FAQs

Please see below for commonly asked questions as well as instructions for submitting an application. For any additional questions and/or clarifications, please email us at ucbstep@berkeley.edu or schedule an office hours appointment(link is external) with our team. We look forward to connecting with you!

Student FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for STEP?

STEP is funded by the Instructional Resilience and Enhancement Fee (IREF) which is a course and materials fee for by students. Therefore, only students who pay into this fee are eligible to apply. Examples of students who do not pay this fee include but are not limited to visiting scholars or students in Extension and concurrent enrollment programs.

I am a fall 2025 admit, when will I hear back on my application?

Applications for the fall 2025 semester are accepted but are not processed until the first week of August. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an automated email with a ticket number.

How is eligibility determined?

STEP operates under financial need using information provided by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) and/or additional verification questions included in our application.

What if I don't complete the Campus Data Authorization (CAD) form?

If you file a FAFSA/CADAA and fail to complete the Campus Data Authorization (CAD), our team will be unable to process your application as we will not have authorization to request your financial records from the Financial Aid and Scholarships (FASO) office in order to verify your eligibility.

How long are items loaned out for?

Items are loaned out for up to 4 years or until graduation, whichever of those two comes first, with the exception of hotspots, graphing calculators and iClickers. Please view our hardware page for more details.

How and when do I return my technology?

Technology must be returned within 2 weeks of graduating by either our in-person or mail in service. For more details on returns, please view this page to review our guides and submit a return form.

Can I check out a laptop for a short amount of time (e.g. a day to a few weeks)?

Unfortunately, STEP cannot provide students technology to use for any clubs or decals- even for short term rentals.

Can I request technology for my club or decal?

STEP is a long-term check out program (anywhere from one semester to four years) and we are unable to provide loans, even if only for a short time. If you are in need of a short-term rental, please view our additional resources page for alternative options such as the Moffitt Library Lending Program.

I submitted an application but my technology needs have changed, how do I update my request?

If your technology needs have changed and we have not yet processed your application, you may reply directly to your ticket or email us at ucbstep@berkeley.edu with your ticket number so we may update your request accordingly. If your application was already processed but you need additional technology, please submit another application- but avoid submitting more than one request for the same item(s)!

STEP is funded by the Instructional Resilience and Enhancement Fee (IREF) which is a course and materials fee for by students. Therefore, only students who pay into this fee are eligible to apply. Examples of students who do not pay this fee include but are not limited to visiting scholars or students in Extension and concurrent enrollment programs.

Faculty & Staff FAQs

Can I check out technology to use for my class?

STEP is unable to provide individual staff or faculty to use for either clubs, classess or decals- even if only for a short time. However, you may encourage students to apply for a long-term loan (anywhere from one semester to four years). 

Can I check out technology for my own personal use?

STEP is funded by the Instructional Resilience and Enhancement Fee (IREF) which is a course and materials fee paid for by students. Therefore, only students who pay into this fee are eligible to apply. 

Application Instructions

Before you begin your application, please note that if you file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), you must complete the Campus Data Authorization form in order for our team to verify financial eligibility.

  1. To submit an application for STEP, you must first log in through your CalNet. If you are experiencing issues with your CalNet account, please contact the Student Helpdesk for assistance with troubleshooting.

Photo of CalNet Authentiaction Service log in screen

  1. Once you have logged into your CalNet account, you will be automatically redirected to the STEP application.

Photo of STEPs application in ServiceNow

  1. Within the application, you will answer a series of questions relating to your:

    1. Personal and contact details

    2. Student status

    3. Financial need

    4. Technology needs

  1. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an automated email notification with a ticket number. Our team will be providing you with updates through this ticket. You can either check your email and/or input your ticket number on the ServiceNow website to view any updates.

Photo of a confirmation email noting STEP application has been received