Technology Resources Program (TRP)

• Located at KL 122, Front Desk, Bobcat Advising Center

TRP Hours for Summer Session 2025

• Tuesday       08:00 am to 12:00 noon
• Thursday      01:00 pm to 05:00 pm

• TRP will begin accepting applications for Summer Session on May 27, 2025.

Campus Wide Laptop Policy

• UC Merced’s Campus Wide Laptop Policy requires undergraduate students to have their own personal computer.  Students in Engineering have additional requirements, as outlined in the SOE Laptop policy.
• The policy is intended to support students in acquiring the tools necessary to achieve success in their academic, career, and personal goals.
• Laptops should meet university designated minimum specifications.

Program Information

The Technology Resources Program (TRP) provides short-term, emergency loans for undergraduate students while their personal laptop is being repaired or a new laptop is being purchased.  This program does not provide students with a university-owned laptop in place of acquiring their own personal laptop.

• Laptops are loaned for one month.  The program is not desigined to loan computers for an entire semester. 
• Except under exceptional circumstances, students may apply and receive a laptop on only two (2) occasions.
• Laptops are only available when classes are in session.  Laptops are not available between semesters.

These limits encourage compliance with the Campus Wide Laptop Policy (above) and ensure that there are enough computers to support the student population.

Conditions for Obtaining a Loaner Laptop

• To be eligible for a laptop, students must:
  
  • Be in the process of reparing or purchasing a personal computer. 
  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled in UC Merced courses for a Fall, Spring or Summer term.  
    • Loans are not available for graduate students, TAs, or instructors.
  • Fill out an application as described below.

How to Apply

• Application: Use this link via ServiceNow. 
• Applications must explain in detail the need to borrow a university computer.
  
  • Explain the problem with your personal computer and the need for the pending repair or purchase.
  • Provide a timeline for resolution (required).
• Please allow up to 72-hours for processing an application.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via email at undergradeducation@ucmerced.edu.

Calendar for Pick-up or Return

• Once an application is approved, schedule an appointment to pick up a device at our office using this link: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/TRP@merced.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
• Return a device using this same calendar to ensure that someone is available to assist you.

Return Policy

• Students are expected to communicate with the program about the condition of the equipment and to return laptops with peripherals per the assigned deadline.
• If the equipment is not returned by the due date, the student may be billed for the replacement cost of the equipment.  The minimum cost for a laptop is $800.  Missing power adapters or other peripherals may be charged a separate fee. 
• These costs will be charged to the student’s account.

Additional Resources: Students seeking support for a personal computer should review these campus resources.

• Visit the financial aid office to discuss budgeting or a potential cost of attendance appeal . By completing this appeal, you may qualify for funds to assist with purchasing your laptop.
• Financial Wellness (https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/financial-wellness) to discuss budgeting for a laptop.
• Open Access laptop labs: https://it.ucmerced.edu/laptop_labs.              

This webpage was last updated in January 2025.