the appropriate technology by students, faculty and staff is critical,” President Kolison said.

“It is my vision that in four years, all students at SUNY Fredonia will be equipped with the appropriate laptops or devices to facilitate learning from anywhere and at any time,” Kolison said. 

The FRED Laptop Program will make available state-of-the-art Microsoft Windows or Apple laptops that meet technology needs of students at Fredonia, said Executive Director of Enrollment Services Cory Bezek.

“Our goal is to be able to provide quality and affordable laptops so students can learn in all environments and be successful,” Mr. Bezek said.

Through the new program, incoming students will have the option to receive an enterprise-grade laptop, pre-configured for Fredonia, with a premium warranty and comprehensive on-campus technical support provided by the campus’ Internet Technology Services. Fredonia’s Faculty Student Association (FSA) has partnered with vendors to offer laptop packages to students at competitive prices.

Participating students will have the option to make a single payment to purchase a laptop in their first semester or enter into a four-semester lease-to-own purchase plan, thus avoiding the financial burden of the outright purchase of a laptop or tablet at the beginning of their college career. Students may also roll the cost of the laptop into their financial aid package.

“Also, making these technological necessities affordable, or cost effective for students will become a part of my fundraising goals for the university,” Kolison said.

According to Interim Chief Information Officer Ben Hartung, full technical support students will receive includes four-year warranty service with accidental damage protection, repairs by on-site technicians and a free loaner program. A choice of laptops that include Lenovo ThinkPad, Apple MacBook Air, Apple MacBook Pro and Dell Latitude was developed by a student computing subcommittee, based on curriculum needs.

“For students who don’t know what kind of computer to purchase, this gives them a good sampling or direction, based on their particular major,” added FSA Executive Director Darin Schulz. The program’s four-year warranty exceeds standard manufacturer’s service plans, he added.

FRED Laptop is unique among the limited number of computer programs found at other schools that are affiliated with specific majors, Mr. Schulz explained. Fredonia’s program covers a wide academic swath, accommodating the mobile computing needs of students in all disciplines.

The program addresses a strong student need Fredonia identified in the transition to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic, Bezek explained. Last spring, students used CARES Act funding or emergency financial assistance provided by the Fredonia College Foundation to acquire new computers or internet service. Computers of many students had old technology or lacked web cameras and other features.

“What COVID has showed us is that our students need to be flexible,” Bezek said. “FRED Laptop will help students access high quality technology.”

“As another benefit I anticipate is when this program is fully implemented, we will retire some of the several computer labs across the campus and use those spaces for emerging needs,” Kolison said.