ITS Policies
Computer Replacement Policy
Computing Services has instituted a continuing Four Year Replacement Project whereby we will replace desktop computers purchased for faculty, staff, and departmental labs that were first placed into service four or more years ago. Toward that end, the following policies and procedures have been put in place.
- Computing Services tracks each computer to identify those that are due for replacement and notifies the Department Chair or Director.
- The Department Chairs/Directors may request a review of their current equipment if they feel a system is not adequate. Computing Services personnel will verify the age of the computers on the request.
- Computers that have been purchased by departments as part of a scientific instrument, research projects, or other special purpose systems are not replaced by Computing Services on a regular basis. A request for replacement of these systems should be submitted for approval during the budget cycle in the first semester. All valid requests will then be submitted to the budget committee.
Distribution of Computers
New Faculty (Tenure Track)
Newly hired faculty in tenure-track positions are offered a new standard computer, either the Dell Windows/Intel computer or the Macintosh/Apple system.
However, the Department Chair may request that the new faculty member be given an existing system, for compatibility purposes with existing hardware or software. Computing Services Department will install a fresh operating system image on that computer and save or transfer data as required.
If the Provost and Department Chair agree to some special equipment or software package that is above and beyond the desktop standard in effect, a special authorization from the Provost with funding may be required. Computing Services should be notified as soon as possible to speed ordering. Third party support may be needed for non-standard equipment and software.
New Faculty (Short Term Contract/Non-Tenure Track)
Faculty who are hired on a one- or two-year contract or for non-tenure track positions will normally use the computer left by the previous faculty member.
Computing Services will wipe the hard disk drive clean of all files and install a fresh operating system with the standard software package, or will replace it during the summer break if it is due. If the Department requests, Computing Services will save personal or sensitive files from the departing faculty member's computer to a CD-ROM.
New Faculty (Part Time)
Generally, faculty who are hired to teach on a part-time basis do not receive their own computer. They share an existing current computer in the department with someone designated by the Chair. If this is not possible, Computing Services will try to locate a computer from inventory. This is done after all the summer upgrade installations are completed and the Help Desk Call Log is under control. Do not expect these requests to be fulfilled until late September or early October.
Administrative and Support Operating Staff
The Department Director is responsible for determining the computer
needs within a department. When new
positions are created, requests for additional computers should be submitted to Computing Services 30 days
before the first day of hire. When possible, part time employees
should share a system. Computing Services will provide current standard
computers that are appropriate to the requirements of the position.
Other computing assets
Other computer needs will be handled on an as-needed basis. The Computing Services Department tries to keep several current model computers on hand to fill unforeseen Departmental needs such as part-time faculty, guest or casual faculty, emeriti and student work-study hires. These assets are loaned out to the Departments as needed, but they are low on the priority list.