Chromebook Lending Program

The Chromebook Lending Program provides access to technology to support students in maintaining their academic excellence. This loan program is designed to provide a Chromebook for temporary usage.

Terms + Conditions

Student eligibility

• Chromebooks can be lent to current U of A students, including students from Augustana Campus, enrolled in at least 1 course.
• The length of the loan will be determined with the student, but will typically be for the duration of one semester and no longer than two semesters.

Lending agreement

Students will need to comply with a lending agreement. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more details. 

Chromebooks only have access to the internet, including the Google suite (docs, spreadsheets, etc.). As such, they can be used to access eClass and to complete written assignments. Additional software cannot be added to the Chromebooks. Students will need access to a stable WiFi connection. 

Please direct any questions to doslend@ualberta.ca. 

Need more support?

Please note that Student Financial Support (Office of the Registrar) offers various forms of financial support designed to assist students experiencing financial shortfall for the current school year's academic and basic living costs or a temporary unexpected financial emergency during the academic year. Computer expenses can be claimed through both the Supplementary Bursary and Emergency Loan programs; note that the full cost of purchasing a computer may not always be eligible for inclusion. For more information about the Supplementary Bursary program, please review the Bursaries & Emergency Funding website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any financial support offered to students to pay for the cost of a computer?

Student Financial Support (Office of the Registrar) offers a Supplementary Bursary program within which computer expenses can be included. However, there is no specific application to assist with purchasing a computer. For more information about the Supplementary Bursary program, please review the Bursaries & Emergency Funding website.

What type of Chromebook am I borrowing?

ACER Chromebooks and HP Chromebooks 15.

What types of connections does the Chromebook have?

USB 3.0 port offers speedy transfer speeds, while an HDMI output lets you connect to an HD monitor or HDTV. There is also a slot for a microSD card.

Does it have a webcam?

Yes, the Chromebook is equipped with a microphone and webcam for video chatting.

Is there Bluetooth?

Yes, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity allows you to bridge with compatible devices within range, like a wireless mouse or keyboard.

What operating system does the Chromebook use?

Chromebooks operate on Linux-based Chrome OS

Can I download additional programs, apps or systems onto the Chromebook?

No, Chromebooks are not compatible with other programs

What programs can I access with the Chromebook?

You can access all Google related applications, such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, etc.

How do I connect to eduroam with Android and Chromebooks?

This article will provide instructions for connecting to the eduroam network. eduroam (Education Roaming) is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. This article applies to any University of Alberta faculty, staff, student, or guest who needs to connect to the eduroam wireless network on Android devices (as well as Chromebook devices) to access the University of Alberta resources or basic Internet access. Please be aware that if you have a University of Alberta Campus Computing ID (CCID), you can connect to eduroam while physically located at a University of Alberta campus. In the back-end, you will be connected to UWS but this will allow you to verify your configuration before you visit another member institution.

I need to submit my assignment in Microsoft Word or PDF. formatting, is this possible with the Chromebook?

• Yes, Google applications like Docs, Sheets, Slides allow you to download your assignment in a different file format. 
• Click on File > Download > select document format

Can I access Bear Tracks and eClass on the Chromebook?

Yes, you can. Click on the google chrome icon and search www.beartracks.ualberta.ca to access Bear Tracks and eClass.

What will happen if I break, damage or lose my Chromebook and power cord?

As per the signed Lending Agreement, if you break, damage, or lose your Chromebook you will assume any and all liability for the cost of repair or replacement of the borrowed equipment and any peripherals in the event of loss due to theft, damage, negligence or misuse by means of downloading software, unacceptable images and viruses. The approximate value of the Chromebook is $500. The approximate replacement cost of the power cord is $30.

What will happen if I don’t pay for any damages or losses of the Chromebook and the power cord?

Failure to pay for any damages or losses may result in a financial hold being put on your Bear Tracks account. If you have a financial hold (i.e., fine) on your record, you will not be able to: register for classes, obtain or order your transcripts, obtain your degree parchment and/or obtain or order your Certificate of Degree.

What will happen if I don’t return my Chromebook?

Failure to return your Chromebook may result in a financial hold being put on your Bear Tracks account. If you have a financial hold (i.e., fine) on your record, you will not be able to: register for classes, obtain or order your transcripts, obtain your degree parchment and/or obtain or order your Certificate of Degree.

Can I return by Chromebook by mail?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept Chromebooks returned by mail. Chromebooks must be returned in-person to the 5th floor Students Union Building (SUB) or the Augustana Student Academic Services Office (1-080 Forum). If you have any questions about returning your Chromebook please contact doslend@ualberta.ca.

How long can I borrow the Chromebook for?

The lending length will be determined on a case by case basis with each student, but will typically be for the duration of the semester and no longer than two semesters.