One to One Communications

One-to-One Communications

Overview

This message is for any current sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate student participating in the university’s One-to-One Laptop program, which, as communicated last year, is phasing out. This email contains important details regarding your choice to either remain in or opt out of the program for the 25-26 and future academic years. If you opt out of the program, you must bring a laptop next fall that meets university or individual program technology requirements.  

 

Instructions

Please read this email and complete the form at the link below by February 28, 2025 with your laptop program choice. 

GRADUATING STUDENTS  

Students who graduated in December or are graduating this spring will remain in the program. Upon graduation, you keep and own your Chatham-provided laptop. You do not have to complete the program form.    

 

CURRENT JUNIORS 

For students returning for their final year in the 25-26 academic year, you may choose to stay in the one-to-one program for your remaining time at Chatham (and keep your Chatham-provided laptop upon graduation), or you may return your Chatham-provided laptop and bring a personal laptop for your final year(s).  

 

Option 1: Remain in the One-to-One Laptop Program 

  • If you stay in the laptop program, your technology fee will be $1,000 for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • The fee will not change if you do not graduate in 25-26 and must enroll for additional academic year(s).  

  • You will keep your laptop upon graduation.  

  • You will continue to have an AppleCare warranty and support from ITS Support Services (including a loaner machine if needed) for your device while enrolled at Chatham.  

 

Option 2: Leave the One-to-One Laptop Program  

  • If you opt to leave the laptop program, your technology fee will be $638 for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • This fee may increase in future academic years if you continue at Chatham and do not graduate in 25-26.   

  • Before leaving campus this spring, you must return your laptop by Monday, April 28, 2025, and bring a laptop that meets all university requirements for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • If you do not return your Chatham-provided laptop by Monday, April 28, 2025, you will forfeit the decision to leave the program for the 25-26 academic year.  

Estimated Cost Scenario 

If you leave the program and purchase a standard MacBook Air laptop (starting at $999 with no AppleCare warranty), your estimated costs for next year would be ~ $1,637 ($1,816 with AppleCare warranty) compared to $1,000 if you stay in the One-to-One Laptop Program. See the attached example.  

CURRENT SOPHOMORES 

For students returning for their junior year in the 25-26 academic year, you may choose to stay in the one-to-one program for your remaining time at Chatham (and keep your laptop upon graduation), or you may return your laptop and are responsible for providing your own laptop that meets the technology requirements for future academic years. 

Option 1: Remain in the Program 

  • If you stay in the laptop program, your technology fee will be $1,000 for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • The fee will not change each year until you graduate.  

  • You will keep your laptop upon graduation.  

  • You will continue to have an AppleCare warranty and support from ITS Support Services (including a loaner machine if needed) for your device while enrolled at Chatham.  

Option 2: Leave the Program  

  • If you opt to leave the laptop program, your technology fee will be $638 for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • This fee may increase subsequent academic years.  

  • Before leaving campus this spring, you must return your laptop by Monday, April 28, 2025, and bring a laptop that meets all university requirements for the 25-26 academic year.  

  • If you do not return your Chatham-provided laptop by Monday, April 28, 2025, you will forfeit the option to leave the program for the 25-26 academic year. 

Estimated Cost Scenario 

If you leave the program and purchase a standard MacBook Air laptop (starting at $999 with no AppleCare warranty), your estimated costs would be ~ $2,275 ($2,480 with AppleCare warranty) over two years compared to $2,000 if you stay in the one-to-one program. See the attached example.  

Next Steps 

After reviewing the options above, all sophomores and juniors should complete the form at the link below with your laptop program choice for the 25-26 and future academic years. Graduating seniors in the current academic year do not have to complete this form.  

You must complete this form and make your selection by February 28, 2025. If you do not complete this form with your choice by February 28, 2025, you will remain in the One-to-One Laptop Program.  

If you have questions or want to discuss your options in more detail, please contact IT Support Services at support@chatham.edu or stop by the IT Support Center in the JKM Library to speak with a representative.  

Sincerely,  

Information Technology Services  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Will I receive money back?

A.  No.  Your technology fee will be reduced from $1,000.00 to $638.00.

Q.  Do I have to purchase another laptop?

A.  Yes.  You will need to purchase a laptop that is recommended for your major.  Please visit Laptop Requirements.

Q.  Will I have the option to return to the One-to-One program?

A.  No.

Q.  If I leave the program, can I have my laptop repaired by Chatham?

A.  No.  Once you leave the program, your laptop will no longer be covered under a Chatham-owned warranty. However, Chatham can assist with installing software required for coursework, guiding you on updates and virus scans, adding Chatham printing, and connecting to Chatham’s network.

Q.  Am I eligible for a loaner laptop during repairs if I choose to opt out of the One-to-One program?

A.  No.

 

For additional help, please contact the IT Support Services at (412) 365-1112.

Print Article