Returning Bowdoin-issued Student Laptop

Questions

  • I am transferring away from Bowdoin — how do I return my Bowdoin-issued laptop?
  • I am not returning to Bowdoin — what do I need to do to return my laptop to the college?
  • I need to ship my laptop back — what address should I use?
  • What do I need to do to the laptop before returning it?
  • Do I need to include the charger and cable when I return my laptop?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students returning a college-issued MacBook Pro. Students may keep their laptop upon successful graduation. If a student leaves the college before graduating — whether by transferring, withdrawing, or other departure — the laptop must be reset and returned to Bowdoin IT with all accessories.

Resolution

The laptop must be in good condition with no broken screens or missing parts. Missing or damaged components may result in charges to the student.

Step 1 — Sign Out of iCloud (if applicable)

  1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings.
  2. Click your name at the top of the sidebar.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and click Sign Out.
  4. If prompted to keep copies of data locally, choose Keep Copy. The computer will be fully erased once received by IT.

Step 2 — Erase All Content and Settings

  1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings.
  2. Click General.
  3. Scroll down and click Transfer or Reset.
  4. Click Erase All Content and Settings.
  5. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the erase. When done, the laptop will restart itself.
Having trouble? If you have difficulty completing these steps, contact the Service Desk for assistance before shipping the device.

Step 3 — Return or Ship the Laptop

If you are on campus, bring the laptop 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 laptop to the address below:

  • Gather the laptop, USB-C power adapter, and USB-C charging cable.
  • Package the 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.
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Related Articles (3)

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 iPad
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.