About the Loan to Own Program 
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The Computer "Loan-to-Own" program is available to all full-time faculty, regular classified staff, and supervisors and managers. The program is also available to part-time faculty who have been teaching in the District for at least the past three years. This program, approved by the Board of Trustees as a means of encouraging faculty and staff to increase their understanding of how computers can enhance the educational environment of the District, was developed by the District Instructional Technology Council (DITC) working with the college bookstores and the Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTL).
What are the benefits of the program?
Participants may purchase a computer from the college bookstores with an interest-free loan which can be paid back via monthly payroll deduction over a two or three year period, depending on the amount of the loan. In addition, hardware and software purchased through the program meet standards that the District can support through the CTL's. For those who need assistance, adoption of standards will facilitate our ability to help faculty and staff take best advantage of their individual computer purchases.
What kind of computer can I buy?
You may select from the "education" websites of Dell and Apple.
Can I buy software and a printer using the loan?
Yes. Selected software and a printer purchased at the same time as the computer can be applied to the loan.
When can I purchase a computer?
Full-time faculty, members of the classified staff, administrators, and part-time faculty who have been employed by the District for at least three years prior to the current term, can make use of this program immediately.
Where can I purchase a computer?
The first step is to contact your local Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) coordinator. He or she will help you decide which type and model of computer from the designated list best suits your needs and interests. You will then be directed to your college bookstore to arrange for the loan and make the purchase. To qualify for this program, all computer equipment, printers, and software must be purchased through your college bookstore, and each purchase must include a computer. Purchases from other computer vendors are not eligible for the program.
Will I get a competitive price?
Yes. While you may be able to shop around and find a lower price on promotional or discontinued systems, in general the prices on the selected list will be competitive with those offered by other vendors for the same current models or similar equipment.
When can I expect delivery?
Most of the computers purchased through this program are "built to order" which means the manufacturer does not carry inventory for immediate delivery. Our goal is for you to be able to receive your computer 2 to 3 weeks after you place your order, but this is not a guarantee. Please do not expect your computer to be available on the day you order it.
How can I take advantage of the program?
Participants should first contact their local CTL Coordinator, Anyta Archer at Skyline ext. 4207, Julie Sevastopoulos at CSM, ext. 6598; and Peter Bruni at Cañada, ext. 3160. The CTL Coordinator can review with you the computer configurations and software that are available and provide assistance as needed for matching you to a particular system. At the CTL you will also receive information about how to have your order processed through the bookstore.
How much can I borrow?
The amount borrowed depends on the cost to you of the computer, peripherals and software you purchase. Systems can range in price from approximately $1400 to over $5000.
Full-time employees may borrow up to $6000 for a one-time purchase of eligible computer hardware, peripherals and software. Amounts borrowed under $3500 can be paid back over a maximum two-year period. Loans of $3500 or more can be paid back over a three-year period. Full Time information (.doc)
Part-time faculty eligible for the program may borrow up to $3000. Loans will be limited to one per employee. Part-time information (.doc)
Employees may choose to use the loan for part of the purchase and pay the balance by cash, check or credit card.
How much will it cost me?
Payment will occur via automatic payroll deduction from your monthly paycheck. To estimate the amount of payroll deduction, divide the final purchase price, including software and tax, by the number of pay periods. For most faculty, there are 10 pay periods a year. A total purchase price, including sales tax, of $2000 would result in a $100 payroll deduction for 20 pay periods. There are no interest or other charges to be added. For classified staff and administrators on a 12 month pay schedule, the deduction would be $83.33 for 24 pay periods. Participants will be required to sign an agreement specifying how the loan will be repaid.
Why was this program initiated?
The Board of Trustees is very interested in providing individual computers for all faculty and staff in order to provide an enhanced computing environment for the benefit of students. However, the Board is also aware that the District does not have sufficient resources at this time to provide, maintain and support computers with appropriate software for each employee. This program is one way of encouraging increased use of more up-to-date computers by faculty and staff.
How is this program being funded?
The bookstores are providing an initial outlay of $200,000 which will be used for loans to participants. These funds will create a revolving account that can be used for additional loans as the early loans begin to be paid-back. The bookstores will be reimbursed for limited expenses, including lost interest, from the District general fund. This funding is temporary in that the monies ultimately are earmarked for new bookstore construction.
Where do I get additional information?
Contact your local CTL Coordinator,
