The Conditional Sales Agreement is not a lease to own program.  The contract is not a lease and the laptop cannot be returned to STI.  A conditional sales agreement is the best way to address software licensure requirements for student laptops.

STI enters into license agreements with software vendors to provide access to our students.  The agreements allow access to the software at a rate that is far below what students would pay if they purchased the software on their own.  Under the software license agreements, software must be installed on an STI owned laptop.  The Conditional Sales Agreement provides that ownership remains with STI until the conditions of contract are met.

2. If a student terminates or withdraws, can the laptop be returned? 

No, the laptop cannot be returned.

Under the Conditional Sales Agreement if a student terminates or withdraws from STI, the remaining balance of the laptop hardware will be billed upon termination.  Students must contact the STI Helpdesk per the terms of the Conditional Sales Agreement contract to remove STI licensed software and to complete the official Bill of sale to transfer ownership to the student.  If the software is not removed, a hold will be placed on the students account and they will be billed for the software on the laptop.

3. Can a student bring their own laptop to campus?

Yes, but it is highly encouraged that students who are enrolled in STI’s Laptop Included Programs use a STI provided laptop.  STI’s laptops are guaranteed to have all software and configured correctly depending on the student’s program.

Students who bring their own laptop will be considered as a guest computer on campus.  Students will only have access to STI’s Public Wireless Network which only Internet can be accessed.  Students who choose to bring their own laptop to campus will only have Internet Access through their laptop.  Campus resources such as printing and datacluster storage are not available through their own laptop.  To gain access to other campus resources, students must log in with their STI username and password to a computer on campus which is on the STI secured network.  All computer labs and public kiosks computers on campus will be available to all students and are connected to the STI secured network.  These computers DO NOT have program specific software installed. 

4. Can a student Purchase a STI Laptop even if not enrolled in Laptop Included Program?  

Yes!  You can contract for the same PC model laptop offered through our Laptop Purchase Program.  Contact the Southeast Helpdesk at 605.367.4461, or stop in the Technology Center Room 219. 

5. How are the laptops under STI Laptop Included Program financed? 

The laptop is included in tuition during your first two semesters while at STI and Financial Aid can be applied.   

6. What are the differences between laptop and software fees? 

The laptop fee is for the actual laptop hardware.  The Software fee is for the license access for the software associated to the students program and help desk support. 

7. Once a student graduates, does the student get to keep the software installed on the laptop? 

No, Students must contact the STI Helpdesk per the terms of the Conditional Sales Agreement contract to remove STI licensed software and to complete the official Bill of sale to transfer ownership to the student.  If the software is not removed, a hold will be placed on the students account and they will be billed for the software on the laptop.  Graduating students only will have the option to purchase the latest version of Microsoft OS and Microsoft Office at the STI bookstore for $8.50 each. 

8. Once a student fulfills their payments for their laptop, will the student have to pay the software fee for the remaining semesters at STI? 

Yes, the software fee will continue each semester while the student is enrolled at STI.  The software fee ends only when a student graduates, terminates, or withdraws from STI. 

9. Does a student who enrolls in just one laptop included class have to get the laptop? 

No, students who are enrolled under 6 credits at STI are not required to get a laptop through STI.  The student will need to determine their individual needs in order to meet the course requirements.  Depending on the course, the student will need access to a laptop or desktop computer to complete the course.  Alternatively, the student may wish to select a campus lab based course offering. 

10. How does Laptop Included Program work for one-year programs? 

The Laptop Included Program works the same for both one and two-year programs.  The laptop fee is included in tuition during your first two semesters while at STI and Financial Aid can be applied.   

11. What models are the laptops under the STI Laptop Included Program? 

All programs under the STI Laptop Included Program will use PC based laptop, except Graphics Communications and Animation Technology, these programs will use Apple MacBook Pro’s. 

12. Can a student get an Apple MacBook Pro if they are not enrolled in Graphics Communications or Animation Technology? 

No, only students’ enrolled in Graphics Communications and Animation Technology can get an Apple MacBook Pro at STI.  All other students will receive a PC based laptop.