The Chromebook program launched five years ago to provide technology to students according to Dan Lemack the assistant director of the dean of students, but the Chromebooks are nearing the end of their lifecycle.
The Chromebook e-waste will be recycled at BlueStar Recyclers, an e-recycling company based in Denver that employs mostly disabled workers.
UCCS departments are responsible for initiating the disposal process by completing work-order forms with the Chromebook’s serial number. After this process, the device is transported to the UCCS Cybersecurity building, where OIT destroys the hard drive and BlueStar Recyclers collects the rest of the e-waste.
According to Lemack, the Chromebook program was intended for students with financial needs, but it was discontinued due to lack of use. “Most students were hesitant to get the Chromebooks since it wasn’t a full operating system,” Lemack said.
After the program was discontinued, the Chromebooks not in circulation among students were repurposed and given to staff and faculty members for teaching and other job-related purposes.
Currently, there are no plans to offer another Chromebook program. However, there is “a high likelihood that a program would be implemented if there was a need,” according to Lemack. Students can still get technological assistance through OIT services.
“Students are encouraged to reach out to our service desk and let us know if a printer is not working, or if Wi-Fi is out in a certain area. With our budget and staff shrinks, we rely more and more on people reporting issues,” said Lemack. He also encourages sending recommendations to help gauge student technological needs.
OIT can be contacted at (719) 255-4357 or [email protected]. Students can also visit OIT on the bottom floor of the El Pomar Building in room 108 or fill out a request form on their website.
A UCCS issued Chromebook. Photo by Josiah Dolan.