Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology FAQ

Questions

  • What is the Digital Excellence Commitment?
  • What technology will I receive?
  • When will I receive my devices?
  • I am studying abroad in the fall — when can I get my technology?
  • Does the MacBook Pro come with a warranty or repair coverage?
  • Will IT replace a lost or stolen Apple Pencil?
  • Is the Apple Pencil covered under AppleCare+?
  • Will IT replace my iPad or laptop charger or USB-C cable?
  • Can I keep the MacBook Pro and iPad when I graduate?
  • Can I keep my devices if I leave Bowdoin before graduating?
  • Can I use the technology for online learning at another school?
  • I need to send my MacBook Pro or iPad in to Apple for repair — what do I do?
  • Does Bowdoin provide any apps for use with the MacBook Pro or iPad?
  • Do I need an Apple ID to use my iPad?
  • Does Bowdoin have access to my personal information on my devices?
  • What is Apple Remote Management or MDM?
  • Where do I go if I have more questions or need help?

Environment

This article applies to all current Bowdoin students who have received, or will receive, technology through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program.

Resolution

What is the Digital Excellence Commitment?

The Digital Excellence Commitment is a program that provides a standard set of technologies to all Bowdoin students and offers training and other resources to faculty who choose to incorporate the technology into their courses.

What technology will I receive?

Each incoming student will receive a 14" MacBook Pro, a 7th Generation iPad Mini with a case, and an Apple Pencil Pro. For current device specifications, see Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology Details in the Related Articles section.

When will I receive my devices?

Technology is distributed to students during Orientation, after any pre-Orientation trips. Watch for messages from IT about when and how to pick up your equipment. For distribution timing based on your specific enrollment situation (such as studying abroad), see Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Qualifications in the Related Articles section.

I am studying abroad in the fall — when can I get my technology?

Students studying abroad in the fall will receive their technology at the start of the spring semester when they return to campus.

Does the MacBook Pro come with a warranty or repair coverage? How about the iPad and Pencil?

All technology provided through the Digital Excellence Commitment comes with four-year AppleCare+, covering repair for hardware issues and accidental damage on all three devices. Beginning with devices distributed in fall 2022, there are no service fees for repairs (up to two per year, per device), as long as the provided iPad case is used. For full details, see Information about AppleCare+ Warranty for student laptops and iPads in the Related Articles section.

Will IT replace a lost or stolen Apple Pencil?

Lost Apple Pencils will not be replaced by the college and are the responsibility of the student.

Is the Apple Pencil covered under AppleCare+?

Yes. Apple Pencils, iPads, and MacBook Pros are covered under AppleCare+. Apple Pencils distributed with an iPad Mini have no service fee. Apple Pencils distributed with an iPad Pro (older kits) have a $29 service fee.

Will IT replace my iPad or laptop charger or USB-C cable?

Chargers and cables are the responsibility of the student. For more information, see Will Bowdoin replace my iPad or MacBook Pro Charger or USB-C Cable? in the Related Articles section.

Can I keep the MacBook Pro and iPad when I graduate?

Yes. The MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard (if applicable) are yours to keep upon successful graduation from Bowdoin.

Can I keep the MacBook Pro and/or iPad if I leave Bowdoin before graduating?

No. If you leave the college before graduation — whether by transferring, being expelled, or other withdrawal — all provided technology and accessories must be returned to the college within 30 days. If the technology is not returned, it will be remotely locked and rendered unusable.

Can I use the technology for online learning at another school?

You may use your DExC technology for online learning or at another institution only if you have graduated from Bowdoin first, or if you are taking classes at another institution while still enrolled and taking classes at Bowdoin. If you leave before graduating, all technology must be returned.

I need to send my MacBook Pro or iPad in to Apple for repair — what do I do?

There is a form you must complete before reaching out to Apple for a repair. For instructions, see Broken iPad, Apple Keyboard or Apple Pencil in the Related Articles section, or submit a request through the Service Catalog.

Does Bowdoin provide any apps for use with the MacBook Pro or iPad?

