LBCC’s Welcome Center has been out of Chromebooks for students to borrow since the beginning of the semester, according to the signs posted around the A Building.
Normally, students have the opportunity to receive a Chromebook through the school if they lack sufficient technology to pass their courses.
Some students on campus rely on these Chromebooks in order to have access to their courses and course materials, as most if not all classes require some kind of internet access.
Director of Student Equity Eric Becerra said that one of the main reasons for the lack of Chromebooks is the fact that the program initially started with COVID-19 relief funds, which are now dwindling.
“We’ve been working with the inventory that we have. Our stock was mostly from when remote learning was mandatory, and that was five years ago now,” said Becerra.
Becerra also mentioned that maintenance on the Chromebooks is also a factor in their lower numbers.
“Unfortunately, the Chromebooks’ lifespan is not the best, so we’re contingent upon the availability of funding,” said Becerra.
Armane Wheeler-Kane, a student working in the Welcome Center, said that their stock of Chromebooks quickly depleted at the beginning of the semester.
“They all kinda flew off the shelves at the start of school,” said Wheeler-Kane
The process of getting a Chromebook is usually very simple, according to Wheeler-Kane.
“You give us your student ID number, fill out an emergency aid application that says that you don’t have proper technology for the semester, and your name gets put in the system,” said Wheeler-Kane.
Wheeler-Kane said that there is no return date for the Chromebooks, and that some students have even held on to their Chromebooks for multiple semesters.
Becerra said that students do not need to rely solely on the school’s supply of Chromebooks to meet their technology needs, as there are many resources on and off campus that students can use.
“Colleges aren’t the only places that support. The city of Long Beach has programs. There was a laptop gift program recently that was based on a grant. There’s often additional support that comes and goes,” said Becerra.
Becerra also wanted to emphasize that LBCC still has other resources available for students in need.
“Part of that is making Wi-Fi available, and having computers available in several locations like the library and the student equity center,” said Becerra.
lawrence maminta, a librarian at the reference desk of the LAC library gave some details about the computer lab located on the second floor of the library as an alternative while Chromebooks remain out of stock
“Computers are available Mondays through Thursdays until 7:50 p.m., Fridays until 1:50 p.m., and Saturdays until 3:50 p.m.” said maminta.
maminta wanted to emphasize how the computer lab is a space for students, and is always available to those who need it.
“Students should feel free to come in, study, use the computers, relax, use it how they see fit.” said maminta.
As there is no return date, the Welcome Center doesn’t know when Chromebooks are expected to be back in stock, however they are hopeful that by the end of the semester, some will be returned.