Winter 2021 UM Tech Support Program open for applications
Apply for a subsidy towards the purchase of a laptop from the UM Bookstore.
With the COVID-19 pandemic moving the majority of classes online and closing computer labs, students need to ensure they have a device that can support their studies. The Winter 2021 UM Technology Support Program is designed to help those students who may not otherwise have access to the technology they need through a $500 subsidy towards the purchase of a laptop from the UM Bookstore.
“When classes moved to primarily remote delivery and computer labs were closed due to the pandemic, it became apparent that not all students had access to the technology they needed to be successful,” says Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students). “As a result, we established the UM Technology Support Program in Summer 2020. Thanks in part to the generous support of donors, we have continued to offer this program every semester thereafter to ensure students who face barriers to online learning can access the tech resources they need.”
To be eligible for the program, students must be registered full- or part-time in remote learning courses for Winter Term 2021 and lack consistent access to a personal computer that meets requirements for remote studies at UM. In addition, students must declare a lack of financial resources to purchase a computer that meets the stated requirements, be in good academic standing (for undergraduate students minimum 2.0-degree GPA, for graduate students 3.0-degree GPA), and have a good financial standing with the university (no financial holds currently on account for overdue fees).
Those who don’t qualify or aren’t chosen for the subsidy will be considered to receive a refurbished desktop computer through IST.
There are a limited number of subsidies available, so students should apply right away by emailing student.tech.fund@umanitoba.ca. Students should indicate their intention to apply in their email, and upon submission, they will automatically be sent a brief application form. Students will receive the results of their application as soon as possible.
For information on the types of laptops available, please contact the UM Bookstore directly. For more information about the Winter 2021 UM Technology Support Program and other COVID-19 student resources, visit https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/resources-students.