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Requesting a Chrome Extension for Student Laptops

If you'd like a Chrome extension installed automatically on all student Chromebooks (rather than asking each student to install it themselves), submit a request to Academic Technology. This page covers what to send, how requests are reviewed, and what to expect.

This process is specifically for extensions pushed to every student device through UPrep's management console. It is not needed for tools that students log into with their UPrep account in a regular browser tab (see Software Process for licensed software requests instead).

If what you need is an installed app rather than a Chrome extension — for example, an Android or Chrome app for a class project or test — see Requesting an App for Class or Testing instead. The review process is similar, but they're handled separately.

How to Request an Extension​

Email June Peters with:

  • Extension name and Chrome Web Store link
  • Why you need it — what it does for your class and why a regular website or existing tool won't work
  • Which students — Which grade(s) level needs this app
  • How soon you need it — installs can take a few days, longer if the request needs ILT input

How Requests Are Reviewed​

Every extension is checked for:

  • Permissions requested — extensions that ask for broad access (reading all browsing activity, modifying all web pages) get closer scrutiny than ones with narrow, obvious permissions.
  • Vendor reputation — is this a known education vendor, and does it have a clear privacy policy.
  • Cost — free extensions are generally decided quickly; paid extensions may need budget approval.

Straightforward, free, well-known extensions are usually approved directly by Academic Technology. Requests that are unclear, costly, or ask for broad data access are brought to ILT for a decision, which can add time before you hear back.

What Happens Next​

  • Approved: the extension is pushed to the relevant devices through UPrep's device management console. Most installs apply the next time the Chromebook restarts or syncs.
  • Denied or needs changes: you'll hear back with the reason (usually a privacy, permissions, or cost concern) and, where possible, a suggested alternative.

Make Sure Students Are Signed In With Their UPrep Account​

UPrep can only push an approved extension to a device when the student is signed in with their @universityprep.org account, not a personal Gmail account. Before your extension is scheduled to arrive, it's worth reminding students (and letting families know, if relevant) to make sure their UPrep account is set up and signed in on their Chromebook — see Chromebook Access Control for how the UPrep account relates to a student's personal account on the same device.

If a student's Chromebook is configured to block the UPrep account — for example, if a parent has restricted sign-in to certain accounts on the device — the automatic push install won't reach that Chromebook at all. In that case, the student will need to install the extension manually, and depending on the family's Google Family Link settings, may need a parent's approval through Family Link before the install will go through. If a student is not able to resolve this issue, have them (or their family) reach out to June so it can be resolved.

Questions about an existing request or an extension that isn't working as expected should also go to June Peters.