A pending proposal among Grand Valley State University’s Academic Senate (UAS) would make computers an enrollment requirement for all incoming freshmen.
If the plan were approved, it is proposed that financial aid would help cover the cost of laptops, although the specifics have yet to be determined. Under the University’s current financial-aid regulations, it can be difficult to obtain coverage for laptops because they are not deemed essential items, according to administrators. The proposal will be voted on within coming weeks, and would go into effect for the 2026 school year, altering where and how courses could be held.
Computers are utilized by every major at GVSU, however some programs require laptops with specialized processing capabilities, which can increase prices dramatically. According to School of Communication Director Len O’Kelly, passing this proposal would greatly impact most, if not all students.
“If the University takes the step of saying ‘this is required,’ it is much easier for students when they are financing their first year of college to say, ‘I need a laptop,’ and their financial aid money can pay for it,” said O’Kelly.
O’Kelly expressed excitement at the thought of professors’ increased scheduling freedom and additional learning capabilities.
“This, in theory, makes every classroom in the University a computer lab because if we all have the technology, we don’t have to look for rooms that are designated labs,” O’Kelly said. “From a scheduling standpoint, this makes it possible to offer classes at different times and places, where we were otherwise bound to when a computer lab is open.”
This would also allow more students to enroll in classes, since class size would not be limited to the amount of computers in a lab.
Michelle Rhodes, associate vice president for Financial Aid, highlighted a pilot program this academic year called Laptops for Lakers, which already allows students to purchase reconditioned laptops for as low as $550, with charges going to students’ accounts. Students may also use excess financial-aid funds to pay for a laptop after refunds are disbursed.
“GVSU continually works to find funds to support students with technology, or any other needs,” Rhodes said. “All students can use financial aid (refunds) to purchase a laptop and we also have hardship funds to assist if students need help purchasing a laptop.”
Even at the lower rate provided by the Laptop for Lakers program, many campus community members have expressed concerns over cost. However, O’Kelly reinforced that having a quality computer should be a priority for education.
“If you buy a laptop and you buy it well, you should be able to get several years out of it,” said O’Kelly. “A good computer is a one-time investment, not a yearly cost, which makes the cost more manageable.”
An increase in devices would also require the University to reevaluate power and network needs, including installing additional outlets in classrooms and addressing aging infrastructure, such as the Wi-Fi system.
