Returning Bowdoin-issued Student iPad

Questions

  • I am transferring away from Bowdoin — how do I return my iPad, Apple Pencil, and accessories?
  • I am not returning to Bowdoin — what do I need to do to return my iPad to the college?
  • What do I need to include when returning my iPad kit?
  • Do I need to erase my iPad before returning it?
  • I need to ship my iPad back — what address should I use?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students and faculty returning a college-issued iPad kit. Students may keep their iPad upon successful graduation. If a student leaves the college before graduating — whether by transferring, withdrawing, or other departure — the full iPad kit must be reset and returned. Faculty who received an iPad for teaching purposes must return it when they leave the college.

Resolution

The iPad must be in good condition with no broken screens or missing items. Missing or damaged components may be billed to the student or to the faculty member's department.

Step 1 — Sign Out of iCloud

  1. Open the Settings app on the iPad.
  2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out.
  4. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, then tap Turn Off in the upper-right corner to turn off Find My.

Step 2 — Erase All Content and Settings

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
  4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  5. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the erase. When done, the iPad will restart to the setup screen.
Having trouble? If you have difficulty completing these steps, contact the Service Desk for assistance before shipping the device.

Step 3 — Gather the Kit for Return

iPad kit contents vary depending on when your devices were distributed. Include all items that were originally provided to you:

Students and faculty who received devices beginning Fall 2022 (current kit):

  • iPad Mini
  • Apple Pencil Pro
  • STM DUX Plus Rugged Case
  • USB-C charger and cable

Students who received devices prior to Fall 2022 (older kit):

  • iPad Pro
  • Apple Pencil 2
  • Magic Keyboard
  • USB-C charger and cable

Step 4 — Return or Ship the Kit

If you are on campus, bring the kit to the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours. See Turn In Your Bowdoin Laptop or iPad to the Tech Hub in the Related Articles section for drop-off instructions.

If you have already left campus, ship the kit to the address below:

  • Package all items securely using bubble wrap or other protective packing materials.
  • Include a note inside with your full name and Bowdoin email address.
  • Ship the package to:

Information Technology Service Desk
C/O Bowdoin College
9600 College Station
Brunswick, Maine 04011

If a phone number is requested by the carrier, you may use (207) 725-3030.

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 (4)

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).
IT Checklist for Students Leaving Bowdoin
An IT checklist for Bowdoin students who are graduating or leaving the college before graduation. Covers DExC device enrollment verification, FileVault key retrieval, device return or release, account and data timelines, and steps to protect personal accounts and services that use a Bowdoin email address
Return Your Bowdoin Laptop or iPad to the Tech Hub
Step-by-step instructions for returning a Bowdoin College-issued laptop or iPad to the Tech Hub. Covers what to do before bringing in the device, what to bring, and what happens to the device and its data after it is returned.
Returning Bowdoin-issued Student Laptop
How to reset and return a Bowdoin-issued student laptop when leaving the college before graduation. Covers erasing the device using macOS, packaging instructions, and the mailing address for shipped returns.