If you have been approved to use a computer during exams, you will be able to use your own laptop (if you have one) with permission of the instructor. Short-term loans are also available through Cornell Libraries. 

If you have an accommodation to use a computer to take an exam, and are not able to use your own laptop to do so, you can request to borrow one from SDS.

Requesting a Laptop

Reservations for laptops must be made at least five business days in advance of scheduled exam. The weekend does not count as business days.

To request a laptop for an ATP-supported class:

1. Log in to SDS Online Services
2. Select “Accommodated Exams” on the left-hand side of the screen
3. Scroll down to view your list of upcoming ATP exams. (Note: it can take a few days for exams to appear after instructors notify us of their exam dates. If you do not see your ATP-class's exam listed, check back in a few days.)
4. Locate the exam for which you would like to use a laptop and click “View”.  
5. You’ll be shown the details of your exam, including a list of your approved accommodations. Select the appropriate laptop accommodation and click on “Update Exam Request.” Repeat this process for all exams for which you need to use a laptop.  
6. Your request will be reviewed by SDS-ATP staff and you will receive an email confirmation once your request has been approved. 

For all other courses:

• Complete the Laptop Request Form.
• Your request will be reviewed by SDS-ATP staff and you will receive an email confirmation once your request has been approved. That email will contain details about laptop pick-up and drop off.  

TAs, instructors, and course administrators can also reserve a laptop for a student by using that same form.

Picking Up/Returning a Laptop

If your request was confirmed for an ATP-supported class, the laptop will be brought to/from the exam for you by the exam proctor. 

For all other courses: Laptops can be picked up on the day of the exam. We will communicate information about picking up and returning the laptop in the confirmation email. Laptops are to be used for only one exam.

Using a single laptop for multiple exams, or picking up a laptop on a different day than the exam, is not allowed without prior approval by SDS. Permission may be requested by contacting our office at sds-testing@cornell.edu. A decision will be conveyed via email within two business days. 

Please ensure the laptop is powered off before it is returned.

Unreturned or Damaged Laptops

If the borrowed equipment is not returned by the due date, or if it is returned in damaged condition, a hold may be placed on your record by the University Registrar preventing you from enrolling in courses, registering with the University, or obtaining transcripts until the matter is resolved. The matter may also be referred to the Judicial Administrator. You can also be billed for its cost.

Laptop Software/Hardware Configuration

Laptops have Microsoft Office suite installed. The wireless internet capabilities have been disabled. Students who need internet access for an exam must have the instructor submit this in writing at least two business days before the laptop is needed. An email to sds_cu@cornell.edu from the instructor or other course supervisor is acceptable. 

Specific software may be requested when reserving a laptop.

Use of Laptop

Each laptop comes with a power charger and a SDS USB drive. Students are prohibited from saving exams to any personal device from this computer. Save the exam to the SDS-provided USB drive and to the desktop of computer (unless instructed differently by exam proctor). Files left on the laptop are subject to deletion. Please remember to give the USB drive with your exam on it to your proctor.

SDS laptops cannot be used for personal study reasons. They are for exams only.