Turn In Your Bowdoin Laptop or iPad to the Tech Hub

Questions

  • How do I return a College-issued laptop or iPad that is old, broken, or no longer needed?
  • What should I do before bringing my device to the Tech Hub for return?
  • I’m leaving Bowdoin—what is the process to turn in my computer or iPad?
  • Do I need to include the charger and accessories when I return a device?
  • What happens to my data and accounts when I return a managed device?

Environment

  • Applies to Bowdoin community members returning College-issued laptops or iPads that are old, broken, unused, or when departing the College.
  • Returns must be made in person at the Tech Hub during regular business hours.
  • Covers macOS and iPadOS devices managed by Jamf Pro Self Service, and Windows or macOS devices managed by Intune Company Portal.

Resolution

  1. Confirm you need to return the device. If the device is old, broken, no longer in use, or you are leaving Bowdoin, it must be returned. Returns are made at the Tech Hub during business hours.
  2. Back up any personal files you want to keep.
    • Save files to cloud storage (for example, OneDrive) or to an external drive.
    • For iPad, you can back up using iCloud or a computer.
    • If the device will not power on, skip backup and continue with the return.
  3. Sign out of personal accounts (if used).
    • On iPad or Mac, if you used a personal Apple ID, open the Settings app (iPad) or open System Settings (Mac), tap/click your name, and choose Sign Out. If "Find My" is on, turn off "Find My" when prompted. For details, see Sign out of iCloud on your devices.
  4. Leave management tools in place. Do not remove the "Self Service" app (Jamf Pro) or the "Company Portal" app (Intune). These tools help securely erase and decommission the device after return.
  5. Prepare the device for drop-off.
    • Gather the laptop or iPad, power adapter, charging cable, and any College-issued accessories (for example, case, keyboard, stylus, dongles).
    • Remove personal items and wipe down the device if needed. Leave any College asset tags or labels in place.
    • Be ready to unlock the device (know the device passcode and your login password) so staff can verify the return. Do not factory reset the device yourself.
  6. Bring the device to the Tech Hub during business hours.
    • If the device is broken or will not power on, still bring it in. Include any pieces (for example, a damaged charger) so they can be processed together.
    • At drop-off, staff will record the serial number and condition, then securely erase the device using Bowdoin’s management tools (Jamf Pro or Intune).
  7. After return. Your College device will be securely wiped and removed from management. Personal data remaining on the device will be erased as part of decommissioning.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.

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