Beginning in July 2006, a new plan is in place to improve and streamline the budgeting and replacement of computers on campus to ensure that campus computers are replaced on a regular cycle. The goals of the new plan are to:
Assure that all faculty and staff members that use computing resources have a computer of sufficient capabilities to fulfill responsibilities;
Assure that appropriate computing resources are available in shared computing facilities (classrooms, labs, etc.);
Simplify departmental budgeting and planning for new computers;
Acquire computers at lower cost through consolidated ordering and reduced administrative overhead.
From this month forward, ITS will begin proactively contacting individuals and/or designated department representatives to discuss and make arrangements for computer replacements. The entire replacement process will continue to be handled in the normal consultative manner.
The standard replacement cycle for desktop computers is four years. Some
computers will be replaced on a three-year replacement cycle. These accelerated replacements have been identified and approved by the head of the department or division. Networked printers will be replaced every six years. Replacements will be based on the original purchase date of the equipment. ITS will contact individuals or designated department representatives when equipment is eligible for replacement. At that time, individuals will be able to choose from the standard configuration available or describe a special need.
Standard replacement: By default an individual will be offered the option to replace her/his current computer with the newest version of that system (i.e., Dell laptop replaced with the current Dell laptop model or Mac desktop replaced with the current Mac desktop model). If the standard replacement computer meets current needs, the employee will be asked to confirm and suggest a convenient timeframe for delivery of the new computer. ITS will contact the individual to schedule delivery of the new computer and pickup of the current system. This replacement is automatic and does not need prior approval.
If the current standard replacement option does not meet an individual’s current needs or the employee wants to make a change (i.e., replace a Dell with a Mac or replace a desktop with a laptop), she/he may request a computer consultation. (See Changes, New or Special Needs below.)
Changes, New or Special needs: New computing needs may arise for a computer or printer (an additional staff member, replace equipment before its standard replacement cycle, or change from previous model). These special needs must be identified and funded during the annual budget approval process or approved by a Vice President.
Preparation and Delivery: ITS inventories computers and printers, affixes a Davidson College property tag, and installs the standard software suite. ITS staff will contact individuals or coordinate with departmental IT specialists to schedule a mutually-convenient time to deliver new equipment. ITS will set up the new equipment and assist with data transfer.
Out with the Old, in with the New: When a new computer or printer is delivered, the old one will be collected. If you have a departmental need for the older equipment, please discuss the need during the initial conversation with ITS (see Tier II below). Note: with the exception of new needs, one old computer must be returned to ITS for every new computer delivered.
Tier II: Computers and printers are valuable college resources. Older equipment serves a useful purpose for second tier functions, such as student or part-time workers. If you have a departmental need for older equipment, please discuss the need with ITS.
