Computers
How do I get one?
Full-time faculty and unit leaders
These employees are eligible for a laptop. I have access to a pool of Laptops specific to anyone who matches the criteria.
Staff, part-time faculty, and area use computers
These employees can be given a cascaded machine while supplies allow. The unit leader may request one through the IT Director's Office or purchase a new machine at their discretion. Cascaded computers come from anyone who has upgraded their machine and turned in the previous one.
Student offices and employee secondary machines
These will be legacy machines. Legacy machines are computers that do not run the latest software and do not receive support. The unit leader may request one through the IT Director's Office or purchase new hardware if they so choose.
How do I get it fixed?
Bring the computer to the CFA Helpdesk.
Every effort will be taken to repair the machine without incurring a cost. However if there is a cost, it will be transferred to the unit of the employee using the computer.
Peripherals are not fully supported. It depends on the peripheral complexity and approved need. Approvals are made through the unit leader.
The guidelines
- All computers/software/hardware purchased with University funds belong to the University. This includes computers/software/hardware acquired through initiatives, grants, and college/unit purchases.
- Computer hardware/software purchases are handled through the IT director’s office. Hardware and software needs will be discussed and determined with the IT director. The computer will be delivered to the director, who will then set it up according to specifications. While there are rare exceptions, computers purchased on their own run the risk of not being supported. Computers purchased though grants will receive support during the duration of the grant.
- In an effort to keep our college updated, when a new computer is received, the old computer may be cascaded to another use.
- Computers that are too old to be cascaded (Legacy Machines) can be used, but they are not supported. If you have need of one of these machines, a request can be made through the unit’s director/chair. These machines are sent to WMU surplus sales.
- The IT Director’s office will keep the inventory of computer hardware and software. Every three years a complete audit is done of equipment.
- The IT Director has the right to examine any college owned computer in order to perform maintenance, upgrades, to record system information, or to fix problems.
- The current person using the computer is responsible for any data (documents, bookmarks, addresses, mail, files, etc.) on the computer assigned to them. Make backups often! If something was to happen and files are lost there is no guarantee that they can be recovered.
