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Questions
- I'm graduating — what do I need to do with my Bowdoin laptop and iPad before I leave?
- What happens to my DExC technology when I graduate?
- I'm withdrawing from Bowdoin — do I have to return my laptop and iPad?
- What is a FileVault key and why do I need to retrieve it before graduation?
- When will my Bowdoin account be disabled after I graduate?
- How do I back up my files and email before my Bowdoin account closes?
- I used my Bowdoin email to sign up for streaming services — what do I need to do?
- When do I get to keep my DExC laptop and iPad after graduating?
- What software will I lose access to when I leave Bowdoin?
- I'm leaving Bowdoin mid-year — what happens to my Bowdoin account?
Environment
This checklist applies to all Bowdoin students who are leaving the college — either by graduating or by withdrawing, transferring, or otherwise departing before completing their undergraduate program. The steps differ significantly depending on your situation, so read the section that applies to you first.
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Tap or click your situation to jump directly to it:
I am graduating I am leaving before graduation Accounts, email, and data (both paths)
If you are graduating
Congratulations! Upon successful completion of your undergraduate program, Bowdoin will transfer ownership of your DExC laptop and iPad to you. There are a few important steps to complete before you leave campus to make sure that process goes smoothly.
1. Verify your device enrollment in Jamf
Your laptop and iPad must be correctly enrolled in Bowdoin's device management system (Jamf) for the unenrollment and ownership transfer to succeed. If your device is not enrolled or has lost contact with Jamf, the release process will stall.
Ensure your devices are properly enrolled in Bowdoin's device management system before leaving campus. They need to be enrolled correctly in order to be released to you properly in June.
Important: Devices must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi for the unenrollment process to complete. If your device cannot connect to Wi-Fi or is missing, come to the Tech Hub as soon as possible — do not wait until after graduation.
2. Retrieve your FileVault encryption key
Your Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro uses FileVault full-disk encryption. Bowdoin currently holds a copy of your recovery key through device management — but once your laptop is released from Bowdoin's management system, that key is gone permanently.
If you ever need to reset your Mac password or recover data after the device is released, you will need this key and Bowdoin will no longer have it.
Submit the FileVault Key Retrieval request before leaving campus to receive your personal copy of the recovery key.
Do not skip this step. Without your FileVault key, you cannot reset your Mac password or access your encrypted data after the device is released from management. Bowdoin will not be able to provide it retroactively.
3. What happens after graduation — device release timeline
Ownership of your DExC laptop and iPad will be transferred to you approximately 30–60 days after graduation. When this happens:
- All Bowdoin-licensed software will be removed from both devices
- Bowdoin's Mobile Device Management (MDM/Jamf) profile will be removed
- The devices will be reset to a standard configuration before being fully released to you
- You will receive communication from IT when the release is complete
After the device is released, your access to installed Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) will end. You will still have access to the online versions of Microsoft 365 until your Bowdoin account is disabled.
Note: The DExC agreement specifies up to 30 business days after graduation for the transfer to complete. Plan accordingly if you need your laptop for work or study shortly after leaving campus.
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If you are leaving before graduation
If you are withdrawing, transferring to another institution, or leaving Bowdoin for any reason before completing your undergraduate program, your DExC technology must be returned to Bowdoin IT. This is a requirement of the DExC Technology Agreement you signed when you received your devices.
Return your DExC equipment
All of the following must be returned:
- Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro and all cables and chargers
- Bowdoin-issued iPad mini (or iPad Pro), Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard (if applicable), case, and all accessories
- Any other Bowdoin-issued technology in your possession
Contact the IT Service Desk at (207) 725-3030 or visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union to arrange the return. You may receive a formal notification from IT or the Dean of Student Affairs within 30 days — but you do not need to wait for that notification to begin the return process.
Warning: Failure to return DExC equipment may result in the devices being remotely disabled, a replacement charge applied to your Bursar account, and potential collection efforts. See Bowdoin College Student Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC) Technology Agreement in the Related Articles section for the full terms.
Note: If you later complete your degree at Bowdoin after returning from a leave of absence or transfer, new DExC technology will be issued to you when you return. Equipment is not held for returning students.
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Your accounts, email, and data
These steps apply to all students leaving Bowdoin, regardless of whether you are graduating or leaving early.
When your Bowdoin account will be disabled
Student accounts are disabled on October 31 of your graduation year. For students leaving before graduation, this typically means October 31 of the year you were expected to graduate — contact the Service Desk to confirm your specific account timeline if you are unsure.
After January 31, all account data — email, OneDrive files, and any other Bowdoin-managed content — is permanently deleted. This cannot be reversed.
Important: Do not wait until October 31. Move your personal data and update your personal accounts now, while you have access. The deadline arrives quickly after the academic year ends.
Move your personal files
Check all locations where you may have stored personal files and copy anything you want to keep to a personal storage location before your account is disabled:
- OneDrive & GoogleDrive - your Bowdoin-managed OneDrive and GoogleDrive will be deleted when your account is disabled. Download or copy files to a personal storage location (personal OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, or an external drive).
- Microwave (H: drive and Research drive) — Bowdoin's network file storage at microwave.bowdoin.edu. Any personal files here will no longer be accessible after your account is disabled.
- Local device storage — if you are returning your DExC devices, copy any personal files off them before you do. Devices are reset before being reissued or transferred.
Save your email and contacts
Bulk forwarding of Bowdoin email is not permitted, but you can export your email or forward individual important messages to a personal account. You can also export your contacts from Outlook.
See Information for students leaving Bowdoin in the Related Articles section for step-by-step guidance on exporting email and contacts.
Before your account is disabled, set an automatic reply on your Bowdoin email letting people know you've left and providing an alternative way to reach you.
Update personal accounts that use your Bowdoin email
If you signed up for any personal services using your Bowdoin email address, update those accounts to a personal email address before October 31. Once your Bowdoin account is disabled, password reset emails and login confirmations sent to your Bowdoin address will not be deliverable and you may lose access to those services permanently.
Common services to check:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV+, Hulu, etc.)
- Online retailers (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
- Job applications, internship portals (Handshake, LinkedIn, etc.), and any employer contacts you gave your Bowdoin address to
- Student loan servicers and financial aid portals
- Professional organization memberships and student discount programs (Apple, Spotify Student, Amazon Prime Student, etc.)
- Any account where your Bowdoin address is a recovery or backup email
Job seekers: If you applied for jobs or internships using your Bowdoin email, update your contact information with those employers and on your résumé before October 31. Employers sending offers or interview invitations to your Bowdoin address after that date will not reach you.
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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.