College-owned, individual-use computers are intended to be replaced at minimum every five years. This is done to provide community members with current operating systems and security features and sufficient resources for the latest software applications.
This procedure applies to all Emerson College-owned, individual-use computers for full-time faculty and administrative staff. It does not cover shared department computers used by temporary help (student employees, temporary/contingent employees, or teaching assistants) nor secondary-use faculty machines bought with departmental funds. Those are currently independently funded.
Procedure
Emerson IT develops an annual replacement based on existing inventory for all Emerson College-owned hardware and making a recommendation for replacements based on the need.
Individuals will be notified prior to the replacement of their computer and will be given an option to request delaying their replacement by no more than one year. This extension will only be granted if the current computer meets the needs of the individual and if the operating system and other software will be supported for another year.
Users will be offered their choice of a Windows laptop, or a Mac laptop. Each machine will be based on a standard configuration determined by the IT Help Desk for the year. The current the IT Help Desk configurations will be available and updated each year in this article. Desktop computers should only be purchased for shared spaces. If you prefer a desktop style computer for individual use we recommend a monitor, keyboard and mouse with a docking station if needed.
If a faculty or staff member requires more than one computer, they are required to identify the funding for such purchases—such machines will be identified in the inventories separately and will not be eligible for replacement through this program.
Custom Computers
If faculty or staff have needs that go beyond standard configurations, their department may elect to pay the difference between the standard and the custom amount. The IT Help Desk will manage the process of getting the machine quoted and ordered.
Note
Once we have placed a custom order, we cannot return or swap the device for another. Faculty and staff are urged to choose their preferred hardware carefully.
Software
All configurations will have the standard package of Emerson software installed on it. This includes security software and administrator accounts that can be managed by Emerson IT.
The IT Help Desk will also assist in the installation of any standard applications that faculty or staff need. However, for software that is not provided by the College and Emerson IT, the faculty or staff member's department is responsible for the purchase and installation of any licenses. The IT Help Desk staff will make their best effort to assist with installing custom software; or, depending on the complexity, recommend the department to directly purchase maintenance and support from a vendor.
Data Transfer
The IT Help Desk will assist faculty and staff in the transfer of data from the old computer to the new one. Large data transfers (in excess of 50 GB of data) may take an extended period of time, and may require that your computer be unavailable for a day or more while the backup and transfer is being prepared. We will offer faculty and staff the option of working on a loaner computer during this period of time. Transfers of excessively large amounts of personal data (personal tax forms, music libraries, family photos) are the responsibility of faculty and staff to save or transfer.
Upon request, we will hold the retired computer for 30 days to ensure you have all of the data you require and then the previous machine will be removed from circulation by the Help Desk.
Newly-hired Faculty and Staff
Departments are responsible for supplying serviceable computers (either as new purchases or by identifying existing inventory) for newly-hired, full-time staff and faculty. The IT Help Desk will configure new machines and re-image existing ones to ensure that they’re ready for incoming staff and faculty. We will also be available to consult with departments to help determine the best computers to purchase.
End-of-life Computers
Faculty and staff may not keep their old machine, nor can the machine be redeployed by the department when replaced as part of this program. Old machines will be removed from circulation and, after thirty days, will have their hard drives securely wiped. Machines will be either recycled or, if applicable, sold for parts. The Help Desk will also accept old non-Refresh machines for recycling and will ensure that all hard drives are securely wiped or destroyed.
Damage to Equipment
Faculty & Staff who receive a College-owned computing device (such as a computer or tablet) are responsible for basic care of the machine. Repair expenses for physically damaged machines (water spilled on a laptop, broken screens, etc.), are the responsibility of the department. The Help Desk will work with the department and outside vendors to ensure the most cost effective options for repairing and replacing damaged equipment; but costs will be the responsibility of the department that owns the computer.
Loss of Equipment
If equipment is lost, it should be reported to the Campus Police immediately, 617-824-8555, as well as the IT Help Desk, 617-824-8080.
Printers and Other Peripherals
Most campus departments have access to a shared, multi-function printer that is managed by Business Services. For this reason, The IT Help Desk does not replace campus printers on a defined life cycle, and purchasing new personal or departmental printers are the responsibility of individual departments. Departments are encouraged to use shared network printers to reduce costs and environmental impact. Other peripherals like secondary displays, docks and adapters, trackballs, etc., are also not covered by refresh, being the responsibility of the departments.
Delivery of Purchased Equipment
All Technology equipment purchased for Emerson College should be shipped to the Tech Division Inventory Group. The address is Walker Room 530 - 120 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116.