1. Is this a lease to own or a purchase agreement?
This is a conditional sales contract. It is not a lease and the equipment cannot be returned. A conditional sales contract is the best mechanism to address software licensure requirements.
Southeast 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 an individual would pay if they purchased the software on their own. One of the conditions of the software license agreement is that the software can only be placed on Southeast owned equipment. A conditional sales contract provides that ownership remains with Southeast until the "conditions" of the contract are meet.
2. If students leave, can they return the laptop?
No, the laptop cannot be returned.
The student is purchasing the equipment; however, the payments can be made over a period of time unless the student chooses to no longer attend Southeast. A limited right to return the computer exists for students that terminates from Southeast during the drop/add period of the first term of contract.
3. How does this work for part time students?
The program will work the same for all students, regardless of enrollment status.
A differentiation is not made between full and part time status since the cost of the equipment and the software license agreements are the same regardless of the number of terms enrolled.
4. How does this work for someone just wanting to take one laptop class only?
The student will have to determine their individual needs in order to meet course requirements.
Depending upon the course, the student will need a laptop or access to a computer to complete the course. Alternatively, the student may wish to select a lab based course offering.
5. What are the differences between hardware and software fees?
The cost for the laptop equipment will vary by machine type (Dell or Macintosh).
The costs for software license, helpdesk support, and network access will be $145 per semester for the 2007 - 2008 academic year. Please refer to the CMS and the sample contract for additional pricing information.
6. Once a student pays for their laptop, will the student still have to pay software fees for later classes?
Yes. The $145 fee is for software license access, helpdesk support, and network access.
This charge will continue for every term the student is enrolled, even after the hardware is completely paid in full.
7. Do students still pay four installments?
Typically yes.
If the student terminates or graduates from school prior to completing the four payments, the remaining balance of the conditional sales payments will be due. If a student knows they will not be returning to school they should contact the Business Office for additional information regarding charges and payments.
8. What about students in one-year programs?
Southeast will offer, on a limited basis, the conditional sale of existing used machines.
At this time Southeast cannot commit to providing used machines into the future. The ability to provide this program is based upon the availability of used equipment. With the implementation of the conditional sales contract, Southeast will not have any used machines to provide.
9. What do used systems cost and do they pay it over one year?
A used machine can be purchased under the same terms (conditional sales contract) for two payments. The $145 fee for software license access, helpdesk support, and network access will still apply.