Bowdoin pre-installs a set of apps to get you started, including the Self Service app. Self Service — available on both the iPad and MacBook Pro — lets you install additional recommended applications. You can also download any app from the Apple App Store for personal use. Paid apps will be charged to your personal Apple account and are not the college's responsibility. For more on available apps, see Self Service for macOS & iPadOS in the Related Articles section.

Do I need an Apple ID to use my iPad?

An Apple ID is not strictly required, but is strongly recommended. Some apps — including some provided by the college — may require one.

Important: You must use a US Apple ID, not one from another country. Apps are tied to the country of the Apple ID holder, which means a non-US Apple ID may not allow you to download apps that are only available in the US App Store. For instructions on creating a US Apple ID from outside the US, see Set Up a US Apple Account as an International Student in the Related Articles section.

Does Bowdoin have access to my personal information on my MacBook Pro or iPad?

No. No one at Bowdoin, including IT staff, can see any personal data on your MacBook Pro or iPad unless you choose to share it — for example, by starting a remote support session. Apple makes privacy a core principle, and this applies to college-managed devices as well. For details on what the Mobile Device Management system can and cannot access, see Apple Remote Management or MDM Privacy in the Related Articles section.

What is Apple Remote Management or MDM?

Each MacBook Pro and iPad is managed through a system called Jamf Pro. Jamf Pro allows IT staff to push apps to devices, assist with certain troubleshooting situations, and ensure devices are properly maintained and updated. While personal data is not accessible, some hardware information is available to the system for reporting purposes. For more details, see Apple Remote Management or MDM Privacy in the Related Articles section.

Where do I go if I have more questions or need help?

The Service Desk can be reached in several ways. Chat with Bowdoin Bot from any KB page for instant answers. Call (207) 725-3030, visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union in person, or submit a request through the Service Catalog.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Print Article

Related Articles (10)

Bowdoin College Student Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology Agreement
The Bowdoin College Student Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology Agreement. Outlines student responsibilities for the use, care, and return of the college-issued Technology Kit, including policies on appropriate use, software, loss or theft, device ownership, and Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Broken iPad, Apple Keyboard, or Apple Pencil — Repair Process
How students and faculty should report and process a repair or replacement for a damaged Bowdoin-issued iPad, Apple Pencil, or Magic Keyboard covered under AppleCare+. Covers the student self-service process (submitting a ticket, disabling Find My, contacting Apple) and the faculty process (contacting the Service Desk).
Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Program FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program for Bowdoin faculty, lab instructors, and staff. Covers Windows and virtual lab support, software availability, student software installation, LinkedIn Learning access, IT support channels, and technology purchasing processes.
Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Qualifications
Explains which Bowdoin students are eligible to receive technology through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program and when devices are distributed based on each student's enrollment schedule.
Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology Details
Describes the current technology provided to incoming Bowdoin students through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program. Lists the MacBook Pro and iPad Mini specifications, included accessories, and AppleCare+ warranty coverage. Updated annually before each Orientation.
Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Laptop Setup Instructions
Step-by-step setup instructions for Bowdoin students setting up a new MacBook Pro received through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program. Covers initial setup, app installation, OneDrive configuration, PaperCut printing, and next steps.
Information about AppleCare+ Warranty for student laptops and iPads
Overview of AppleCare+ warranty coverage for Bowdoin student laptops and iPads issued through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) program. Covers what is covered, how to request a repair, repair timelines, costs, and what happens when a device is replaced.
Privacy and MDM on Bowdoin-Issued Devices
Explains how Bowdoin IT uses Jamf Mobile Device Management (MDM) to manage college-issued iPads and Macs, including what settings IT controls, what information IT can see, and what personal data IT cannot access. Applies to all Bowdoin-issued Apple devices.
Self Service for macOS & iPadOS
Information about the Self Service app for macOS, and iPadOS
Will Bowdoin replace my iPad or MacBook Pro Charger or USB-C Cable?
What to do if a Bowdoin-issued iPad charger or USB-C charging cable is lost, stolen, or damaged. Explains that lost or stolen accessories are the student's or department's responsibility, and covers the process for potentially replacing a defective charger through AppleCare.