Computer Purchasing Policy and Process

Faculty and Staff Computer Purchasing Policy

This information is also available in the UO Service Portal.

Overview and Purpose

The goals of this policy are as follows:

  • Improve purchasing efficiencies and allow faculty and staff to be productive by replacing computers every 4th or 5th year.
  • Attempt to achieve greater savings by purchasing in bulk.
  • Improve technical support by standardizing on popular vendors and models of equipment.
  • Improve security via centralized endpoint management.
  • Improve inventory processes.
  • Improve efficiencies by re-purposing older equipment for part time instructors and loaners.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Full time tenured faculty
  • Full time non-tenured faculty
  • Full time administrative staff

The Ordering Process

  • College of Design, Technology Services will contact eligible employees via email starting in March/April of current fiscal year.
  • Needs and requirements will be communicated and an agreement per computer type will be reached between the College of Design, User Support Services, and employee by end of May.
  • Computers will be ordered in July at the beginning of new fiscal year.
  • Once computers have been shipped and are on premise, User Support Services will reach out to faculty and staff to start setup process (August).
  • Once setup has been completed, new faculty computers will be available in September and October for pickup. Staff whom are on campus over the Summer months will receive their computers as they become available.
  • At time of pickup, faculty and staff will surrender their existing primary computer for re-purposing.
  • To submit a request for assistance, please submit a request here.

Computer Specifications

There are two standard laptop configurations available, as well as a desktop option.  Availability will be determined by requirements of an employee’s role within the School.

Please refer to the following linked KB page that outlines University computer standards.

Standard Laptop Specifications:

  • 13” Apple MacBook Air or Dell Latitude Laptop
  • Intel Duo Core i5 CPU
  • 8 GB of Memory
  • 256 GB SSD Hard Drive
  • 1 Accessory Adapter (Video, USB, etc.)

Design Laptop Specifications:

  • 14″ Apple MacBook Pro or comparable Dell Latitude 7000 series Laptop
  • Intel Quad Core i5 CPU
  • 16 GB of Memory
  • 512 GB SSD Hard Drive
  • 1 Accessory Adapter (Video, USB, etc.)

Desktop Specifications:

  • 21.5” iMac or Dell OptiPlex with 23” Monitor
  • Intel Core i5 CPU
  • 8 GB of Memory
  • 256 GB SSD Hard Drive
  • Keyboard/Mouse

Upgrade Options:

  • 16″ MacBook Pro or Dell Precision Model Laptop
  • Touch Bar Apple MacBook Pro (from Standard Laptop configuration)
  • 27″ iMac (from 21.5″ standard model)
  • Upgrade CPU
  • Memory
  • Hard Drive
  • Accessories (adapters, monitors, etc.)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am not a full time faculty member, am I eligible?

A: If you do not meet the full time eligibility requirement, please open a help ticket in the UO Service Portal with your questions/needs and Technology Services will review and work with you and your department to find a solution.

 

Q:  How do I upgrade any of the standard options?

A: During the initial consultation, please communicate your needs that are above and beyond the standards listed. Any costs associated with upgrades will need to come from ASA or departmental funds and be agreed to by all parties.

 

Q:  What if my current computer needs to be replaced during the academic year and I cannot wait until Summer?

A:  There will always be exceptions, please open a help ticket in the UO Service Portal. Technology Services will provide technical support and if it is determined the computer is not in a usable condition, it will be replaced or a loaner provided until a new one can be purchased.

 

Q:  Who qualifies for the Design Laptop?

A:  Faculty whose work revolves around the design disciplines such as Art and Technology, Product Design, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. If you feel you need greater specs than listed, please communicate this during your initial consultation.

 

Q:  I purchased my current computer with my ASA or research grant funds, will I have to turn it in when I receive my new laptop?

A:  Yes you will. ASA and research grant funds that you used are still considered University funds and as such your current computer is considered University property.

 

Q:  Do you support Bootcamp?

A:  Due to varying factors around licensing, hardware, and support we are no longer providing installation and support for Bootcamp. If you have a special need, please submit a request and we will discuss options.

 

Q:Do we still get the $800 subsidy to purchase a laptop?

A:  No, primary computers are now being purchased out of an index managed by Technology Services. This budget is provided by the Dean’s Office and this new policy has been approved by each Department Head. As such, each employee is not required to use ASA or Departmental funds for the standard laptops listed.

Further Questions?

If you have any further questions about the Computer Replacement Policy, please open a help ticket in the UO Service Portal.